Helpful Score: 2
Very interesting atmospheric novel about nuns in a cloistered monastery. It is long and rambling and could never, ever get published today. Too many point of view shifts, lack of focus on the main character and what her "quest" is. Godden apparently lived in a contemplative community for three years to write this book. If the subject matter appeals to you - the meaning of a spiritual life outside of the world or the experience of living in an all-female community - then by all means pick it up. If you are looking for a riveting page-turner, best look elsewhere!
Helpful Score: 1
I first read this book in the early 70s and liked it so much. I have reread it several times and the story retains its fascinating look at convent life. It follows the life of successful London business woman Philippa Talbot when she joins a cloistered Benedictine community. As she tries to fit in the life, she is sometimes drawn into using her old skills in the business world to help the convent.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the story of a welathy woman's callin to a Catholic Bendedictine monastary. A real picture of life in a maonastary. Eventhough the names are fictional, Rumer spent 3 years lodged outside a real monastary and was allowed to interview the nuns there for material used in this novel.
A must read for anyone contemplating this life-style or who knows a monk or nun.
Descriptions of the countryside and seasons are fantastic!
Steve
A must read for anyone contemplating this life-style or who knows a monk or nun.
Descriptions of the countryside and seasons are fantastic!
Steve
Excellent book, wonderfully written. Pulls you right into the world of the sisters.
Excellent depiction of the life of nuns in the period just before and during the Vatican II reforms. The story is told through the lives of characters so well developed that the work seems to be non-fiction.
Non-catholics may have some difficulty in understanding the observances and traditions mentioned, but the book itself is not a difficult read. One cannot help but be impressed by the dedication and devotion of these women. Also, one is struck that the life of community, despite its many restrictions, is a very rich life.
Given all sex and violence in modern novels, this book is a breath of fresh air.
Non-catholics may have some difficulty in understanding the observances and traditions mentioned, but the book itself is not a difficult read. One cannot help but be impressed by the dedication and devotion of these women. Also, one is struck that the life of community, despite its many restrictions, is a very rich life.
Given all sex and violence in modern novels, this book is a breath of fresh air.
This is a great portrait of the life of a monastery of nuns in post war England. Absolutely absorbing.
A warm story of convent nuns trying to uphold the duties of their faith while facing their own mortal failures and limitations.
