I, Julian by Claire Gilbert

 I, Julian reimagines biography of Julian of Norwich, an English mystic and anchoress.

Mid 14th century, Norwich, England. Julian (1343 – after 1416), at seven, loses her father to pestilence. She is in pain over his death. She doesn’t know how to process it and how to heal from it. That’s when the seed of her visions start.

At ten, her mother teaches her to read. Later, Julian counts it as her greatest gift from her mother.

At nineteen, her mother wants her to marry, but Julian doesn’t want to obey a man and bear children. She prefers solitude. Her mother insists on her meeting Martin, a wool merchant. Julian does and realizes that beneath his strong appearance there is tenderness. She thinks the city will be bearable when she is with him.

Later, she is introduced to the lay sisters who transformed her mother. She also learns of such calling as anchoress. Upon some contemplations she picks a path that she feels is right for her.

Once, she gets sick and being close to death, her visions start. Visions that lead her to the service, to help a grieving world.

The story is revealed through stunning prose. Julian’s feelings are beautifully breathed into this story. The story is very well-crafted and authentic. The voice of Julian is very believable.

P.S. This story reminded me of Margery Kempe, an English Christian mystic. If you enjoy stories of women’s lives in Middle Ages, I also highly recommend Revelations by Mary Sharratt.

Release: 13 April 2023

Source: Hodder & Stoughton