Summary

The Prologue

From the Chronicle of Las Sors Santas de Jesus, Las Golondrinas Convent, Andalusia, Spain, June, 1552

The narrative begins as Sor Beatriz makes the last entry in the Chronicle she has kept for 40 years because the convent, expecting a visit from the Inquisition, has decided to send the Chronicle and their Foundress's medal to Spanish America in order to keep their spiritual legacy alive; this order of nuns bears witness to a female tradition of spirituality which is often suppressed by men. Though Las Golodrinas has been protected by the Queen’s patronage, they are now endangered by the five older girls hidden at the convent, Esperanza, Pia, Sanchia, Marisol and Luz; however, four of the girls will be sent to refuge in Spanish America tonight to avoid being interrogated by the Inquisition and deemed heretics.

Chapter 1

In Chapter 1, on the...