The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry Published by Viking Books for Young Readers on April 12th 2016
Pages: 496
Format:ARC
I must write this account, and when I have finished, I will burn it.
Buried deep within the archives of a convent in medieval France is an untold story of love, loss, and wonder and the two girls at the heart of it all.
Dolssa is an upper-crust city girl with a secret lover and an uncanny gift. Branded a heretic, she’s on the run from the friar who condemned her mother to death by fire, and wants Dolssa executed, too.
Botille is a matchmaker and a tavern-keeper, struggling to keep herself and her sisters on the right side of the law in their seaside town of Bajas.
When their lives collide by a dark riverside, Botille rescues a dying Dolssa and conceals her in the tavern, where an unlikely friendship blooms. Aided by her sisters and Symo, her surly but loyal neighbor, Botille nurses Dolssa back to health and hides her from her pursuers.
But all of Botille’s tricks, tales, and cleverness can’t protect them forever, and when the full wrath of the Church bears down upon Bajas, Dolssa’s passion and Botille’s good intentions could destroy the entire village.
From the author of the award-winning All the Truth That’s in Me comes a spellbinding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page and make you wonder if miracles really are possible.
This is a very heavy book. I mean, not in actual pounds (though, kind of, but that isn’t what I am talking about) but in subject. It’s also quite dark. Which, I think is something that’s to be expected in relation to this time period. Medieval France sounds awful, probably because it was.
I feel like there are some really strong positives about the book, but also some things that definitely dampened my enjoyment. There are also a few main pieces of the book I want to discuss, so this will be… different. Change is good, right?
The Passion of Botille
Dolssa who now? This isn’t really Dolssa’s story at all, so if you were super attached to Dolssa, sorry about that. I mean, Dolssa is involved of course. She was supposed to be burned at the stake because she talks to Jesus. And not just like, “talks” to Jesus in a prayerful sort of way, talks to him and calls him her “Beloved” and legitimately thinks they are in some kind of serious relationship? It almost seems as though she considers him an actual romantic partner, and I won’t lie, that creeped me out. But Dolssa wasn’t hurting anyone, and it sure seemed like Jesus, or certainly some power, was looking out for her. More on that later.
Anyway, Botille. I adored Botille, so this “lack of Dolssa” business was fine. Botille has two sisters and they all have a unique “gift”. Botille is a matchmaker, and she’s quite good at it. I loved reading about her making her matches, it was entertaining. And she was a strong woman, as were her sisters, in a time when women simply didn’t have a voice. She stood up for herself, and helped others even when she knew there could be a high cost. And she was just all around charming, basically.
Religious Plotline
I am not the biggest fan of religious books, so I was wary for sure. But this isn’t just religion, it’s history, so I figured I stood a chance. Obviously, this story stems from true events: The Crusades and religious persecution in the 13th century. And even though I am not a fan of religious stuff, I sure as hell stand by everyone else’s right to believe in whatever they please. So if Dolssa wants to chat it up with Jesus on the regular, who am I to tell her not to? More importantly, who are these friars who want her to die because of it? There’s a bit about miracles and such too, which also didn’t really bother me, because really, who wouldn’t like a miracle? Basically, the book isn’t preachy at all, it’s just historical.
I liked that it showed the positive and negative sides to the church. Dolssa was just trying to be peaceful and worship and maybe help some people out in the process. But these friars and other church leaders… they were gross, as a whole.
“‘Oh, no,’ said Bishop Raimon. ‘An execution is never wasted.’ He chuckled. ‘Attendance at mass soars after a burning.'”.
So yeah, they were awful. Not to mention how many people had already died in the name of religion during the Crusades.
The Story Structure
So far, things have been pretty positive, right? Okay, well here’s where I struggled: This book is long. And I don’t just mean in page length, it feels long. There are parts that seemed to drag a lot. I also think that the section heading in the ARC confused me a bit, because they didn’t have the page numbers (for good reason of course; as it is an ARC they wouldn’t know the exact page numbers) but still, it threw me off, and I’ll show you why. Here’s the ARC and the finished copy, respectively: 
As you can see, Part III was 420 pages. But I didn’t know that, and since Parts I & II were so incredibly short, I think it seemed even longer.
The good news is, the whole thing was broken up into different POVs. The bad news was that I didn’t really care at all about the friars’ POVs. Like, I couldn’t stand them, and frankly the main friar guy was boring. I found myself skimming his parts even when I didn’t mean to, because it was just this guy chasing Dolssa all over, like an incredibly long game of cat and mouse. And even Dolssa’s seemed monotonous. It was basically just about her and Jesus, and great, I already got that, thanks for the reminder. The non-Botille POVs were just so, so dry.
Overall
I feel like I would have liked this story more if it was straight up Botille, and then maybe Dolssa in her role as the mystical escapee, but just more of Botille and her friends, family, and community. I was so interested in their lives, even the historical parts, but the other stuff just brought the flow to a halt and took me out of the story. I am still really glad I read the book, and would recommend it, though if you are not into history at all, it might not be for you.
But if a story like this sounds like your cup of tea, The Passion of Dolssa will provide a beautiful and hauntingly somber tale of two young women’s paths crossing, the history that led them there, and how they changed a small city by the sea. 
I’m really, really interested at the story && the history but dragging parts && boring POVs? But my interest in the story is really stronger. I’d love to read something that related to my faith.
If you are interested in the story, it is 100% worth it IMO. I think especially because it DOES have a personal connection to you, you may actually like those parts a LOT more than I did- so definitely give it a chance, and I hope you love it!
So at first I wanted this because I LOVED Julie Berry’s other book All The Truth That’s In Me (which was equally sad and dark and moving and incredible and I read it in 1 day and jdafklasdfj) but gawsh, this sounds long. :O And I’m not a fan of books told by unnecessary POVS. Idek, I’ll add it on Goodreads because YOU STILL GAVE IT 3 STARS SO THAT’S SOMETHING. And also I really like history. IT’S SO RIDICULOUSLY BLOODY AND SCARY. I’m glad I didn’t live there. I need my interent and my chocolaten and my safe room. Plus France really disappoints me ever since I found out Marie Antoinette did NOT say “let the people eat cake”. I mean. Wut even is France for anymore? #disappointed (shh I know that’s a different time period to medieval France but the point still stands.)
I am so sorry that you have been disappointed by France. Did the person who really DID say it comes from France? That could restore your faith a bit. Also, the French have crepes, and they’re so good. So that’s a win. In fact, I had a crepe from the exact place this book is set! Which I won’t lie, made me giddy with recognition and crepe remembrance. Oh, ahem, the book, yes. There’s some food in the book! This should help, yes?
I don’t think I could live in that period. Like, who would I even be??? That’s a scary thought. (i’d probably be dead right away because I can’t keep my mouth shut about what I THINK is right)
This book doesn’t sound like something I would want to read. I don’t really like history books, (but don’t even believe that because I have so many Philippa Gregory books I can’t quite explain) I do appreciate your review of it though. The cover is good, so I might have accidentally wanted this if I hadn’t read this review.
Oh my goodness yes, same! I would have been so dead haha. Bwahah I love that you would have “accidentally wanted it” ?
I feel like this is a book where you do have to have a certain degree of interest in the history behind it to enjoy it, so I totally get what you mean!
I’ve always known that the church has done terrible things in the past (the borgias for example, but they came to prominence in 1940s), just because they’re given so much power, they controls and condemns people as they want (which is why the church power isn’t as great as it used to be). I’m really curios about 1200s though, because I know almost nothing about this time period, so when you mentioned that this book is history based, I’m really excited to read this. But this book sounds SO LONG. I’m not a fan of long books.
If I lived during that period, I don’t think I’ll survived. I’m too outspoken and hot-headed to be a woman fit to the society of that time. And I bet life would be very monotonous, I mean, no tv, no internet, no books! I can’t survive!
Oh my goodness, can you even imagine?! The people probably died so young because they were bored ? But I agree, I would have been dead too, no way could I be quiet and submissive or whatever. Blech! ?
I think that if the time period and the religious history intrigue you, it’s worth it. Like, it’s not insanely long, it just isn’t exactly fast paced. And the subject matter is heavy, so it definitely isn’t a quick read. But I am really glad to have read it, so I think if you have the interest, you won’t regret it. It’s incredibly well researched.
I’m sorry to hear that this one has draggy bits. I love historical fiction, so I was curious about it. I might still read it, eventually.
I think it’s worth it, even with the dragging bits. It’s very thoroughly researched, and definitely unique. And if you are a fan of historical fiction, I think it’d work for you!
I’m not known for being the most patient reader so I don’t think this would work for me. Crazy how the parts went from being 2-4 pages to 420 pages! I was looking forward to this one because there are so few YA historical books, but ehh I don’t know now. Maybe if it becomes available at the library I’ll pick it up?
Botille sounds like a lovely character though and I can tell I’d really like her. I’m very conflicted now!
In any case, thanks for the detailed review, Shannon! I needed to read it before deciding to pick up the book.
Fab review!
It’s almost not even YA, in style at least. Like the characters are YA age, but it reads more like an adult book. It’s so detailed, historically and religiously speaking, I wonder how much a younger YA reader would enjoy it, unless they really liked historical fiction.
But I do love Botille! I think it’s worth the readay, at least at some point, if you have the interest!
Historical Fiction usually bores me so I’ll take a pass on this one.
Karen @For What It’s Worth
Haha fair enough! You definitely need to like HF for this one!
Loved reading all your thoughts on this one, Shannon. I tried reading All the Truth That”s In Me last year and just Could. Not. Do. It. It was odd and I didn’t like the MC’s voice (yeah, I know she was mute but you know what I mean). Hopefully it wasn’t totally Berry’s writing style because I really am intrigued by this one. I enjoy historical and the synopsis grabs me. Buuuut, it definitely sounds like it has its issues. Too long, boring POV(s)… meh. This might be a get it from the library and give it a try book. And I definitely wouldn’t have lasted long in that time period. The power of the Church, the way it was so political (hasta la vista Separation of Church and State!)… scary! It was a brutal time and I am much better off here – with my iPhone, iPad and memory foam pillow, than you very much.
Bwahah I agree, I am not the type of person who deals well with discomfort, soooo yeah. Plus someone totally would have killed me ?
But I think that if you’re a fan of historical fiction, this is worth a shot! Like you said, maybe a library read!
Hmmm… I’m thinking this one may NOT be for me. It seems long and, dare I say it, boring? I’m not really a fan of books like this, so I think I’ll have to pass on this one. I’m glad you enjoyed it though! 🙂
Wow, this definitely does seem like a long book especially as the latter parts get longer and longer so I can see where you struggled! It sounds like it really captured a moment in history really well though, particularly the religious historical aspects and the dark ages and stuff. Sometimes all the different point of views can make the story go faster as well. Lovely review Shannon!
Whoa, not sure I could handle this one with how it was broken up and the religious overtones even if historical! Kudos to you for pushing through!
I have had this post up for about 2 weeks now. Whoops. But anyways. I was never really interested in this, but Holly was, so I thought it would be a little bit better? (Darn you Holly). I actually have NO IDEA who Dolssa was until now. She sounds like a more sexualized version of Joan of Arc.