RECORDING OF Autumn Book Group with the authors: Fictional Approaches to Julian's Life
Imagining Julian: Recent Fictional Approaches to Julian's Life
Held on October 11th 7.00pm
Focusing on Claire Gilbert's I, Julian and Victoria Mackenzie's For thy great pain have mercy on my little pain' we will be joined by the authors to look at why Julian and why now and discuss what insights these imaginative interpretations of Julian’s life offer to our understanding of her writing.
Ideally, participants will have read both books before the event. They are both widely available, including from the Julian Centre. Join us for an informal, lively, and enjoyable discussion of the imaginative appeal of Julian of Norwich in the 650th year since her Revelations.
Get your online tickets (you decide what you'd like to give) HERE
Sally-Anne Lomas, Writer/Director of the award-winning BBC4 Documentary The Search for the Lost Manuscript: Julian of Norwich, will lead a discussion comparing two very different fictional approaches to Julian’s Life, I, Julian by Claire Gilbert and For thy great pain have mercy on my little pain by Victoria Mackenzie. We will be joined by both authors to discuss why Julian?, and why now?
This will be a wonderful opportunity to question the authors about their creative decisions and gain insight into the process of writing a historical novel.
Claire on For Thy Great Pain...
Victoria Mackenzie has skilfully brought Julian into conversation with Margery, their stories woven together as two different threads made vivid by the contrast between them. I love the way Victoria tells of Julian’s all too human struggle with her chosen life and her slow learning of interior stillness. The climax of the meeting between the two women is brilliantly crafted with their mutual entrustment of their respective potential heresies.
And Victoria on I, Julian...
Claire Gilbert's writing comes from a deep understanding of Julian's faith. In tender and exquisite prose, she brings Julian to life as Julian struggles to understand her visions and to accept her life as an anchoress.
Sally-Anne on both - Two talented writers have imagined Julian's life into vivid prose. I have found it fascinating to compare their versions of Julian. It's so exciting that both authors will be joining our discussion. We will be able to question why they made their creative choices and find out what drew them to write about Julian.
Find out more about Victoria's book on her website Read a review of Claire's book by a Companion of Julian of Norwich.
I read “I Julian” in almost one sitting and was so stunned by it! Having Mirabai Starr’s translation of the Showings as a starting point reveals Claire’s incarnation of Julian as so inspired and inspiring. I chose “For Thy Great Pain” as one of the books on a gift card for my birthday and am enjoying this different, but totally compatible reliving of Julian and Margery. I will be glued to the screen for this live interview!
Yes, all ticket holders will be sent a link to the recording of the Book Group event within a few days. Thank you for your interest.
Will we have access to the Oct 11 book discussion after the event? I may not be able to watch the livestream and have loved both the novels. Thank you! I will gladly contribute for the event.