Suzanne M. Wolfe’s “The Confessions of X” tells the story of the unnamed concubine of Augustine, the eventual bishop of Hippo. It reveals the path of how a mosaic-maker’s daughter stepped outside of society’s expectations and boundaries and became the literate, “common-law wife” of Augustine, and eventually a land owner.
Written in the first person, “Confessions” is a tale of despair and hope, joy and sorrow, and love and pain. X’s at times heartbreaking journey is filled with all of these and more as she becomes a pillar of strength to all those around her.
Wolfe’s writing is beautifully descriptive, although at times the descriptiveness I felt bogged down the story a bit. It did take me a couple of chapters to get into the book, but once I did I was mesmerized by X’s strength and beauty.
The novel also shares the philosophical and theological journeys of both Augustine and X — stretching from paganism to Christianity. It’s very historically deep, which can be a bit heavy to read at times.
“Confessions” is a bit sensual at times describing the relationship between X and Augustine, but nothing too descriptive, so I would not recommend the book for anyone younger than adult age.
Overall, “The Confessions of X” is a love story, showing what powers love has, and what love can overcome. As Augustine writes to X, “Love is the beauty of the soul.”
Four stars out of five.
Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.