I have mixed feelings about this book. This book tells two stories that are ultimately connected. One takes place in a convent in the 1500s and the other in present day. I would give the historical part of the novel 4 stars because it was interesting and the nuns were characters you could care about. However, I disliked the present day main character (Menina.) I could not find her believable or likeable so this part of the story was 2 stars for me. The ending seemed put together in two minutes. There were many unanswered questions. It left me feeling like it was rushed and not well-thought out.

I read this book for our monthly book club. I do not normally enjoy short stories but tried to keep an open mind. There have been many times when I have loved a book club selection that I normally would never have chosen on my own. This was not one of those times.
I gave it two stars because the author is obviously intelligent and has good use of language. However, the stories were pointless. Pointless stories about sad, lonely people who I could not bring myself to care about. All the characters seemed to walk through their stories with muted emotions.
If you want to sit and analyze each story you can find symbolism or \\\"hidden\\\" themes and meanings. Who cares? By the time I was done with each story I could not have cared less about the characters. Much less care what each vague ending could mean or lead to.
When I read a book I want to FEEL something...anything. Scared, sad, angry, happy. Anything. This book left me with nothing.