I enjoyed this story of Mariana Alcoforado, the Portuguese Nun; of her lover, Chamilly; and of the history of the area. I picked up this book from our local library never having heard anything about the book published in 1669 by a Parisian Bookseller - but it was about a book, so how could I resist?

Myriam Cyr puts forth that argument with research and logic that Mariana is the true author of "The Letters of a Portuguese Nun". Ms. Cyr does a good job of explaining about the history of Portugal during this time frame, I hadn't realized how France was involved in fighting against the Spanish. I also didn't know how the nuns lived during this time frame, they had perhaps a better life - at least those of the nobility - than women who were married off to men. Terrific background for a really wonderful little story. Ms. Cyr talks about Mariana's life, and in a way that reads like fiction; giving her reasons for why she believes Mariana wrote "The Letters".

If you are a fan of history I would recommend this well-researched story. It makes me want to read more - and isn't that the best recommendation, when a book makes you want to continue reading? ( )

I initially picked up the book thinking it would have an introduction covering the background and history of the period surrounding the letters, with the majority of the text being the actually letters. Much to my surprise, it was quite the reverse. The history of the period and mystery surrounding the letters was nicely explained to the level of those who are not a fan of reading about history (or herstory). The letters did take me back to times when I have felt used and rejected by those I thought had more than a passing fancy. I don't agree with one of the reviews that Mariana should have "just gotten over it" as it applies contemporary ideas of love and sex on the past. The reviewer seems to have forgotten that Mariana spent the majority of her life in a convent with little access to the outside world and was subject to different rules governing propriety.

I would recommend this to people who want a light reading on the Portuguese Letters.

The publisher considers this "A Historical Mystery" .This beautifully written and exhaustively researched book explores whether these letters, which first appeared in France in the late 1600's were fictional (as then supposed) or actually written by a young nun, Marianna Alcoforado to the French officer who had been her secret lover, but who then (she claims) deserted her to return to the battles raging in France.

Some of the intricate treaty making and political machinations of France, Spain, and Portugal that were included to explain how this French officer came to be fighting for Portugal against the Spanish were at times almost too taxing for my poor brain. I can understand that the author felt she had to include this level of detail to uphold her thesis that these were in fact real letters written by a real person to a real person.

The letters themselves, probably written in French by a Portuguese speaking person, are elaborate, earthy, anguished, and quite emotional. At times I almost laughed and wanted to say "Okay....we got the point!" But I'd give this four stars, with a warning that it may not be some people's cup of tea. ( )