Book: Knowledge of Angels

"Knowledge of Angels" by Jill Paton Walsh is a thought-provoking novel set on a fictional Mediterranean island in an indeterminate past. This captivating narrative explores profound philosophical questions through a vibrant tapestry of characters. At its heart are two contrasting figures: a feral child, Amara, discovered by shepherds and brought to a convent, and Palinor, a shipwrecked atheist prince from a distant land. As the island's inquisitive scholar, Beneditx, is tasked with converting Palinor, a rich exploration of faith, reason, and morality unfolds. The nuanced portrayal of Amara’s gradual socialization parallels Palinor's intellectual challenges against the island’s staunchly religious society. Themes of isolation, belief, and human nature are intricately intertwined as the narrative examines the essence of what it means to be truly human. Through lyrical prose, Walsh crafts a compelling and deeply reflective tale that challenges the boundaries between religious conviction and secular thought, leaving readers to ponder on the nature of truth, coexistence, and understanding.