Journal de Raïssa

by Raïssa Maritain

The Journal of Raïssa Maritain, composed of the sundry diaries, notes, and fragments of Raïssa Maritain’s substantial bibliography, tells the story of a soul in love with God. Compiled by her husband Jacques, these writings bear witness to the depth of Raïssa’s spiritual experiences, the warmth of her embrace for the contemplative life and silent prayer, the sweeping expanse of her intellectual powers, the sheer breadth of her sufferings, and, above all else, her willingness to undergo the “martyrdom of the heart,” offering to God a total gift of self. For readers already familiar with Raïssa Maritain, especially through her poetry, the Journal is an occasion to remember with renewed vigor truths already known; for the new reader, it is an illuminating introduction to one of the great mystics of the twentieth century.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1974

Reviews

[Jamal Lyksett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible Soul!

Raissa Maritain speaks intimately about the work of union with God in the busy life of a social intellectual. Jacques Maritain's edits and comments give additional life to this incredible journal and notes.

[Rory Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raissa Maritain was an extremely intelligent woman who could undoubtedly have had an academic career in her own right. However, plagued with recurrent illnesses and subject to early twentieth century society’s expectations of a wife, she ended up editing and supporting the academic career of her husband, Jacques Maritain.

Her diaries (and poetry) show an intensely spiritual woman. Beginning as a Jew she went through a period of suicidal nihilism before coming to her Catholic faith in 1904. It seems that the final step was an episode of illness from which she believed that she was cured when a “miraculous medal” was placed around her neck.

The diaries are not always easy to read as they are fragments of her life. The author wasn’t a habitual or consistent diarist. So, the entries are almost haphazard and it is not always easy to see how they relate to each other. However, the book does contain footnotes and supporting materials which provide helpful explanations.

The author’s illnesses and spiritual trials profoundly mark her spirituality. The diary is reminiscent of the style and content of St Therese of Lisieux. This is probably not coincidental, but there is no sense of copying or imitation. The voice sounds authentic as Raissa works her way through to the realisation of contemplative spirituality. Her insights are cited approvingly in her husband's works and her poetry often appears in collections of spiritual poetry. As a result of her life and popularity both she and her husband have a case being prepared recommending them for Beatification.

I found the diary thought provoking and moving and I could imagine this as an excellent book for someone to take on retreat or read as a basis for further meditation. However, the book does reflect elements of a specific type of neo-Theresan style spirituality. Readers who do not find that style conducive may not appreciate this particular book.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should you study Raissa Maritain? If you're interested in what a person is like who is responsive to God, "sympathetically vibrating", as it were, someone (philosophical and a good poet, no less) whose priority was to simply be absorbed in love of God, then it's worth reading this and if you have the time, her memoirs as well. It's worth it if you want to "get to know" her. You have to get her whole life, and some of it will be a slow read. If you could only read the Journal (which is basically a eulogy), I guess I would give the whole experience 4 stars, because the memoirs help show her more completely, in how she interacted with people, and they help give context for some of the more external events recorded in the Journal.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wife of Jacques Maritain, and a little known mystic. Rare book and worth reading.