I, Julian, by Claire Gilbert   

A clear challenge about our own walk with God by listening to Julian’s voice through the author’s thorough knowledge of her writings - story telling of the highest level

I, Julian                                                                             
By Claire Gilbert
Hodder & Stoughton
ISBN: 978 1 399 80752 4 
Reviewed by Moira Kleissner

 
 
Recently, there has been some renewed interest in Julian of Norwich, the anchoress, or hermit, who lived in the 14th century in Norfolk and who wrote Revelations of Divine Love. Claire Gilbert, the author is an expert on Julian’s writings and Director of Westminster Abbey Institute.

In this book she reconstructs Julian’s life; a life about which we know very little. However, with a thorough knowledge of medieval Norwich, she transports us as participants, rather than observers, into Julian’s world. The “pestilences” experienced by Julian seem very pertinent after our brush with Covid. There is no over-romanticising, over-description nor preaching at the reader, but a clarity of purpose in drawing an accurate picture of perhaps one of the greatest women theologians we have had.
 
I found myself completely immersed in this world by the deftness of Gilbert’s writing and the deep spirituality of Julian. Jesus was central to Julian’s life and Gilbert brings this relationship into sharp focus. There is much we can learn from Julian today.
 
The story is told in Julian’s voice, enabling the reader to enter her world and faith; a faith that informs her whole life and the work that she believes God has given her to do as a listener. A listener who withdraws from the world, but is present; a listener who has the freedom of time to pray for those who come to her with their problems. Today many Christians are beginning to rediscover the skills of listening-therapies while steeping them in prayer. Julian of Norwich is the forerunner of this practice, following in the footsteps of the Desert Fathers and Mothers with a prayer life focused on Jesus.
 
This is no modern retelling with 21st century characters dressed in historical garb. Nor is it a modern biography “about” Julian with “preachy” bits added. There is no over explanation about Julian’s life, but a clear challenge about our own walk with God by listening to Julian’s voice through the author’s thorough knowledge of her writings, and the author’s own deep spirituality. This is story telling of the highest level.
 
When historians such as Janina Ramirez find it a “joy to read” and “accurate”, and theologians such as Paula Gooder and Rowan Williams find that it theologically challenging, while writers such as A.N Wilson and others laud its story-telling skills, who am I to disagree – and I don’t.
 
Read this book and rediscover how we can put Jesus and prayer for others at the centre of our lives.

Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller, trainer and minister’s wife