Books about nuns

[JonasKahnwald]

I'm looking for books about nuns and convent life but looking on amazon there really isn't much. It keeps recommending the horror movie The Nun

I know its a bit of a niche subject but does anyone know of any books like this?I'm really interested in what brings a woman to become a nun and their life after this decision.

Thankyou

Through the Narrow Gate by Karen Armstrong?

Family Romance by John Lanchester is a lovely book and a large element is about his mother who was a nun for some time.

In my mums collection of religious books (she was a novice nun in a teaching order in her 20's) was a couple by Sister Felicity who was in a barefoot order - I think they were Barefoot Journey and Spring Comes Barefoot. Obviously rather old now, but very interesting

"This House of Brede" is a fictional book about a woman who became a nun later in her life (she'd also had a child). I read it once years ago, but it's stayed with me.

Have a look at Tan books - they are a Catholic publishing company. They may have something. Or phone a local convent to ask for suggestion?

Thankyou for the suggestions!

The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris offers an insight into monasticism and is an absorbing read.

@HBGKC. This House of Brede is exactly what I was going to recommend!
Rumer Godden was an excellent writer, wasn't she?

Antonia White's Frost in May is a good read.

The Corner that Held Them by Sylvia Townsend Warner is a great picture of a medieval convent. For something lighter there’s Quiet as a Nun by Antonia Fraser, a murder mystery set in a convent. For something to put you off the whole idea there’s Frost in May by Antonia White.

If you’d like a historical viewpoint, I’d recommend The Virgins of Venice by Mary Laven

@Phil0Dox yes, I thought it was very well-written; quite haunting.

I'm going to investigate some more of these books mentioned, thanks all.

These are all great thankyou all x

Holy Fools by Joanne Harris is set in a convent, but in 17th century France which may not be what you’re looking for. It’s good though!

Black Narcissus, about nuns in the Himalayas (the film is even better)

Definitely In this House of Brede and the two barefoot books by Sister Felicity. Another one that's quite good although written quite a long time ago is a Right to be Merry. And another book of reminisces Countryside and Cloister.

I Leap Over the Wall by Monica Baldwin and The Nun's Story by Kathryn Hulme.

The Corner that Held Them by Sylvia Townsend Warner is a great picture of a medieval convent.

I was just going to recommend this, so I'm pleased to see it's already been mentioned.

Another one recommending Black Narcissus, Rumer Godden was a fantastic writer and once you read one of her books you’ll probably want to search out other ones by her.

Yay! For all the Rumer Godden fans

She’s brilliant, there’s a BBC adaptation of Black Narcissus that’s coming soon hopefully more people will read her, I love Kingfishers Catch Fire (not nun related)

Definitely don't mind historical fiction so I'll try those recommendations too. In This House of Brede seems popular so I think I'll start with that one 👍

I might see if there are any documentaries on you tube also. I was listening to Hysteria! By Alice Lowe in audible and on the first episode there was a nun interviewed which has really peaked my interest. I'm not Catholic or in any way religious so this is all new to me.

Was going to suggest Frost in May but I see others have already done so. Not a very positive representation of a religious order though.

I was also going to suggest Dead Man Walking by Sister Helen Prejean. An interesting book about her work with prisoners on death row in USA.

"I was also going to suggest Dead Man Walking by Sister Helen Prejean. An interesting book about her work with prisoners on death row in USA."

Was the film with Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn in it based on that book @TheWindOnTheMoon?

Was the film with Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn in it based on that book @TheWindOnTheMoon?

Yes it was, loosely. The book is a much more serious examination of the death penalty and looks at her work within prisons. I did like the film as well, though.