Blog Tour: I Julian, Claire Gilbert

It is my pleasure to be on the blog tour for this amazing read.

Fictionalising the plot:

1347. The first pestilence rages across the land. The young Julian of Norwich encounters the horrors of death: first her father, then later her husband and her child. When she falls ill herself, she encounters mystical visions that bring comfort and concern. But in the midst of suspicion and menace, when the Church is actively condemning heretics, Julian is not safe. Battling grief, the plague and societal expectations, and compelled by her powerful visions, Julian seeks a life of freedom by finding a room of her own – as an anchoress, bricked up in a small room on the side of a church. Helped by Thomas, a Benedictine monk from Norwich Cathedral, she writes of what she has seen and offers words of counsel to others. Julian’s manuscripts are protected by trusted sisters and are passed from hand to hand, becoming the first book to be written by a woman in English. In this masterful reimagining of Julian's extraordinary life, Claire Gilbert's evocative narrative introduces us to the mother, the mystic and the radical. Drawing comparisons with Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet and Hilary Mantel's portrayal of Cromwell – and linking with the 650th anniversary of Julian's 'Revelations of Divine Love’ this spring – I, Julian brings Julian's astonishing story vividly to life for a 21st century readership.

Bobs and Books honest review:

Something I always enjoy is new revelations of women in history and this time period felt particularly special. The strength of Julian's character and what she goes through is phenomenal and thought provoking.

The start of this was totally captivating and I was bought into the story very quickly.

However, beyond that, some sections feel a bit laboured and slow onwards. An unusual novel, with some rare insights and an interesting story.

Well worth a read.

About the author:

Claire Gilbert grew up in London, of Jewish, Scots, Spanish and English heritage. She writes and speaks about ethics and spirituality in politics and public life, medicine, ecology and on Julian of Norwich. She is Director of Westminster Abbey Institute. With her partner Seán, she divides her time between London, Hastings and Ireland. She is the author of Miles To Go Before I Sleep: Letters on Hope, Death and Learning to Live.

Out now.

https://linktr.ee/ijulian