A Vision of Light

In this bouncy first novel, 14th-century Englishwoman Margaret of Ashbury heeds a ``voice'' commanding her to compose her colorful life story. ``The minor characters are stiff and the dialogue is stilted at times,'' said PW , ``but details of clothing, crafts and interiors, as well as period scenes peopled with robbers, flagellants and strolling players, are well realized.'' (Feb.)