A Day and a Life

The Hawk and the Dove #9

by Penelope Wilcock

The monastic rhythm of life at St Alcuins means that all is peaceful on the surface, but beneath there are strong currents as each monk contends with his own hopes, fears, challenges, and temptations. Not every monk is settled and secure. Sadness permeates the monastery when it is discovered early one morning that one of the novices, Brother Cedd, has disappeared. It quickly becomes clear that disturbance in the life of one can impact many. As the day goes on, the question looms: will Brother Cedd return? And what will be the consequences if he doesn't? In this moving conclusion to The Hawk and the Dove series, Pen Wilcock describes a single day in the life of the community weaving a deeply touching, frank, and witty tapestry of monastic life.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, British Literature, Medieval

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2016

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

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glorious, triumphant ending to the marvelous Hawk & the Dove series concerning the thirty-one monks of St. Alcuin's Benedictine Abbey, in 14th century Yorkshire. We follow a day in the life of the abbot, professed monks, novices and a postulant, seeing things through their eyes. We are exposed to their inner feelings: doubts and joys. We follow each as he fulfils his obedience for the day: from farm and garden chores, laundry, scriptorium and illumination of manuscripts, candle-making, to the all-important canonical hours from Lauds [service in the middle of the night] to Compline [evening prayer], as well as private prayer. We sit in on lessons for the novitiate and a choir rehearsal.

This gentle, often poignant work, with much Scriptural and pastoral advice I feel will become a spiritual classic one day. I think the author has ended on just the right note. Most highly recommended. I will miss these old friends. I thank LibraryThing for sending me an ARC.

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2elmevp

How fitting that the nine-volume Hawk & the Dove series, spanning many years of life in a 15th century Yorkshire monastery, should end with a novel detailing one day’s activity, a day that begins with the disappearance of Brother Cedd. These stories by Penelope Wilcock are like nothing I’ve read before, beautifully written and touching in their simplicity – and, contrary to what one might expect, extremely relevant for us today.

A Day and a Life helped me understand the monastic life, for all that is promised at St. Alcuin’s is Christ and the community. “He must own nothing, demand nothing, set aside his personal preferences, be content with what he is given.” That speaks to me as I reflect on how God owns everything and all that I’ve been given is to be held loosely, used to benefit others.

A Day and a Life is about community and how the struggles of one affect all. It gently explores what it truly means to bear one another’s burdens. Brother Cedd’s feelings of inadequacy and doubts about his calling become my own insecurities and questioning. Community is “human frailty in all its ordinariness stitched together with love.”

Most of all, A Day and a Life points me to Christ with its message that life is more than about self or even community. William advises Brother Cedd: “The point of any life is to encounter Jesus Christ, to walk with him as a friend, to open your heart up for him to dwell in.”

I love the way this gently-paced, poignant series reminds me over and over of how faith can be applied in daily life, always pointing to Jesus, the Lover of my Soul. These are stories that will be read again. I share in these closing by the author …

Now the abbey is wrapped in peace, withdrawn into Great Silence.
Good night. Go well. God be with you. Joy is there in the journeying. Keep the faith.

Highly recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Rod White · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, I was moved to see if Penelope Wilcock had written another book -- and there it was! This entry in the Hawk and Dove series has been around several years. It felt like a return to the first book, somehow, which I find wonderful. The routine of the monastery (a day) is unpacked to see what is going on behind the serene first impression. "Brother" William is the epitome of the struggle for wholeness and holiness and Postulant Colin is the greenhorn who sees it from a newcomer's eye. Brother Cedd's (a life) struggle with his view of self is the drama that weaves the bits together. I continue to admire and be moved by Wilcock's loving, faithful and pastoral point of view -- I may start over and read the whole series again! For some, beginning with the ninth book might be a stretch. There is a lot of history among the characters by now and the intricately-drawn pictures of monastic life and the Middle Ages may feel like one is at the museum reading display notes. But even if this were the only book you read of the series, the moments of self-discovery in grace would be worth the effort.

[S.C. Skillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another beautiful book about life in the medieval monastery of St Alcuin's. As the author describes a day in the life of the monastery, and all the relationships and characters of those who live there, not only do we enjoy her graceful lyrical descriptive writing but some wonderful spiritual insights about living in community, and practising gentleness, forbearance, humility and grace.

"Humbling yourself, apologising, giving way, speaking mildly, yielding your position - it's not even second nature, it's just hard." These words are spoken by a mentor to an errant monk.

Reading these books reminds you once again how, within medieval society, for their inhabitants, the monastery was everything, a whole world: care home, school, library, art studio, publisher, an HR Department, an Accounts office, a maintenance department, a catering department, a hospital a guesthouse, a church, a college, a charity for the poor, a choir school...

Throughout the book we find a penetrating examination of psychological states and interpersonal communication. I feel these books would be particularly enjoyed by those who, like myself, have loved Susan Howatch and her Starbridge and St Benet's series of novels.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The three books I have read from this series (the last three) have been so enjoyable, and I am so sad to find out that there will be no more. However, it means I also have six other books to read. The books I have read, especially this one, have opened my eyes to the reality of monastic life. This book has been an entire, detailed look into one day in the St. Alcuin's monastery, and each of the monks, as well as novitiates and postulants. It really brings out the humanity of each of the monks that we have been with as we have read the series.
Sometimes hilarious, sometimes sad, all times so human, each of these characters have been brought out past the robes they wear, while at the same time, the life inside the monastery is shown to not be as easy as people sometimes imagine. It can be just as frustrating and hard and stressful as life in the outside world, however, the way the monks have each brought their community together is inspiring.
I am truly sorry to see the end of this series.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sad that this series has finally come to an end! You'll want to start at book 1 and read all the way through to this one.

This last book is a bit different than the others, and doesn't read quite as smoothly, but it is still very good! Wilcock focuses on a single day in the life of the 14th century monastery, which is fascinating in itself. Then, she also focuses on the lives of two young men thinking through their monastic vocation. Again, there are deep and thought-provoking spiritual insights. I look forward to re-reading the whole series again!

[Eris Cardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, this is beautiful, thoughtful, and deeply passionate about community and Christ. At first I was unsure how much of a realistic plot she could work into a novel that spans only a day, but it works. It's a wonderful, slowed down glimpse into the details of the monastic life and the implications of one's actions when you live in such a close-knit community. I loved getting such intimate peeks into the lives of the characters. I love Colin and John and Francis and William...

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed reading all nine of these Hawk and Dove books. Each one being set in the St Alcuin’s monastery, Yorkshire in the mediaeval period. The books are good, readable novels but they also investigate, through the lives of the different Brothers, the hidden meanings of kindness, forgiveness, acceptance, humility, etc.etc.

[Ian Grantham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved every one of this series and grown somewhat attached to the characters of St. Alcuin’s. I shall miss them all.

The books have a warmth and honesty to them which makes them a pleasure to read. Kindness, joy and simplicity abound in these wonderful stories.

Any suggestions for a similar series most welcome.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Argh. The end of the series. What a beautiful story to finish with. The warmth in Pen's writing flows through the story, binding the characters together as we farewell them. So sorry that this is the last book. So very grateful for the journey of this series which has opened the simple dailiness and devotion of a completely foreign lifestyle to me. Loved it all.

[Kyleigh Dunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first five books in this series are some of my favorite fiction, but the last four books declined significantly. This one did not hold my attention; there was too much introspection and waxing eloquent without much tension and character development.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

This final book in the series is written in present tense, which seems the perfect finish. I didn't find it as compelling as the others, but if you've read the others, you'll enjoy this book's deft tying-together.

Satisfying. An excellent series which I'd recommend to anyone.

[tonia peckover · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Pen Wilcock's books on monastic life encourage me. She has such a gentle way with storytelling and she clearly understands humanity. This was a lovely end to the whole Hawk and Dove series.

[Steve Nation · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books has ministered to my soul in surprising ways. Never thought it’d be so powerful. But it is

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book about the ordinary, daily choices that make a faithful life. A day of ordinary thoughts and activities; choices that faithfully lived out day by day lead to a holy life.

[Andrew Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only regret about this book is that it's the last in the series - loved it!

[Paula M. Yerke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best series ever! I hope this isn't the end.

[Paula Yerke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best series ever. I hope it is not the end!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is amazing. It a story of relationship and human experience. The characters are relatable and even though it is set in history in a monastery, it is still so relatable.

[Nozi Khanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Fantastic book as always. I always learn so much about myself and God whenever I read these books. Definitely a must read.

[Marybeth Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Covered the gamut of the monks life in a monastery.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of the books in Penelope Wilcock’s The Hawk And The Dove series and am sad that the time visiting with the monks of St. Alcuin’s has come to an end. I actually missed 2 books in the series, so I can dive into those, but when I finish with them, I’ll have to reread. And this series is one that definitely begs a rereading. A Day And A Life, book 9, draws all the threads together from previous books and weaves a story of faithfulness and community. A perfect ending to a lovely series.

St. Alcuin’s is a monastery located in Yorkshire during the 15th century. Although though they have contact with the outside world through tenants, pilgrims and benefactors, the monks live a mostly contained life, a life dedicated to prayer, work and service to others. Through varying perspectives the life and lives of the monks are, well, brought to life :)! I loved that Wilcock explores not only the brothers’ outward actions, but their inward thoughts, thoughts that are funny, poignant and extremely human. From a lowly postulant, a novice, seasoned brothers, and the abbot, a picture of what it means to have true fellowship emerges. From the reaches of time comes a story that is more relevant for today’s Christian than may be first expected. The monks struggle with frustrations, self-centeredness, loneliness and fear of the future. An overarching theme of belonging to a larger family — the family of God — is woven throughout the book. There is also the theme of bearing with one another examplified with an amusing dinner scene.

Fans of The Hawk And The Dove series will be very pleased with this finale. If you haven’t read any of the books in this excellent series, you are in for a real treat. Start at the beginning and dig in!

Highly Recommended!

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[The Book Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start out this review by stating that I have never read any of the previous books, so for a bit of the book I was lost. However this has not impacted my review at all. I did find that after I finished the book it felt like it could be a stand alone.

I have always found that monks were very interesting. They are extremely devoted to their beliefs and practices, that is something that I admire. They are naturally called to this religion. It is obvious that the author Ms. Wilcock who is also fascinated with the monks and writes deeply and emotionally about the experiences about two monks that are eager to practiced their faith.

Like many people finding their faith they feel they do not measure up to the more experienced monks. Of course this causes them to question their calling and question everything they believe. Eventually they begin to work through this and overcome their fears about the abilities they have. They look deeply into themselves. The find their strengths and weaknesses over time.

The author takes us on a journey. The journey is one everyone must take at some point, she is showing us the regardless of who you are people are people. People are important no matter how small they are. Everybody has challenges.

There were three things I disliked about this book. Those are:

1. I didn't like who much of these story seemed stuck in details about the century the book was set in.

2. The wordiness in the book. It felt at times that things were explained could have been done in an easier and less complex way

3. The story was slow. There was so much detail and descriptiveness it weighted the book down.

Disclaimer: I received this book from Kregel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jill]

A Day and a Life is yet another thought-provoking glimpse at the sanctifying process of being a monk. Central to the story are two young brothers at St. Alcuin's monastery. Brother Cedd and Brother Colin are plagued with feelings of self doubt wondering if they will ever find the place that God has for them in the community.

Wilcock is a master storyteller, creating the most vivid and poignant images of daily monastic life. We often think of the cross we bear to be something huge like grappling with an illness, mourning the loss of a loved one, or facing persecution. But in A Day and a Life, the brothers learn instead that a cross may merely be learning how to tolerate and patiently withstand the quirky, petty differences among them that can wear on a man's nerves and drive him to distraction.

Only in learning to love and accept the unique weaknesses and frailties of others, can a man truly live in peace with Christ. Learning deep lessons alongside Wilcock's characters, the reader will be forced to examine their own life and appreciate the forbearance others show toward our own annoyances.

When you really think about it, how does God even tolerate us? Such a fickle, shallow, slow to learn people? I love the picture of Abbot John who has learned to love and encourage his novices as a result of the suffering he has experienced himself.

Escape to the medieval world of St. Alcuin's. How much our world could learn from the beautiful example of the Brothers in A Day and a Life.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of A Day and a Life from Kregel Publications for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.

[LeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novice is missing and Brother Theodore the novice master feels like he has lost something valuable. Penelope Wilcox’s A Day and a Life describes a single day at St. Alcuin’s Monastery and with it, fifteenth century monastic life. We move from kitchen to scriptorium to the barns and meadows, from the making of candles to the mending of tools, with details as vivid as a living history museum. We even get to sit in on a rehearsal of the “new” polyphonic music from France.

Brother Theodore is not the only one concerned about the wayward novice, and as we observe the monks at their prayers and their work, we glimpse their hearts and their struggles, so similar to our own. Readers of this conclusion to The Hawk and the Dove Series will enjoy one last visit with their old friends.

Translations of Latin and a few explanations appear in footnotes rather than interrupt the flow of the story. After all, the character would not be translating or explaining what feels so natural in his world. Embedded in the monks’ thoughts, prayers and conversations are little homilies. There is a glossary of terms, a timetable of the monastic day, and a liturgical calendar.

[I was sent a free electronic copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.]

[Narita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monks always seem so perfect and devoted to their beliefs and practices. As if they were naturally born to step into the role. Ms. Wilcock delves deeply into the emotions and experiences of 2 young men that believe they have received this calling. As they become more and more a part of the daily life of the monastery they feel they do not measure up to the older more experienced brothers. They begin to be overcome with uncertainties and misgivings about their ability to truly serve in this capacity.
As they observe and learn they see that all the brothers have faults and weaknesses and many of passed through the same doubts and troubles. The author shows that people are people with their own personalities and character flaws not matter who they are or what they do.
The descriptiveness and detail of the daily live in St.Alcuin’s is fascinating. No detail goes unnoticed. What I felt made it even more interesting was the setting of the story in the 15th century.
I did feel at times there was so much description that the story line was lost and bogged down. These sections were too wordy which made me have to push on to the next par.
A very interesting book.
I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

[Beth Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 9th and last novel in The Hawk and The Dove series. Wilcock did an excellent job of wrapping up the series by writing a book that reflects a day in the life of the 15th century monastery I've read so much about. There is a small bit of action, but the gentleness of the day reflected in the writing goes far in portraying what a real day must have been like. I know that there is no reason to have another book, that life will go on, there will be problems to handle, and their faith will prevail in the end.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and learn something about myself in each book. I have so much more to learn, that I wish she would write more.

[Susan Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happens when a novice priest disappears? That question is answered in this fast paced read. The story keeps the reader interested and is a good read.

[Adam Bricker · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at what it takes to run a monastery and the crises of faith that even the most devoted people can face.