In her memoir, “Cloistered: My Years as a Nun” (Chatto & Windus, £20), Catherine Coldstream describes an atypical journey into the monastic life. Hailing from a background that was neither Catholic nor religious, and was instead rooted in art and academia, it would seem unlikely for Coldstream to choose a life of cloistered solitude. The upheaval of her familial life and the loss of her adored father, however, led her to embrace the comforts of seclusion within a mostly silent monastic community. For a time, she was at peace, finding joy in the tranquillity, introspection, and affinity with nature that the lifestyle offered. But her happiness was soured by internal disputes, a resulting rift within the community, and an eventual violent altercation. It was then that she left the monastery, though she still valued her faith. Coldstream’s poignant and gracefully written account promises to resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.
“Old Istanbul & Other Essays” by Gerard McCarthy (Irish Pages Press, €28) is a unique travel narrative filled with philosophical ponderings and keen observations from a discerning author in search of answers to deep-seated questions. From the sprawling ineffability of Istanbul to the protracted conflict amongst Abraham’s children in Jerusalem to the permeability of cultural divisions in Cordoba, McCarthy offers insightful interpretations of his experiences. In Granada, McCarthy ponders the question of existence and suggests that amidst the confusion of life, one should try to single out a resonant note and pursue it as a guiding axiom. McCarthy, an exquisite author whose talent is bluntly underscored by his recent death, offers a riveting debut with this book.
“Once Small Step” by Michael Flavin (Vulpine Press, £10.99) is also included for review.
The storyteller, Danny, is a decade-old lad belonging to a Catholic family from North Ireland, who resides in Birmingham, a significant distance from “the Troubles”. His interests lie in science fiction and he aspires to become an astronaut, crafting narratives about voyages into space where he plays the main role. However, the appalling pub explosions turn his life topsy-turvy. A guest from Northern Ireland lodges at his place after the bombings, which in turn results in the dissolution of Danny’s family, derailing his life trajectory. The characters and conversations throughout the book are believable, and Danny’s perspective as a 10-year-old is primarily consistent, except when a mate’s piqued curiosity about Che Guevara induces reflections on guerrilla warfare tactics that seem overly thoughtful for a child of his age. Nevertheless, the complex nature of life for the Irish residing in Birmingham is well depicted.