As one of the medieval mystics I studied as a special subject in my Oxford theology degree. What most drew you to Julian? I heard about this book through Sarah Arthur, whose literary opinions I trust implicitly. She gave it five stars. Yet, that was not enough to keep me from going into I, Julian with some fear and trepidation. I am deeply attached to Revelations of Divine Love. I read it every year. Other folks’ interpretations often bring me great joy and deepen my reading, but when it comes to fiction, I worry. There is always room for interpretation. What there is not room for in my reading life is bad takes on medieval women, which are numerous. Even today this happens, though medieval studies, particularly concerning women, flourish like never before.

As the treatment drew to a close, Claire states that she heard a call to tell Julian’s story in the first person, in homage to her. The fictional autobiography I, Julian, published with unexpectedly appropriate timing at the 650th anniversary of Julian’s May 1373 visions, is the result. This is a difficult topic – writing about a hermit in a room, also writing. I doff my hat to Gilbert’s chutzpah. Yet in truth, as I’ve said, this is a book about faith. Julian’s story is the means to that end. Which is handy, because Julian herself, in her ethics and outlook, reads uncannily like an intelligent, religious feminist of today. This contemporality of thought is undoubtedly the book’s greatest failing. It meant I knew the text really well; I was secure in my understanding that there was an ecological dimension and that her method is porosity. Porous encounters take place again and again in the book. What is Julian's most important message for us? What should we take away from reading about her life and work? Julian of Norwich lived in England during the Middle Ages and was the first known woman’s writings that have been discovered and still exist today, Revelations of Divine Love. She was an anchoress, mystic, a theologian, amongst many other things. Reading this novel has already peaked my curiosity and I have been researching so as to learn more about this fascinating historical figure.

What is Julian's most important message for us? What should we take away from reading about her life and work?

When I was sent through the blurb for this book I knew immediately that I needed to know more about this remarkable woman. I had not heard of Julian but my husband who is medieval nerd, had, and I started to investigate her further. The reader will gain an understanding of what it may have meant to her to be confined, solitary. The book describes it as there being nothing now between her and God. No distractions or relationships. Just fully focused on prayer, worship and communing with God. When you get over the horror that it first creates, in fact there is something attractive about it... P.S. This story reminded me of Margery Kempe, an English Christian mystic. If you enjoy stories of women’s lives in Middle Ages, I also highly recommend Revelations by Mary Sharratt. It’s not always an easy book and some of Julian’s reflect are quite removed from our experience. She lived centuries ago but her words, her spiritual experience can inspire and make us reflect now.

Moving forward Julian lives through various waves of the pestilence, and loses some of her beloved to this, as lots of death occurred during those sad times due to it. So I will write in English, pressing new words from this beautiful plain language spoken by all. Not courtly French to introduce God politely. Not church Latin to construct arguments. English to show it as it is. Even though it is not safe to do so.' This is a cleverly written fictional autobiography of Julian of Norwich, focusing on her relationship with God as it develops through her life.Mid 14th century, Norwich, England. Julian (1343 – after 1416), at seven, loses her father to pestilence. She is in pain over his death. She doesn’t know how to process it and how to heal from it. That’s when the seed of her visions start. So many! The 14th revelation of the parable of the Lord and Servant is the most intriguing and I think its reinterpretation of the Fall is completely brilliant. How has your academic writing about Julian influenced your fictional work about her? I’ve been thinking that women mystics’ are fascinating and exceptional women, women who chose to follow their spiritual instinct and often chose a different way of life. We spoke to Claire to find out more about her book and what led her to write it. How did you first come across Julian of Norwich?