The Confessions of X

This is one of the most stunningly beautiful novels I have ever read - partly due to the sheer poetry of the writing - and yet I also found it one of the most tragic. Augustine and X connected almost from the moment they met, but their differing social classes prevent them from legally marrying. Nevertheless, Augustine offers X his love and fidelity and she, in turn, would prefer to be his common-law wife rather than another man's legally recognised wife. Their intentions stated before God, X accepts Augustine's citizen ring, and they begin their life together. Although life was not without its difficulties, there was such beauty in their love for one another and in the fullness of their experiences that I simply could not put the book down. By the time I reached the end my heart had broken for X and Augustine. I felt like railing against a world that, even now, continues to believe that civil authorities and churches can dictate the parameters and requirements for marriage. Their marriage may not have been recognized by either state or church, but that does not necessarily mean they were not married before God. And if that is the case, then what a travesty, that such a beautiful union was sacrificed on the altar of man's expectations. This novel will stay with me for a long time.