Exploring Female Agency in "Canticle" and "Skylark"

Two recent novels, "Canticle" by Janet Rich Edwards and "Skylark" by Paula McLain, delve into the lives of women constrained by societal norms in different historical periods, illustrating how their struggles and resilience influence future generations.

A review of Paula McLain’s ‘Skylark’ and Janet Rich Edwards' 'Canticle'

In "Canticle," the protagonist Aleys is a young woman in 13th-century Bruges, Belgium, who enters a religious life after being recognized for her fervor by Brother Lukas. In contrast, "Skylark" features Alouette Voland, a woman in 17th-century Paris, who is institutionalized in the Salpetrière asylum after protesting her father's wrongful imprisonment. Both characters represent the broader theme of female agency and the consequences of societal repression.

A review of Paula McLain’s ‘Skylark’ and Janet Rich Edwards' 'Canticle'

Both novels highlight the fear of female agency and its historical repercussions. Aleys, despite her confinement, teaches Marte, a Beguine, to read and write, symbolizing the transmission of knowledge among women. Alouette, meanwhile, navigates her own challenges, developing a vibrant blue dye recipe that her father attempts to claim as his own. Their stories reflect the trauma inflicted on women throughout history due to societal constraints on their creativity and autonomy.

A review of Paula McLain’s ‘Skylark’ and Janet Rich Edwards' 'Canticle'

Aleys faces a tragic fate, ultimately leading to her execution, while Alouette's journey culminates in a more hopeful escape through the Paris sewers, aided by her alliances with other women. The narrative of "Skylark" extends into 1939, where Kristof Larsen, a Dutch psychiatrist, attempts to protect his Jewish neighbors during the Nazi occupation, further intertwining the fates of women across centuries.

A review of Paula McLain’s ‘Skylark’ and Janet Rich Edwards' 'Canticle'

Both authors, Edwards and McLain, emphasize that change is gradual and often comes at a cost. They portray their heroines as individuals who, despite their circumstances, strive for agency and connection. The narratives suggest that while Aleys and Alouette's experiences differ, their legacies of resistance and creativity endure, impacting future generations.

A review of Paula McLain’s ‘Skylark’ and Janet Rich Edwards' 'Canticle'

While the novels celebrate female resilience, they also acknowledge the harsh realities faced by women throughout history. Critics may argue that the narratives, while empowering, could risk romanticizing the struggles of women without fully addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate their oppression.

A review of Paula McLain’s ‘Skylark’ and Janet Rich Edwards' 'Canticle'

• “They write words on the sill between them and wipe them off, their palms and feet dark with dust.” — Janet Rich Edwards, Author of "Canticle."

A review of Paula McLain’s ‘Skylark’ and Janet Rich Edwards' 'Canticle'

• “Switch the clauses in those sentences around, however, and you’ll be reminded that change can and does happen, one determined woman at a time.” — Patrick, Freelance Critic

A review of Paula McLain’s ‘Skylark’ and Janet Rich Edwards' 'Canticle'

The exploration of female agency in "Canticle" and "Skylark" invites readers to reflect on the ongoing struggles for women's rights and representation. As these narratives resonate with contemporary issues, they underscore the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past to foster a more equitable future.

A review of Paula McLain’s ‘Skylark’ and Janet Rich Edwards' 'Canticle'