Dearest Sister Wendy . . . A Surprising Story of Faith and Friendship

by Wendy Beckett, Robert Ellsberg

This book is based on several hundred letters, exchanged on an almost daily basis, during the last three years of Sister Wendy’s life. Initially they dealt with lives of saints, the meaning of holiness, and the spiritual life, but they soon expanded into a deep and intimate exchange that encompassed our whole lives, the subject of love, suffering, joy, and the presence of grace in everyday life. For Sister Wendy—by calling and temperament, a hermit—this involved an expansion of her spiritual and emotional horizons that prepared her for her final days.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

486 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2022

About the author

Sister Wendy Beckett was a South African-born British art expert, Roman Catholic nun, and contemplative hermit who became an unlikely celebrity during the 1990s, presenting a series of acclaimed art history documentaries for the BBC.

Reviews

[Cecilia Cicone · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the book, I can’t shake the sense that it was an intrusion on the life of a sister who wished to live a quiet hermetical life

[Mary Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their letters were insightful, personal and a joy to read. They opened to me many insights on people of the faith like Merton and Fr.Nouwen and so many others with their discussions . Their correspondence also revealed their own reflections on faith which gave me many introspection on my own faith journey. Also surprising was Sister commentaries on current events at the time that seem to be right on the mark for a nun who was living the life of a hermit

[Susan Gemperline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took a long time for me to read because every letter written between Robert Ellsberg and Sister Wendy led to deep reflection and inspiration, whether the topic was about art, or the everyday extraordinary presence of God working in their lives. Besides the two of them, one senses in these letters the holy presence of all those everyday "saints" who touched their lives. The book "speaks" of the love of God on every page.

[Beatrice Gormley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the 1990s, PBS aired a BBC series, Sister Wendy's Odyssey. At first, I thought it must be a put-on--a little nun in a black habit walking through an art museum, commenting on famous paintings? Then I realized that Sister Wendy, an actual Carmelite hermit, was also an actual art expert with a talent for sharing her ideas about world masterpieces. Her insight and compassion were addictive, and I watched every episode.

Thirty years later, I was delighted to open Dearest Sister Wendy, the collected letters between Sister Wendy Beckett, from her monastery in England, and Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books, in Maryknoll, NY. They began by corresponding about books, including the ones he edited, the ones she wrote, and the ones he wrote. But during the last three years of her life, they became "Dearest Sister Wendy" and "Dearest Robert." They still wrote each other about books, but now they also shared their private lives, dark times as well as joy. The story of their journey into mutual trust and love is deeply moving.

After reading a short way into Dearest Sister Wendy, I kept this book on the table by my bed. Every night I read several letters before falling asleep peacefully.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compilation of letters between journalist/activist Robert Ellsberg and British cntmpative nun, Sister Wendy Beckett is a moving journey of spiritual and human ideas.. The sharing of ideas, hopes, dreams and disappointments of two very different people helps the readers consider his/her own ideas about self and God.

[Penelope Marzec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed all of Sister Wendy's series on art, so my daughter gave me this book for Christmas. Sister Wendy's view of life and God was compassionate and loving. I found her gentle responses to Robert Ellsberg's letters tender and thoughtful. Truly a wonderful book.

[Paul Vogelzang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for this time of year! I enjoyed my interview with author and Sister Wendy friend, Robert Ellsberg. Loved the book!