Houselander was a woman after my own heart -- a revert, a misanthrope, a former bohemian, and even, for a period of her life, in love with the wrong man. Her friend and biographer, the Catholic writer and publisher Maisie Ward, referred to her as a "divine eccentric." She is someone I would have dearly liked to know in life, and whom I hope to know one day in heaven, and I pray for her guidance in my life, as well as for her canonization.
More here, and here, with other sources cited.
Thanks for this heads' up. The Reed of God was a joyful surprise to me. It's unfortunate for us she didn't write more. She probably had some fascinating stories to tell. I would probably be intimidated by her, though, if she showed up at the table of "10 people living or dead with whom you'd like to have lunch."
ReplyDeleteI have a few collections of children's stories that she wrote _Catholic Stories for Boys & Girls_ and _More Catholic Stories for Boys & Girls_ which my children and I have greatly enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteShe also did wonderful wood cuttings for a children's version of Ignatius's exercises called _My Path to Heaven_ (formerly _A Retreat with St. Ignatius in Pictures for Children_)
I ended up buying copies of this book for all my children (and I must admit that I've found it more useful for myself then the tranlation of Ignatius's exercises that I also own).
(all republished by Sophia Press)
As Ekbell suggests, she was actually pretty prolific. I didn't know that many of her books were in print - thanks for the heads-up.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I second recommendations for both Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls -- which my older son, with some help from a friend of ours, bought for my younger son for his last birthday -- and My Path to Heaven, which is one of the most beautiful, powerful books I have ever encountered, largely because of the Houselander illustrations.
ReplyDeleteWhoops, I don't pray for her conversion, but for her canonization! Freudian typo; must fix it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link! I love Caryll!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I will have to investigate this woman's story. You make her sound like exactly the kind of person in whom I am most interested.
ReplyDeleteShe's right up your alley, Rodak. Oh, and she was also a chain-smoker.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting. Simone Weil was a chain-smoker, as well. Maybe I was wrong to give up my four-packs-a-day habit?
ReplyDeleteI think they smoked *in spite of* their holiness. I'm very glad you quit!!!!
ReplyDeleteI dunno...maybe it was like a cilice?
ReplyDelete