"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." NIV version

The Black Cloister

• Author: Melanie Dobson
• Published by Kregel Publications 2008
• More Information at www.melaniedobson.com
• Updated May 27, 2008

                      The Black Cloister, by Melanie Dobson

Elise Friedman, a spunky women's history major, travels to Berlin, telling her doting father she's conducting research on the life of Katharina von Bora. Her statement is partially true--even though Elise is fascinated by the nun who played a role in Luther's Reformation and later became his wife, Elise really came to Germany to unravel the labyrinth of questions surrounding the life and death of her mother Catrina. She also needs to root out the meaning of the sobbing children who haunt her dreams.

Soon Elise's story tangles with her mother's as she crisscrosses Germany's breathtaking roads and arrives at the dark cloister where her mother was once imprisoned by The Chosen, a dangerous cult still abusing and misusing its brainwashed members in the name of God. And Elise's nightmares become reality--Sara, a sister she never knew about, remains in the clutches of The Chosen's maniacal leader.

In tightly written, beautiful prose, Dobson manages to combine intrigue with cultural issues, such as prostitution and cultic abuse. Time spent walking the cobbled streets of Germany enabled this strong writer to paint a picture of winding, picturesque roads, majestic castles, hushed cathedrals, lush meadows, deep forests, and bustling European markets.

Another engaging aspect of this novel is Dobson's ability to alternate points of view of Elise, Sara, Addison, a U.S. ambassador with her own dark secret, and the ambassador's son Carson, who, thanks to his mother's attempt to save her career, becomes drawn into the two sisters' travails. 

I loved the spiritual element which permeates every page of Dobson's book. It's scary to see scripture in one scene twisted by the cult to imprison its members, yet comforting to flip over a few pages and see Elise whisper God's word to gain strength and peace. 

I've given you just a few of many reasons to rush out and buy this exciting new novel, but be forewarned! You may not put it down The Black Cloister until you turn that last page.