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The Girls' Book of Priesthood
July 2016. Bright, sparky and raring to go, Margot Goodwin arrives as the new curate at St Mark's, Highbury. She's one part exhilarated, ten parts terrified. This is the most important twelve months of her life. Success would mean becoming a fully-fledged priest a year from now, something she feels profoundly called to do. Failure would not only prove her father right, but also delight all the antis who consider woman priests an abomination. Can she convince everyone herself included - that she's more than a five foot eight blonde with a PhD and a penchant for Max Factor's Mulberry Lipfinity and a good glass of wine?
- GenresFiction
324 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2018
3 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 15 reviews
May 16, 2018
Well some people get real pleasure in being able to turn round and say ‘I told you so’. It isn’t that someone has failed in attempting something that makes my blood boil, it is the smug way in which someone else delights in it. So newly appointed curate Margot Goodwin knows that she will have to tread very carefully, if she is going to get through her year at St. Mark’s Highbury, to then become a priest at the end of it. Although we think of ourselves as living in a modern society where everyone is equal, even in the eyes of God, there are some people who strongly believe that tradition should surpass progress. In fact, the little woman should know her place, especially in the church, seeing to cleaning duties, coffee mornings and arranging the church flowers! Leaving the preaching and pastoral needs to the vicar, male of course.
I really liked Margot from the very beginning, she is very dedicated to the profession that she feels has chosen her but she is also a full-blooded woman too. Everything possible is thrown at Margot from a very dysfunctional family that she boards with, to a relationship that could end in her leaving not only the community but also her vocation for good. The humour is always there, from cringe-able moments to real laugh out loud times that I just couldn’t hold in.
It makes you see the clergy, male and female in a different light because they are flesh and blood with needs and wants too. Everything is stripped back with Margot because she isn’t the judge of these people she is like them, they just don’t know it. This is a real super story that puts points over in a very subtle way. Very entertaining with an impressionable character that you just have to root for!
I really liked Margot from the very beginning, she is very dedicated to the profession that she feels has chosen her but she is also a full-blooded woman too. Everything possible is thrown at Margot from a very dysfunctional family that she boards with, to a relationship that could end in her leaving not only the community but also her vocation for good. The humour is always there, from cringe-able moments to real laugh out loud times that I just couldn’t hold in.
It makes you see the clergy, male and female in a different light because they are flesh and blood with needs and wants too. Everything is stripped back with Margot because she isn’t the judge of these people she is like them, they just don’t know it. This is a real super story that puts points over in a very subtle way. Very entertaining with an impressionable character that you just have to root for!
May 16, 2018
Having been a member of a few different churches over the years, this was a very enjoyable read indeed. It really did feel like the curtain had been drawn back on the Anglican Church, that I was seeing the private lives, (warts and all), of church leaders and their faithful parishioners.
I liked Margot and was on her side right from the first page. I loved that she didn’t have all the answers about life and faith, that she wasn’t arrogant, like some church leaders definitely can be. I could almost feel her holding her breath as she got closer and closer to the big day, not knowing if she would be accepted or if someone would disapprove of her in some way and stop it from happening.
She had to deal with some very interesting characters, some lovely and some incredibly toxic. I really admired the way she handled them with grace and love, especially when she didn’t feel like it.
I definitely recommend this if you looking for something a bit different in the contemporary fiction genre.
I liked Margot and was on her side right from the first page. I loved that she didn’t have all the answers about life and faith, that she wasn’t arrogant, like some church leaders definitely can be. I could almost feel her holding her breath as she got closer and closer to the big day, not knowing if she would be accepted or if someone would disapprove of her in some way and stop it from happening.
She had to deal with some very interesting characters, some lovely and some incredibly toxic. I really admired the way she handled them with grace and love, especially when she didn’t feel like it.
I definitely recommend this if you looking for something a bit different in the contemporary fiction genre.
November 12, 2018
A fascinating subject and a great concept for a novel. The prose dazzles throughout, and the moments of wit are brilliant. However, at times it veers into romcom territory, and the villains come across as rather pantomimey.
May 18, 2018
The Girl’s Book of Priesthood is Louise Rowland’s debut novel and its release date was to coincide with the anniversary of women’s ordination in March. In the book, we follow Margot Goodwin over the course of 12 months as she tried to integrate into the community as her role as a priest.
The premise of the book really spoke to me and I hadn’ really thought about all the complications and stress of such a powerful demanding role. Also, the reality that yes, there is a person behind the collar, with feelings and a life of their own, albeit dominated by their faith and their pledge to god.
A real insight although fictitious it still was an extremely thought-provoking read. Margot faces adversity and struggles throughout the 12 months. The book is threaded with humour too. Margot Goodwin is such a likeable and lovable character. One whom I would invite to my virtual fictitious character dinner party.
An encouraging read that made me change the way I look and think about people in important roles.
A beautifully written debut that opens you up to a whole new world and has you reflecting on your own actions and thoughts.
The premise of the book really spoke to me and I hadn’ really thought about all the complications and stress of such a powerful demanding role. Also, the reality that yes, there is a person behind the collar, with feelings and a life of their own, albeit dominated by their faith and their pledge to god.
A real insight although fictitious it still was an extremely thought-provoking read. Margot faces adversity and struggles throughout the 12 months. The book is threaded with humour too. Margot Goodwin is such a likeable and lovable character. One whom I would invite to my virtual fictitious character dinner party.
An encouraging read that made me change the way I look and think about people in important roles.
A beautifully written debut that opens you up to a whole new world and has you reflecting on your own actions and thoughts.
Read
February 24, 2020I had high hopes for this book. It promised a fun new twist on the time-worn fish out of water scenario, and much as I'm not personally inclined toward organized religion, I have a certain fascination with those who pursue clergy and chaplaincy positions.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and its complicated protagonist. The contrast between high ideals of vocation and the day-to-day drudgery of priesthood was compelling, and I appreciated the subplots and comic relief. The ending was happy, which is usually a bonus.
Something--my head space, a certain shallowness in the narrative, a pacing that felt a little rushed--kept me from responding emotionally in the way I expected. I found a good story here, and a few fun characters worth remembering, but there was no spark, no moment that made me pause and relish what I was reading. I got through the book quickly, and I'm ready to move on to another.
So, if you're interested in priesthood, and/or the daily realities of running a church, you'll probably enjoy this. If you're hoping for more than that, you might be better off seeking it elsewhere.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and its complicated protagonist. The contrast between high ideals of vocation and the day-to-day drudgery of priesthood was compelling, and I appreciated the subplots and comic relief. The ending was happy, which is usually a bonus.
Something--my head space, a certain shallowness in the narrative, a pacing that felt a little rushed--kept me from responding emotionally in the way I expected. I found a good story here, and a few fun characters worth remembering, but there was no spark, no moment that made me pause and relish what I was reading. I got through the book quickly, and I'm ready to move on to another.
So, if you're interested in priesthood, and/or the daily realities of running a church, you'll probably enjoy this. If you're hoping for more than that, you might be better off seeking it elsewhere.
May 10, 2018
Although it may be a blasé and sweeping stereotypical statement – the role of women as the listener, the advice-giver and the problem-solver, is one that has always been attributed to our gender. Perhaps unwillingly when it comes to the same traits in leadership roles, and it is most certainly met with distrust in the role of leadership as it relates to religion and faith.
Revered in the role as the nun, the subservient celibate mistress of the faith and married to God, but regarded as too emotional, not level-headed enough and well let’s just say way too female to lead a flock to their salvation. Always in the supporting role and never in role of the hand of God.
At times I felt this was more about the way society perceives women in general, than just the adjustment and acknowledgement of women in priesthood.
Adding to that particular sentiment is the attitude of her friend Clarissa, who seems to be trying to squeeze Margot into the role society expects her to inhabit, instead of supporting her attempt to win over the patriarchal religious institution and the attitude of both the members of her church, her family and the leaders of said institution.
What resonated with me was the notion that the flock believes the priest belongs to them in some way. A special in-the-flesh messenger straight to God, which automatically means they can infringe on privacy and try to dictate attitudes, clothes and behaviour. Perhaps more so when the vicar/priest is a woman. They forget the person is doing a job and because faith is all encompassing and a 24/7 job, it leaves no room for self-thought or even just the occasional stint as a free person.
I think perhaps the expectation of this book is one of a preachy heavy-handed attempt to look at our existent or non-existent relationships with faith, and the difficulty society has in accepting women as leaders of faith and religion. The latter is true, but Rowland is clear on the notion that this isn’t in any way supposed to be a book about Christians or Christianity, and it isn’t.
It is a story of a woman trying to combine her career choice, and the opposition she faces in a job made-up by men, ruled by men and where the rules are set in stone by men. At the same time she is a normal woman, who wants to have a relationship within the confines of those strict rules, and is trying to navigate the difficult stormy waters of her own emotions and the expectations of her family.
In a way it reads like a sleuth come rom-com with a hefty portion emotional turmoil and political side-stepping thrown in for free, and let’s not forget the sanctimonious attitude of the church towards enlightenment and progression. Just as DNA changes and evolves to withstand and survive environmental changes, so must society and the people within it.
This book has a title, which may steer readers away from what is an entertaining, realistic and honest approach to what is simply a woman doing a job, which is ‘owned’ by men. Leaving aside faith and religion for a minute, this could apply to any career considered to be a purely man’s domain.
Rowland surprised me with this subtle and realistic portrayal of Margot. It has the charm of Father Brown combined with a contemporary voice. It is also a reminder of humanity, of simplicity and of kindness, and yet it is also a wake-up call to chisel away at the archaic systems still at the helm of our ships. It’s time for diversity and equality to infiltrate the crumblings walls of years of patriarchal oppression and automated obedience.
*I received a copy courtesy of the publisher and author*
Revered in the role as the nun, the subservient celibate mistress of the faith and married to God, but regarded as too emotional, not level-headed enough and well let’s just say way too female to lead a flock to their salvation. Always in the supporting role and never in role of the hand of God.
At times I felt this was more about the way society perceives women in general, than just the adjustment and acknowledgement of women in priesthood.
Adding to that particular sentiment is the attitude of her friend Clarissa, who seems to be trying to squeeze Margot into the role society expects her to inhabit, instead of supporting her attempt to win over the patriarchal religious institution and the attitude of both the members of her church, her family and the leaders of said institution.
What resonated with me was the notion that the flock believes the priest belongs to them in some way. A special in-the-flesh messenger straight to God, which automatically means they can infringe on privacy and try to dictate attitudes, clothes and behaviour. Perhaps more so when the vicar/priest is a woman. They forget the person is doing a job and because faith is all encompassing and a 24/7 job, it leaves no room for self-thought or even just the occasional stint as a free person.
I think perhaps the expectation of this book is one of a preachy heavy-handed attempt to look at our existent or non-existent relationships with faith, and the difficulty society has in accepting women as leaders of faith and religion. The latter is true, but Rowland is clear on the notion that this isn’t in any way supposed to be a book about Christians or Christianity, and it isn’t.
It is a story of a woman trying to combine her career choice, and the opposition she faces in a job made-up by men, ruled by men and where the rules are set in stone by men. At the same time she is a normal woman, who wants to have a relationship within the confines of those strict rules, and is trying to navigate the difficult stormy waters of her own emotions and the expectations of her family.
In a way it reads like a sleuth come rom-com with a hefty portion emotional turmoil and political side-stepping thrown in for free, and let’s not forget the sanctimonious attitude of the church towards enlightenment and progression. Just as DNA changes and evolves to withstand and survive environmental changes, so must society and the people within it.
This book has a title, which may steer readers away from what is an entertaining, realistic and honest approach to what is simply a woman doing a job, which is ‘owned’ by men. Leaving aside faith and religion for a minute, this could apply to any career considered to be a purely man’s domain.
Rowland surprised me with this subtle and realistic portrayal of Margot. It has the charm of Father Brown combined with a contemporary voice. It is also a reminder of humanity, of simplicity and of kindness, and yet it is also a wake-up call to chisel away at the archaic systems still at the helm of our ships. It’s time for diversity and equality to infiltrate the crumblings walls of years of patriarchal oppression and automated obedience.
*I received a copy courtesy of the publisher and author*
May 13, 2018
The girl’s book of priesthood is a great read. Margot’s bumpy first year "in the fire line" in St Mark's parish on her way to becoming a full-fledged priest is engaging, funny and interesting. While she sets her first steps in the Church of England Margot has to deal with a mysogenic colleague, moves in with a dysfunctional family, needs to manage her somewhat intrusive best friend and meets the love of her life. And those are only the main story lines. That’s quite some material to handle but the book keeps a light touch, dialogues are sparkling and witty and the story flows really well. And sometimes the lighthearted tone gives way to more serious, still moments and really beautiful writing. The book gives interesting insights into the Church of England and is well researched but you don’t need to be particularly interested in the inners workings of the church to recognise some of the (professional) challenges Margot is facing, as a young woman in a male dominated environment. The girl’s book of priesthood is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good entertaining story which touches upon serious and relevant topics with a lot of sensitivity but also with a strong dose of humour.
May 3, 2018
The Girls' Book of Priesthood is a feel-good story... even for non-believers.
Despite the title, the book is not a guide on how to become a female priest. Although, if you were going to become one, let's hope you're like Margot Goodwin, the story's protagonist, rather than a lot of the religious bores and zealots you typically see on The Big Questions on a Sunday morning. Margot is non-preachy, and like many of the other colourful characters in this book, she is also very human. I was quickly swept up into her world (there are certainly worse places than the leafy Highbury, of North London) and could have quite easily stayed a little longer. After all, that Felix Porter is rather sexy.
I will be recommending this one to my friends and family. It's a fun but thoughtful ride.
Despite the title, the book is not a guide on how to become a female priest. Although, if you were going to become one, let's hope you're like Margot Goodwin, the story's protagonist, rather than a lot of the religious bores and zealots you typically see on The Big Questions on a Sunday morning. Margot is non-preachy, and like many of the other colourful characters in this book, she is also very human. I was quickly swept up into her world (there are certainly worse places than the leafy Highbury, of North London) and could have quite easily stayed a little longer. After all, that Felix Porter is rather sexy.
I will be recommending this one to my friends and family. It's a fun but thoughtful ride.
May 5, 2018
I’m not religious, nor am I a girl... but I loved reading this book!
The main character Margot is flawed but totally lovable and you want to know more about her from the first paragraph. Beautifully written, Louise paints a respectful yet down-to-earth picture of the inner workings of church doings, peppering it with brilliant and funny characters. Her clever use of language made me chuckle, kept me on the edge of my seat and even my eyes a bit watery at times!
You know when you read a book and feel like you have a whole new bunch of friends?... well... that.
Sadly I’ve finished but have this urge to call up Margot and invite her out for a glass of wine and a chinwag. Give this novel a go, it’s a good one.
The main character Margot is flawed but totally lovable and you want to know more about her from the first paragraph. Beautifully written, Louise paints a respectful yet down-to-earth picture of the inner workings of church doings, peppering it with brilliant and funny characters. Her clever use of language made me chuckle, kept me on the edge of my seat and even my eyes a bit watery at times!
You know when you read a book and feel like you have a whole new bunch of friends?... well... that.
Sadly I’ve finished but have this urge to call up Margot and invite her out for a glass of wine and a chinwag. Give this novel a go, it’s a good one.
July 2, 2018
This is a sensitive, witty portrayal of a trainee priest who begins her year as a deacon only to suffer the sexism that is still common, not only in the Church of England hierarchy but also in her congregation. A perceptive first novel by an author who doesn't duck the spiritual issues that are inherent in the story. My one quibble would be the sometimes cruel stereotypes (often gendered) who lurk in the congregation of her chosen parish in north London. Readers may leave the novel confirmed in their prejudices that only small-minded, lonely, odd people sit in the pews.
May 21, 2023
As someone who spent my formative years in the church, I wanted to like this. However there were gaps in the writing that annoyed me, ie she threw the phone across the room but the next paragraph has her speaking on it with no description of it ringing or her picking it up off the floor! While Margot herself was quite an appealing character some of the supporting cast were caricatures, and the ending seemed a bit of a cop out. Did she learn anything? Did we? Hmmmm.
April 4, 2018
An illuminating and humorous story of a female candidate for ordination. She is thrown into a London parish community to flourish or flounder and faces temptation, emotional turmoil, pressure from parishioners and angst from her wacky family. The character of Margot is well developed and complex. It’s funny, sassy, topical and well researched.
January 30, 2025
The Girls' Book of Priesthood follows Reverend Margot Goodwin during the year before she is ordained as a fully-fledged priest. Sure of her faith and her calling, what she's not quite so sure of is her curacy of St Mark's, Highbury and her ability to deal with nay-sayers - those who believe women shouldn't be allowed to become priests, the overbearing parishioners, and not to mention her growing attraction to someone who is far from ideal. It's fair to say that Margot has her crosses to bear and the question all the way through is whether she will make it to priesthood.
I really enjoyed reading this book and was rooting for Margot all the way along, even if I did quite often want to shake her and tell her to stand up for herself more. The way she was treated sometimes made me want to scream but maybe Margot's real skill was her steadfast desire to placate and not to rock the boat. Month by month I witnessed the highs and lows of Margot's life inside and outside of the church. I particularly loved what turned out to be the love story strand of the story, but I also enjoyed following her along her journey towards priesthood which felt authentic and well-researched.
This was Louise Rowland's debut novel and it doesn't seem as though there has been a follow-up but I'd definitely read more from her. I can't help wondering about Margot too - does she get her happy after ever? What is life like for her when she takes on a parish of her own? There's so much scope there and I'd love to know what happens next.
I really enjoyed reading this book and was rooting for Margot all the way along, even if I did quite often want to shake her and tell her to stand up for herself more. The way she was treated sometimes made me want to scream but maybe Margot's real skill was her steadfast desire to placate and not to rock the boat. Month by month I witnessed the highs and lows of Margot's life inside and outside of the church. I particularly loved what turned out to be the love story strand of the story, but I also enjoyed following her along her journey towards priesthood which felt authentic and well-researched.
This was Louise Rowland's debut novel and it doesn't seem as though there has been a follow-up but I'd definitely read more from her. I can't help wondering about Margot too - does she get her happy after ever? What is life like for her when she takes on a parish of her own? There's so much scope there and I'd love to know what happens next.
May 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this hilarious and fascinating insight into life as a woman priest.
I’ve never really thought about what being a priest would entail but after reading this I imagine it’s similar to being a celebrity. Everyone knows you so there is little room for mistakes and plenty of chances to be waylaid by one of your congregation who expect you to be free to talk at all hours. It must be quite an all consuming career to choose and one that you don’t get much respite from.
The book brings up some interesting points regarding region. It was fascinating to me to find out what religion means to other people, the prejudices and discriminations people can have against a religious figure. I can imagine this would lead to many discussions in book groups. I did feel sorry for Margot in some situations as i felt that even if she was a member of the church, she was still just trying to help.
Margot was a brilliant main character that you couldn’t help but love. She’s so quirky and awkward that you automatically want to protect her and want things to go well for her. She seemed such a real character which helped add to the story as you wondered if this could have actually happened to someone. Indeed the book has a kind of memoir feel to it in the style it is written in and the fly on the wall view it gives the reader about Margot’s life.
This is Louise Rowland’s first book and I really look forward to her next one. I am hoping for more from Margot but I do know if that will be possible.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and for sending me a copy of the book.
I’ve never really thought about what being a priest would entail but after reading this I imagine it’s similar to being a celebrity. Everyone knows you so there is little room for mistakes and plenty of chances to be waylaid by one of your congregation who expect you to be free to talk at all hours. It must be quite an all consuming career to choose and one that you don’t get much respite from.
The book brings up some interesting points regarding region. It was fascinating to me to find out what religion means to other people, the prejudices and discriminations people can have against a religious figure. I can imagine this would lead to many discussions in book groups. I did feel sorry for Margot in some situations as i felt that even if she was a member of the church, she was still just trying to help.
Margot was a brilliant main character that you couldn’t help but love. She’s so quirky and awkward that you automatically want to protect her and want things to go well for her. She seemed such a real character which helped add to the story as you wondered if this could have actually happened to someone. Indeed the book has a kind of memoir feel to it in the style it is written in and the fly on the wall view it gives the reader about Margot’s life.
This is Louise Rowland’s first book and I really look forward to her next one. I am hoping for more from Margot but I do know if that will be possible.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and for sending me a copy of the book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 15 reviews