At first blush, this book is a difficult read. The inclusion of commentary by the author had you jumping across the page. After adjusting to this style, you start seeing the real Hildegard. There is much to learn from these writings, the pains, trials and thoughts help to realize the difficulty of Hildegard's path. This seems to be a common message as you look at the lives of all the saints and martyrs of the early church. Nothing worthwhile comes easy. I would reccomend getting this book!