James Carroll, a former Catholic priest known for his writings on religion and politics, has delved into the complex relationship between the Church and the Jews in his acclaimed book Constantine’s Sword: The Church and the Jews. In his latest novel, The Cloister, Carroll explores this theme further by immersing readers in the romance of twelfth-century French scholar-monk Peter Abelard and his student Héloïse.
The Cloister unfolds through three interconnected storylines set in different eras: the poignant love affair of Abelard and Héloïse; the quest of a fictional Jewish-French scholar, Saul Vedette, in Nazi-occupied France to prove Abelard’s sympathetic writings towards Judaism; and the tale of Saul’s daughter Rachel in post-war New York and her bond with an Irish-American Catholic priest, Michael Kavanagh. Carroll skillfully intertwines these narratives to illustrate how both academia and the Church, despite appearing open to intellectual exploration, can be restrictive environments where pushing boundaries can lead to grave consequences.
Carroll draws parallels between the scholarly pursuits of Abelard and Vedette, showing how their endeavors challenge the prevailing beliefs of their times. While Abelard faced excommunication for his studies that conflicted with certain aspects of Catholic doctrine, Vedette, as an “archaeologist of the national soul,” uncovers and honors Abelard’s subversive work in order to shed light on contemporary injustices. By juxtaposing scenes from Abelard’s classroom with Vedette’s research, Carroll highlights the enduring quest for knowledge that transcends time and space.
The novel also delves into the personal struggles of its characters, such as Rachel and Kavanagh, who grapple with feelings of guilt and loss. Through their shared stories of abandonment and forgiveness, Carroll portrays a profound emotional connection that transcends mere academic pursuits. Just as Abelard and Héloïse found solace in each other, Rachel and Kavanagh discover redemption through mutual trust and understanding, setting aside their past mistakes to forge a new bond.
While Carroll shows empathy towards his protagonists, he portrays the institutional figures opposing Abelard in a negative light. Figures like Abbot Suger and Bernard of Clairvaux are depicted as driven by self-interest and political maneuvering, creating obstacles for Abelard and his ideas. Despite occasional oversimplified characterizations, Carroll’s narrative remains engaging and thought-provoking, weaving together themes of medieval scholarship, personal redemption, and institutional power struggles seamlessly. In The Cloister, the concept of the cloister, traditionally associated with enclosure and isolation, transforms into a symbol of possibility and connection as the characters’ paths intersect and diverge, illuminating the richness of human relationships and intellectual pursuits.
