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Classic Literature. Fiction. Literature. HTML:Following World War II, a British widow joins a Benedictine monastery in this poignant New York Times bestseller from the author of Black Narcissus. For most of her adult life, Philippa Talbot has been a successful British professional. Now in her forties, the World War II�??widow has made a startling decision: She's giving up her civil service career and elite social standing to join a convent as a postulant Roman Catholic nun. In Sussex in the south of England, Philippa begins her new life inside Brede Abbey, a venerable, 130-year-old Benedictine monastery. Taking her place among a diverse group of extraordinary women, young and old, she is welcomed into the surprisingly rich and complex world of the devout, whom faith, fate, and circumstance have led there. From their personal stories, both uplifting and heartbreaking, Philippa draws great strength in the weeks, months, and years that follow, as the confidence, conflicts, and poignant humanity of her fellow sisters serve to validate her love and sacred purpose. But a time of great upheaval in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church approaches as the winds of change blow at gale force. And for the financially troubled Brede and the acolytes within, it will take no less than a miracle to weather the storm. Author Rumer Godden spent three years living in close proximity to Stanbrook Abbey in Worcestershire communing with the Benedictine nuns in preparation for the writing of this beloved bestseller. The result is an honest and unforgettable novel of love, sacrifice, and devotion, a major literary achievement from the acclaimed author of Black Narcissus and The River. This ebook features an illustrated biography of the author including rare images from the Rumer Godden Literary Estate.… (more)
User reviews
The story follows many years, from post-WWII to the early 1960’s, each year marked by the seasonal changes of the land and the introduction of new novices who choose to follow a common path. Eventually, it reaches into the modern era of the Catholic Church, and we are witness to changes which challenge the nuns and their way of life. Perhaps most remarkable is the narrative style: Godden uses the voices of a variety of characters, some in the past, others in the present, and occasionally a few in the future, to describe most events. This 360º view creates a real sense of communal life as it is lived, day to day.
I found the book subtle in its ideas and gentle in its progress, but utterly enthralling, even inspiring. Those looking for ever-escalating action may find its episodic nature slow, and others may be put off by the class consciousness of the nuns and their traditions, as I was. In any case, one thing is sure: there is no need for the reader to be religious to enjoy or take value from the story. This book provides a peek into another life, one few of us will ever experience, but one that offers powerful questions about life, humanity, the world and our place in it.
Does that sound like something you would sign up for? And yet, over the centuries men and women did just that in order to gain the previously mentioned ‘peace’, accompanied by joy, gratitude and love. Phillippa Talbot was one of those women. Widowed during WWII, she was a very successful professional woman who had traveled throughout the world and managed hundreds of employees but felt something was missing. She made the unusual decision to leave her life among the London elites and join a cloistered Benedectine abbey, the ancient seaside Brede abbey. The narrative describes in gripping terms, all the crises that face Phillippa and the other members of the community and the sensitive ways they all choose to deal with them. The author’s rich characterizations made me admire these women, even though they weren’t all likable. Godden converted to Catholicism in 1968, the year before she wrote this book and spent three years living at the gate of a Benedectine abbey in England.
I’m not sure I can put my finger on the reason I loved this book as much as I did but I think I’m in good company. Its average LT rating is 4.36. I seldom reread but Im keeping this book with plans to read it again at some point. Simply sublime.
There are other reviews that give extensive explanations about the premise,
While the main story arc is about Philippa’s journey, the novel is greatly enhanced by subplots that showcase its rich cast of characters. I became emotionally invested in every one of these women, and in the welfare of Brede as a whole. In This House of Brede stands the test of time and could be read again and again for new insights.
I don't consider myself at all religious anymore, and I know next to nothing about Catholicism. I was really ready to read the first 40 pages or so and set this one aside, but I was totally enamored. As you would expect, it's a quiet, reserved book, but the characters and situations also have a depth and heart that I loved.
I read this on my kindle from the library, and I'm really considering buying a hard copy for my shelves to reread some day.
We follow these and many others over the years, some as newly entered novitiates, all the way through to the deaths of more than one. They grow and develop as the convent suffers a financial crisis and other woes, and the nuns try to overcome their petty rivalries and peeves, all narrated with a lot of good humor.
Highly recommended.
4 stars