Book review: Canticle by Janet Rich Edwards

Genre: Historical fiction

Release date: December 2, 2025

Goodreads rating: 4.29

My rating: 4

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I first spotted Canticle by Janet Rich Edwards on Goodreads’ most anticipated list and was immediately intrigued by its historical setting—13th-century Bruges following Aleys, a young woman experiencing religious visions who decides to flee an arranged marriage to follow her faith.

I learned so much from this novel! It first immerses you in the world of the Beguines, a walled community of independent women who lived lives of devotion without taking formal religious vows. Watching how they built their own self-sustaining society and found a place within the broader religious landscape was fascinating, especially from a feminist perspective.

I was also captivated by the portrayal of anchoresses—women who embraced lifelong seclusion to serve as spiritual guides for their communities. This extreme practice surprised me but helped to illustrate the medieval devotion of the times.

I found that the story offered a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the Catholic Church—showing both its most devout members and its most corrupt—at a pivotal moment in history when religious texts were being illicitly translated from Latin to make them accessible for interpretation by the masses. 

It’s an amazing debut novel… well researched and engaging. I especially loved that Edwards began by revealing the ending of the book… making the story truly about understanding Aleys’ journey and the reasoning behind her many decisions.  

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

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