Aline Kiner

"Unclassifiable, defying any definition, they (the beguines) rejected both marriage and the cloister. They prayed, worked, studied, moved around the city without restrictions, travelled and received friends, owned property, and could pass it on to their sisters. Independent and free. A freedom that no woman had ever enjoyed before, nor would enjoy for centuries to come. Not all of them were aware of this. But some fought to preserve that freedom. (introduction)"

"There are many ways to live one's faith outside the Church. Not all beguines are fortunate enough – or have the opportunity – to be welcomed into large institutions such as the one in Paris. Many live in large groups in small houses in the city centre and work. Others prefer to live alone. Some, the so-called wandering beguines, beg and preach in the streets. (chapter 10)"

"She had prayed and made offerings to Mary, who had given birth to Jesus; to Saint Anne, Mary's mother, who, having been barren for twenty years, had been told by an angel that she would give birth to a daughter; to Saint Cunegonda who, despite having taken a vow of chastity with her husband, Emperor Henry, prepared miraculous potions to help women conceive. (chap. 19)"

"Her husband had slipped a gold ring set with a fine ruby onto her finger, and her mother-in-law had given her a birthing bag which, in her time, she herself had tied to her thigh for the duration of her pregnancy. “It contains a parchment recounting the birth of Margaret of Antioch. It will protect you from a brutal death, as it protected me.” Swallowed by a dragon, Margaret of Antioch had escaped from the beast's belly by piercing its spine with her cross. My son, Hades had thought, will not have to resort to violence to come into the world. When the time is right, I will open myself wide and he will slide out without pain. He will be born with rosy skin and a healthy complexion. (chap. 19)"