All Shall Be Well

Author Emma Pennington
Publisher BRF £12.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781800392069

Julian of Norwich is well known for her saying ‘All shall be well … and all manner of things shall be well’; but there is far more to her than superficial optimism. In this book, which is a sequel to an earlier volume, the author delves beneath the surface of the tenth to sixteenth revelations or ‘showings’ which Julian experienced during a near fatal illness. The late 14th-century world in which she lived was a time of turbulence both politically and in the church. The author explores the thought processes of the time and draws conclusions which are relevant to our own day, inspiring the reader to reflect prayerfully on Julian’s words. This book is best approached with the text of the showings to hand and will repay slow and careful reading. Pennington writes from personal experience of suffering a painful illness which lends weight to her narrative. Each chapter has suggestions for individual meditation and questions suitable for group use. The text does not offer easy answers but encourages us to delve deeper into the mystery of the incarnation.

Reviewed by LAURA HILLMAN

Spirituality