In This House of Brede

In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden

672 pages 

Fiction 

Originally published in 1969. This rambling novel provides a sensitive and insightful portrait of religious life. It follows Philippa Talbot, a highly successful professional woman who leaves her life among the London elite to join a cloistered Benedictine community.

I read this book back in 2012 (#tbt) and it has stuck with me ever since! Do not be afraid of the number of pages, they almost turn themselves and you won't want the novel to end. This character-driven novel is full of interesting personalities, descriptive & sympathetic characters, insight into human nature and female relationships! Respectful but authentically realistic.

Recommended For: Almost any Catholic woman! Non-Catholics who enjoy character driven novels (a la Maeve Binchy).