Ordinary Devotion: A Novel

by Kristen Holt-Browning

Braided medieval and modern stories of an anchoress, her handmaiden, and the adjunct professor searching for them across centuries as they each navigate ambition, confinement, and the patriarchy.

“The modern and medieval stories spiral in and out of each other, intricate and vivid as the letters of illuminated manuscripts, connected by the mysteries of confinement and freedom, loss and fulfillment.” —Elizabeth Cunningham, My Life as a Prayer and The Maeve Chronicles

 “Holt-Browning is adept at honing in on the passion for life, nature, and language that can sustain a person through the hardest times.” —Nerissa Nields, Plastic Angel and All Together Singing in the Kitchen

Twelve-year-old Elinor is enclosed with an anchoress, Lady Adela, in a cell at Wenlock Abbey, 14th century England. Centuries later, an adjunct professor of medieval studies discovers Elinor’s long-lost book of hours on a research trip to England. Holt-Browning explores women’s timeless struggle for personal agency as her unforgettable characters discover the burdens and rewards of faith and devotion. A must-read for fans of Julian of Norwich.

Genres: Historical Fiction

260 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2024

Reviews

[Jonathan Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past has a way of speaking to our present wounds if we listen carefully enough. In Kristen Holt-Browning's "Ordinary Devotion," a grieving academic finds unexpected solace in her research on medieval anchoresses – women who voluntarily walled themselves away from the world. As she uncovers their stories of confinement and devotion, she begins to understand her journey through loss and purpose in startling new ways.

"Ordinary Devotion," the debut novel by Holt-Browning, a poet, writer, and editor with a Master's degree in English from University College London, dives deep into the lives of two women separated by centuries but connected by their shared exploration of confinement, faith, and the search for agency. The novel weaves together the experiences of Elizabeth, a contemporary medieval scholar, and Elinor, a young girl from the 14th century. Through parallel narratives, Holt-Browning offers a rich, reflective story that examines the limitations and freedoms arising from physical and metaphorical enclosures.

Elizabeth, an adjunct professor specializing in medieval Christianity, is grappling with her precarious career and the grief of a recent miscarriage. Her academic research on purgatory and anchoresses becomes a personal quest as she navigates her own sense of loss and search for meaning. Meanwhile, in the 14th century, Elinor is sent to live as an assistant to Adela, an anchoress, enclosed in a small cell attached to a monastery. Initially frightened and uncertain, Elinor gradually finds a form of agency within her confined world, forming complex relationships and exploring her spiritual and intellectual boundaries.

"Ordinary Devotion" explores themes of female autonomy and the search for purpose in a turbulent world. The novel deftly contrasts the medieval concept of enclosure, both as a physical act and a spiritual choice, with the metaphorical confinements faced by modern women. Elizabeth's struggles within the constraints of academia mirror Elinor's journey of self-discovery within the confines of her cell. Through their narratives, the novel examines how women throughout history have navigated societal expectations and sought spaces for their expression, whether through religious devotion, intellectual pursuit, or personal resilience.

The motif of light and darkness is a recurring element that symbolizes both the literal experience of confinement and the characters' spiritual journeys. For Elinor, the small glimpses of sunlight that penetrate her cell become a source of comfort and a metaphor for moments of enlightenment. Elizabeth, too, experiences her own darkness, finding solace and clarity in her research as she brings the stories of forgotten medieval women "into the light."

The strength of "Ordinary Devotion" lies in its character development, particularly the dual protagonists, Elizabeth and Elinor. Elizabeth is portrayed as intelligent yet vulnerable, her passion for medieval studies tempered by the harsh realities of academic life. Her grief and career anxieties make her a relatable and complex figure. Elinor's journey, from a frightened young girl to a more self-assured woman embracing the anchoritic life, is equally compelling. Her evolving relationship with Adela, a devout and enigmatic anchoress, and the monk Brother Joseph, adds depth to her story, illustrating the nuances of faith, mentorship, and human connection.

Supporting characters, like the successful academic Sloane Lanham and Elizabeth's husband, Nick, offer contrasting perspectives highlighting Elizabeth's internal conflicts. Adela's portrayal as a pious yet flawed woman with a hidden past adds layers to the historical narrative, emphasizing the complexities of religious devotion and the sacrifices it often entails.

Holt-Browning's writing style is lyrical and evocative, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers in medieval and contemporary settings. The dual timelines are interwoven seamlessly, with smooth transitions that draw thematic parallels between the two narratives. The first-person narration allows for an intimate glimpse into the character's inner lives, while sensory details—like the "thick stillness" of Elinor's cell—create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.

The novel's pacing is deliberate, reflecting the protagonists' introspective journeys. While the contemplative style may feel slow at times, it ultimately deepens the emotional impact of the story. Moments of tension provide compelling narrative shifts that keep the reader engaged.

"Ordinary Devotion" offers insightful commentary on gender roles, both past and present. The historical context of the anchoresses, women who chose enclosure as a means of spiritual and social autonomy, is juxtaposed against Elizabeth's contemporary struggles within academia. The novel draws connections between the limited choices available to medieval women and the ongoing challenges women today face in balancing career, personal aspirations, and societal expectations. By highlighting these parallels, Holt-Browning invites readers to consider the enduring nature of these issues and the ways in which women have sought to carve out spaces for themselves across time.

"Ordinary Devotion" is a thoughtful and beautifully written novel that explores female agency, spirituality, and the search for meaning. The dual narratives of Elizabeth and Elinor are skillfully crafted, offering a resonant and immersive reading experience. While the novel's slower pace and introspective style may not appeal to every reader, those who appreciate character-driven narratives and richly detailed historical fiction will find much joy here.

I would highly recommend "Ordinary Devotion" to readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially those interested in the medieval period and women's experiences in history. Fans of character-driven stories that explore themes of faith, autonomy, and the interplay between past and present will find this novel particularly engaging. The lyrical prose and evocative imagery will also appeal to readers who appreciate well-crafted, atmospheric writing.

Overall, "Ordinary Devotion" is a compelling debut that leaves a lasting impression. It offers both a nuanced exploration of historical themes and a deeply human story of resilience and connection.

[Maddy McGlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a deeply moving and thoughtful book that explored the idea of devotion and what it means to two women across the centuries.

Set between 14th century England and modern day America, Ordinary Devotion explores the life of a child companion to an anchoress, and a modern day academic.

In medieval England, Elinor is selected as a companion to the devout Adela, an anchoress who has enclosed herself in a small cell to spend the rest of her life devoted to God. At twelve years old, Elinor is torn away from her family and must adapt to life in a dank room. But over time, as she learns to read and write, and listen to the words of God, her relationship with herself and the anchoress develops into something much more profound. Holt Browning creates an intimate and claustrophobic insight into her world, and brings to life the role of an anchoress and its personal significance for women in medieval times, and how society treated them.

In modern day America, Liz, in her 30s, is fighting to have her voice heard in a world of academics. On the verge of seeing her work on medieval purgatory succeed, she stumbles across the world on anchoresses and sets off on a new path. But she too faces challenges not only in her career, but in her personal life and trying to start a family. We feel the passion humming through her as she goes on a journey of knowledge, and her weariness soon becomes an energetic new venture.

The two stories synchronize, not always an easy part of a dual timeline. The two stories are balanced out, so both women have their voices heard. Holt Browning’s story becomes part lecture to the reader (but definitely a class I’d sign up for), part history, part research and part personal experience. The result allows the reader to understand more about Elinor and Adela, and feel like we’re learning with Liz. Holt Browning also uses this as a way to connect the reader to Elinor.

This novel engulfs you, and you get swept up in journeys of religion, knowledge and devotion. It’s a powerful novel that educates. I’d recommend this to those looking to understand more about religious women in medieval times, because it’s a fascinating subject.

Huge thank you to Kristen for sending me this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary tale of ordinary devotion that spans centuries, Kristen Holt-Browning’s novel braids the voices of Elinor, a twelve-year-old walled up in a cell in fourteenth-century England to serve an anchoress—a religious woman who has voluntarily “anchored” herself to the monastery. And Liz, the twenty-first–century scholar who discovers a long-lost Medieval book of hours inscribed with the girl’s name.

Tying these stories together is the theme of purgatory, which runs through the book to illuminate timeless feminist questions—among them the often-precarious and uncertain circumstances of women’s reproductive lives and the limitations of women’s agency and opportunities for employment, which land Elinor in the role of servant to the anchoress and Liz on the grinding and underpaid path of adjunct professor.

Quietly, doggedly, and honestly, these two women—separated by centuries—navigate the needs and demands of their own and other feminine bodies, the roles and opportunities afforded women by their particular times and circumstances, and the burdens and rewards of faith and obligation.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thought-provoking and beautifully imagined novel follows the interwoven stories of a medieval studies adjunct professor and a 12-yr old girl serving as a handmaiden to an anchoress. Before reading this novel, I had not heard of the term anchoress, a woman who is literally walled-in to a church to devote herself to a life of prayer. It is quite fascinating how this choice to "anchor" herself to a monastic life allows her to escape the anchor of domestic life with its endless cycle of pregnancy, birth and children. Her actual imprisonment in many ways releases her from the prison of the female body, especially in the medieval age when childbirth often ended in death. I found this to be quite relevant for these times when the bodily autonomy of women continues to be threatened in America and globally.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were to list things I don't really gravitate to in media--religion, piety, costume drama, olden times, internal plot--I would guess that on paper this book isn't for me. But I found it impossible to stop reading, I gulped it down in two sittings. The entire world excavated by the 14th century piece was unfamiliar to me, and I found that whole storyline really fascinating, even if it was all centered in a 4x4 foot room. And as an academic I experienced some real sympathy pains watching the 21st century drama (How do I get tenure? What am I doing here? Does what I do matter at all?) unfold. A great first novel, I'll be in line for her second hopefully some time soon.

[ken · Rating 1 out of 5]

i'm afraid i felt begrudged from the mere inclusion of the "present" narrative, the one where, supposedly, the character of Elizabeth grapples with her current material and social conditions by juxtaposing her story with medieval Elinor. i don't like being spoonfed thematic parallels. i didn't get very far to confirm whether such a thing happens, but to be threatened by the possibility is enough.

rest assured, i would have lapped this shit up if the modern narrative is not included. plus, is it still historical fiction with its inclusion?

[Ella · Rating 1 out of 5]

I disliked this immensely and I don’t think the author got anchoresses at all. Would recommend The Anchoress as a more historically informed look, and also Hildegard’s anchoritic context was substantially different than what’s being described here (as in Jutta’s anchorhold essentially became a nascent double monastic situation as more and more girls wound up in the space).

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The passages set in the 1300s were so much more interesting than the ones set in the modern era. Not just because the idea of an anchoress having a servant (of sorts) enclosed with them is kind of fascinating, or the way that Elinor seems to really be alive, and despite the increasingly obvious ending (and reason for Lady Adela's becoming an anchoress), but because Liz Pace feels more like a pastiche of adjunct professors and her intellectual focus is so fuzzy. Liz seems to be making leaps from her original focus on purgatory to anchoresses that are incredibly convenient for the purposes of the book - that part could have been done so much better.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.