Episode notes
In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful sits down with Janet Rich Edwards, author of Canticle, a gripping historical novel set in late 13th-century Bruges. Janet shares her inspiration behind the story, rooted in the spiritual and political upheaval of the High Middle Ages, and how the burgeoning merchant class clashed with the powerful Roman Catholic Church.
Discover the fascinating history of Marguerite Porete, a mystic whose radical writings challenged the church and inspired Janet’s fictional protagonist, Aleys. Janet delves into the lives of the Beguines, a community of independent women navigating faith, courage, and rebellion in a time of strict church control. She also reflects on her transition from academic writing to fiction, the challenges of crafting compelling narratives, and the importance of balancing historical accuracy with storytelling.
Join us for a conversation that explores themes of sisterhood, literacy, and quiet rebellion, and get a glimpse into Janet’s next project—a modern-day historian chasing a medieval mystery.