This novel I listened to, a 2024 Booker shortlist, on Audible. I loved it for it’s quiet prose and lovely voice. I wonder if I would have loved it as much if I had read the physical book? But for me it was a much needed book of meaning and empathy during this crazy time in our world. Here is my book review Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood.

Reflection

This quiet, contemplative novel is written and read in a direct style. At times it feels like you are intruding on someone’s private journal. The narrator, whose name we never know, has left her life and job in Sydney Australia. She has retreated to a rural religious community. Despite her agnostic beliefs, she finds a new home in the community as she faces her past and her personal grief and despair.

Stillness

Throughout the book we meet and begin to understand the Sisters of the commune, and members of the community. We are introduced to one visiting Nun whose presence brings back a flood of regret for our narrator. Though stillness and reflection is a major part of life of the community, daily trials persist. The trials include COVID, a mouse plague, lack of resources, and the sudden reappearance of a murdered and missing nun. This creates meaningful and thoughtful introspection for each resident to deal with grief, faith, forgiveness and the reality of the world we occupy.

Book Review Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood

I thought this was a beautiful book and the reader of the Audible version was perfect. It opens a thoughtful narrative of how the difficulties of the world can bring us to our knees. And how stillness can calm the chaos.

*****Five stars for Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood.

Thank you for reading my book review Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood. See last week’s book review The Names by Florence Knapp.

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