The novel is set at the end of the 4th century, during the reign of the emperor Valens, at a time when the Byzantine empire is embroiled in religious wars between the Arians and the “Nicenes” (supporters of the Council of Nicaea, which condemned the teaching of Arius, who denied the divinity of Christ), and also external wars against the barbarians and the Huns, who continually threaten the East.
The principal historical character is St Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria. The protagonist is a woman who is extremely devoted to medicine and disguises herself as a man in order to further her study, because at the time women were prohibited from practising that profession. She lives at first in Ephesus, then in Alexandria, and eventually in Thrace. The book describes her adventures well and is a pleasant read. There are a few short sensual passages, but without explicit descriptions.
J.P.D., P.C. (Spain, 2015)
El faro de Alejandría // Le phare d'Alexandrie // Der Leuchtturm von Alexandria
Moral assessment:
Type: Literature
Nothing inappropriate.
Some morally inappropriate content.
Contains significant sections contrary to faith or morals.
Contains some lurid passages, or presents a general ideological framework that could confuse those without much Christian formation.
Contains several lurid passages, or presents an ideological framework that is contrary or foreign to Christian values.
Explicitly contradicts Catholic faith or morals, or is directed against the Church and its institutions.