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There is a high level of interest in my new, popularly-written, biography of Sor Maria, so publishing specifics may not be far off. Early reactions to the biography of the Lady in Blue have been good, and are providing some excellent endorsements / blurbs:
The estimated length of the biography in published form is about 350 pages. It has been several years in the making, and will be the first definitive biography -- in English -- of this inspiring mystic. It covers every key period and aspect of her life, and includes many direct quotes from Sor Maria, from autobiographical material currently available only in Spanish. These include fascinating comments on her early spiritual life, her mystical experiences as the Lady in Blue, the Inquisition's interrogation of her, and her correspondence with the king of Spain. I have also referenced most known historical sources on Sor Maria, and had the good fortune of direct access to convent archives through an archivist personally assigned to me. It has also been my pleasure to interact with many scholars in the U.S. who are experts on Sor Maria's life and works, as well as on many aspects of 17th century history and literature.
Of course, no amount of "ivory-tower" research can substitute for direct knowledge or experience of a subject. As many journalists say, there is nothing quite as transformational, in the process of getting to know a subject, as the "rule of the feet." That is, physically meeting the subject, or visiting the location of the story. After reading Sor Maria's 2,700-page account of the life of Mary, Mystical City of God, I determined to do just that. In 1998, I journeyed to her convent in Agreda, Spain. There I steeped myself in the arid mountainous atmosphere of her little-changed 17th century convent. I photographed and audio-taped interviews with her successors, and meditated and prayed in the presence of her uncorrupted body.
After returning to the States I maintained contact with the convent's archivists, carefully researched Sor Maria’s life in authenticated documents, and corresponded with scholarly experts on her life and times. I was even more committed than before, to showcase Sor Maria’s life in a more contemporary format, in order to make it more accessible and understandable to people today. At first I envisioned writing a novel about her, because so many aspects of her life were so incredible, that a fictionalized treatment seemed a more appropriate format. However, after writing several non-fiction articles about her, and co-authoring a biography of another individual, I was finally emboldened to tackle this biographical treatment of her life.
More publishing information will be available soon!
Marilyn H. Fedewa
. . . From a reader at California State University, Sacramento: “a compelling story” written with “the rigor of a scholar” that “made the characters come alive” and “stirred [her] interest in Sor Maria’s journey.”
. . . From the diocese of Lansing (MI), which granted the “Imprimatur”: “edifying,” “extremely well-written and well-researched,” a book that “portrays the real-life struggles of a fascinating religious woman in pursuit of sanctity.”
. . . Other early “readings” are in progress, as part of the marketing strategy. When that stage is complete, I hope to be able to announce the schedule for availability.
Please check back at this site soon, for publication news about Maria of Agreda (also known as Mary of Agreda and Maria de Agreda), or
email me now at:
M dot Agreda @ Comcast dot Net
with "Agreda Update Request" in the subject line, to add your name to my email update list upon availability. For information on the contents and background of the book, please read below.