Oh my! ( )

The story itself is poignant, if a little depressing. The letters written by Abelard however, are mostly a self-pitying cry fest. Heloise seems to be much more intelligent, forceful and good-natured. Unfortunately, most of the book is taken up by a very long letter by Abelard to a friend detailing all the events of his life (more or less). His personality is very nearly unreadable. In the end, Heloise made me give it an extra star. ( )

One of the great correspondences of all time. Reading this extract is a total hoot. It starts with Abelard telling his friend (and the world) how awesome he is - the smartest, the handsome-ist, the best man alive. Poor Abelard is beset by those who are jealous of him, they are out to get him. And just to add to it all, he was castrated for making the bad decision of seducing Heloise (who of course could not resist him - who could, he is the best man alive!) The second letter is from Heloise. Firstly she takes Abelard to task for not writing for her - she has actually not heard from him since he packed her off to the convent, she has has to read his letter to someone else. Then she points out that he owes her - she has done everything for him, even what she thought was wrong. She is now locked away in a convent devoting herself to God not because she believes it is the right thing, but simply because Abelard decided it was a good idea! This woman not only sticks the knife it, she twists and turns it. And she is not subtle - 'Remember, I implore you, what I have done, and think how much you owe me'. Abelard gives in, replies, but of course it is all about him and lots of religious instruction. It is as though he is trying to avoid all Heloise's accusations and references to bodily love by simply changing the topic. This continues - Heloise talks of remembering their life together and how much she has given up for Abelard; Abelard continues to remind Heloise how important he is and better than all other men. What is fascinating is how little human character and relationship dynamics have changed over the centuries ( )