This Brother of Yours

The Hawk and the Dove 2 #1

by Penelope Wilcock

William de Bulmer is, once again, at the outer limits of his strength.

Back among the monks of St Alcuins Abbey, frail and damaged, he appreciates their understated friendship. But even men of religion, schooled to obedience, have their limits, and William can be both sharp and dangerous. Invited to serve in the infirmary, how will this fastidious, prickly man cope with the old, sick and incontinent? Can Brother Michael, the infirmarian, find the insights to reach his awkward new colleague?

Then there is Abbot John, both William’s friend and his superior, oppressed by paperwork and weighed down by the cares of office. Where will he find the time, let alone patience, to offer counsel and warmth to this least comfortable of men?

This is a novel about healing, in every sense: what happens after the prodigal son comes home, in the parable’s untold second chapter, when everyone shuffles up to make room – and, to his delight, the other son gets a break.

This Brother of Yours is the first volume in the second series of The Hawk and the Dove novels. Chronologically it follows on from A Day and a Life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2022

About the author

Penelope (Pen) Wilcock is the author of over twenty books, including The Hawk & the Dove Series 1 (9 volumes), and The Hawk & the Dove Series 2.
Having got back the publishing rights to her books, she and her husband Tony Collins have now republished them under their own imprint Humilis Hastings on the Amazon publishing platform. Pen Wilcock shares the profits from all her Humilis Hastings sales with a community of Carthusian monks in Sussex where she lives.
She has been a Methodist minister and has worked as a hospice and school chaplain.

Reviews

[Rachel Seabrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

Having read the first nine books of volume 1 I was so excited to see a new one had come out. I loved the first volume and the monks are never far from my mind. This book continues in that same way. I feel totally back at home in the monastery with the brothers o have grown to know and love. This book is beautifully written and digs deeply into William’s life and troubles and his journey of healing. This book is balm for the soul.

[John Pannell]

Utter delight that this series continues

I love this whole series so much and This Brother of Yours is a worthy addition to the series. Such beautiful writing with a great number of deep spiritual insights on the conversations held between the brothers. I'm so overjoyed that Penelope Wilcock is carrying on the series.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first became acquainted with the Hawk & the Dove when the first book came out in 1990. I read the first 3 in the series around that time, and then about 10 years ago found out Wilcock had written more, so read those. I was thrilled to find out she's written more, and got to read this one. You can read them individually, but it is much more meaningful if you can start way back at the beginning and get to know St Alcuin's and the Benedictine brothers there through the whole series. Father William in this book has appeared in many of the others before, and it is helpful to have read the back story.

After reading a lot of intense books recently, this book was so rich and soul-nourishing. The emphasis on healing every part of a person - body, mind and spirit - is thought-provoking and helpful. Reading about these fictional characters from the past is so applicable to my life today. Take your time and savor every chapter.

[Karen Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been reading the Hawk and Dove books one after another, as anyone can see by looking at my Goodreads. I was curious to see how series two would be. This volume had many qualities that I really appreciated in the prior books and I love the way the author gives us windows into the various monks’ journeys in grace. I appreciate the way their individuality and humanity are expressed—what they like (or don’t like) to do, how they deal with personality clashes, the way they choose love and kindness, and the challenges in seeking to be obedient to Christ and the Rule. It is a wonderful cast of characters. I know the theme of healing is a big one with this author. But in this volume, for me at least, there was way too much about enemas. I can understand a passing reference—or even the initial mention and William’s reaction and how that played out. But it came up over and over and, for me, it was not a plus to spend as much time and ink as she does on this practice and the logic behind (no pun intended) it.

[Eris Cardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review contains spoilers for previous books in the series. ;)

I didn't like this as much as the others, but it's still good, still beautiful, still a demonstration of how sinful humans can live together in Christ's love. It's fascinating to see how far William has come, although I'm not sure how I feel about bringing him back to the monastery again. I wanted him to have a long, happy middle-age with Madeleine. (Also...I thought we had been given clues that Madeleine was pregnant.) There were also one or two minor things that felt inconsistent with the rest of the series, and the present tense threw me off at times. But still, as I said, this is beautiful. Christ shines through, and the characters are strong and engaging. I love Michael, and I'm glad to see him more in this book.

[Linda Bellig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for continuing the stories.

I loved Series one and rejoice to continue reading about these complex men and their spiritual growth. The monastic life seems hard, yet simple. As a retired nurse I feel somewhat at home in reading about Father Toms ideas of health.

[Br. Jeffery · Rating 5 out of 5]

does it again

Ms Wilcox has done it again. Brought together love, friendship and community living.
This is a series that you want to read
Looking forward to the next book

[Andrew Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

As absorbing & poignant as the first 9 books.
The joy of the return of old friends & the sadness of loss grabs throughout the narrative.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to see another book published in the Hawk and Dove series. My all time favorite books which I have re-read 6-7 times. This new book does not disappoint with its continuation of the story of the abbey and its monks. A lovely read. I'm so glad to add it to my bookshelf.