Listening to the Music of the Soul: The Archbishop of York's Advent Book 2025

by Guli Francis-Dehqani

128 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Gilli Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was such a lot I loved in this - so much that resonated and spoke to me.

The only thing I was really disappointed in was the Bishop’s comments on Israel and Palestine. Despite her visits to the region and despite meeting with Palestinian Christians and Rabbis for Human Rights, she focuses almost entirely on the idea that what is needed to end the suffering is reconciliation - “a willingness to imagine life from other’s perspective”. Imagine if this had been said about the way to resolve the suffering caused by apartheid in South Africa.?! She writes that she wants to “speak out a little more for peace with justice” and yet fails to name the systemic and structural injustices that exist in the region - notably failing to name the illegal Israeli Occupation of the Palestinian Territories…very disappointing.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading through this advent devotional. It kept me thinking and reflecting and adding the music to each chapter meant it felt fresh. I read two chapters a week which was manageable and felt easier than having a daily devotional. The books, poems, music and podcasts she recommends throughout are also really cool and I followed up a few

[Kingsley Layton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting in parts, but it talks more of the author than of Advent.

[Ruthcreates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful thought provoking chapters, I need to read it again!