For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy On My Little Pain
As the author says in her note, this is a work of fiction, based on B. A. Windeatt’s translation of The Book of Margery Kempe and Elizabeth Spearing’s translation of Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich. It culminates in the meeting of the two religious mystics in 1413, an historical fact. It has had glowing reviews and endorsements, which say things like ‘[a] powerful novel’ (Sunday Times), ‘the best first novel I have read in years’ (Roddy Doyle), ‘a vibrant portrait of female courage’ (The Observer). All of which is true.
However, I found I could not always distinguish between the two women’s voices. The meeting of the two women is very short, with most of the text taken up with the writings of the two women, given alternately. That said, it does give an insight into medieval life and culture, and the mindset of the times.
I enjoyed this book, and it did give me information about two women and their times that I was interested in. It is well-written, and is, as far as I can tell, historically accurate. I can recommend it to those interested in religion, the medieval period and Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe, as well as those, like me, who are just interested!
