Product Description

Karen Armstrong gives an account of her experiences as a Roman Catholic nun. She describes her childhood, her progress at school and her admission into the order of St Ignatius in 1962 and - via Oxford University and an English literature degree - out of it again seven years later. She depicts a brutal and medieval convent system prior to reform by the Second Vatican Council, where postulates had to erase their sense of self in order to be worthy as a bride of Christ. To achieve this, the sisters were forbidden to have friendships, were prohibited from speaking for 22 hours a day, had to undergo self-denunciation sessions in front of the other members of the convent, use scourges to dampen sexual desires and endure clothing, food and accommodation virtually unchanged since the dark ages. What began as Armstrong's desire for discipline and self-mastery rapidly became an assault on every aspect of her individuality. Exhausted by guilt, frustrations and loneliness, she slid first into anorexia and then into complete mental and physical collapse. Finally she obtained a place at Oxford University, and her reintegration into the world began.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40416 in Books
• Published on: 1997-07-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

About the Author
Karen Armstrong was born in Worcestershire. After becoming a nun in the 1960s, she left her order and lectured in literature at London University before becoming a full time writer, broadcaster and international adviser on religious and political affairs. She has addressed US Congress, the UN and Canadian parliament on Islam and fundamentalism. Among her other books is the bestselling 'History of God'.

Customer Reviews

A fascinating read
It's the final chapter of this gripping book - the one describing the start of the author's reintegration into secular society - that is entitled "Through the Narrow Gate". This would seem to imply that for Karen Armstrong, facing the real world, and not life in the cloister, was the "hard road" of Matthew 7:12.

And despite all the physical and psychological hardships she routinely suffered (see synopsis), and her occasional traumatic encounters with drunken and groping priests, it would seem that life as a nun might *almost* have worked for her: The order was populated with such a broad spectrum of characters, ranging from the saintly Mother Bianca (who despite dying a slow and excruciatingly painful death refused to take pain killers because they impaired her ability to teach) to the sadistically pedantic and mentally deranged Mother Walter (who...erm...well, just read the book!) - all with their own differing interpretations of how to live the religious life - that I'm sure she could have fitted in somewhere. But what a tragedy that would have been.

In addition to the broad sweeping theme of the book there are numerous inconsequential details which to a lay observer are both fascinating and deeply weird. For example, when the postulants are decked out in high-heeled shoes and wedding dresses in preparation for the veiling ceremony, where they become "brides of Christ". The grainy black and white photo of the beaming author arrayed in this finery is crushingly sad.

There are also moments of joy and humour. One of the most moving passages for me occurred after the author had been elected by the order to study English Literature at Oxford University, and she was given her reading list. After years of living in an environment where the intellect was something to be despised, and with her access to literature largely limited to hagiographies, she was now instructed to read Jane Austen, Keats, Wordsworth and George Eliot...and moreover to enjoy it! I freely admit, it brought a tear to my eye!

Hardly surprisingly, starting at Oxford was the beginning of the end for her vocation.

The only minor criticism I have about this book is the use of US spelling and terminology, which at times I found quite jarring.

Unfortunately the follow-up book, "Beginning the World", now seems to be out of print. However, I've ordered a copy from my local lending library and look forward with interest to finding out what happened next!

compelling and lyrically written
A very gripping and thought provoking read. Why are other reviewers damning her for not enhancing their spiritual experience? That's not what she claims to be doing, or has set out to do. What she does do is provide a perceptive account of convent life as she experienced it.

Enlightening
This book gives a rare insight into the world of a nun in the 1960s and the struggle to find true meaning in life and adapt to life as a servant of God.

It is as accessible as a well-written novel and is funny, emotional and heart-breaking in retelling Armstrong's seven years in the convent. Fascinating reading.

Very highly recommended.