by Margaret Paton RSJ. Published by St Pauls Publications, 2022. (AUD 24.95). Reviewed by Helen Bergin

Julian of Norwich: Voice of Divine Love reveals careful scholarship and is creatively presented.

I must admit that my first impression of Paton’s chapters suggested that her text would be “a breeze”. I was happily mistaken. I found particularly helpful Paton’s reflections at the close of each chapter, inviting the reader to respond personally to a question focused on a theme — Mary, the Trinity, prayer and bliss, among others.

Second, Paton’s choice of a “monstrance” as a background sketch and prayer concluding each of the 20 chapters did not initially excite me. In fact, I felt like an intruder into another’s prayerful space. However, the monstrance seems to be an image of Paton’s engagement with the divine, and it is that relationship which is pre-eminent.

Third, Paton’s study offers readers a way into understanding Julian of Norwich when they may not have access to the longer manuscripts. Nevertheless, after reflecting on Paton’s book, readers may well be encouraged to seek fuller and further studies on Julian, such as Paulist Press’s Julian of Norwich: Showings.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 273 August 2022: 27