Dorothy L. Sayers: A Pilgrim Soul

by Nancy M. Tischler

Genres: Biography

167 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography of Dorothy L. Sayers by Nancy M. Tischler is ultimately a scholarly work. Tischler is a unique biographer in that she first met Sayers through her translation of "The Song of Roland" rather than through her popular fiction. COnsequently, Tischler has a much better appreciaton for Sayers' Christian writings, which she conveys convincingly to the reader. Tischler draws a parallel between Sayers' life and the journey of the religious pilgrim as described in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.

Tischler skips over the early years (detailed by other biographers) and begins her account when Sayers is 27 years old. Tischler provides a much deeper interpretation and critique of Sayers' work than her predecessors, and provides insight into her religious plays and translations. It was a mental stretch for someone with limited Christian knowledge to follow some of the arguments and sometimes Tischler lays it on thick trying to align Sayers' milestones and actions to that of holy pilgramage, but this was well worthwhile.

I have read 4 biographies of Dorothy L. Sayers to date:
Hitchman (1975) - Such a Strange Lady A biography of Dorothy L. Sayers
Dale (1978) - Maker and Craftsman
Hone (1979) - Dorothy L. Sayers: A literary biography
Tischler (1980) - Dorothy L. Sayers: A pilgrim soul

I'd recommend Hitchman (1975) for an easy-to-read overview, Hone (1979) as an overview for the more conscientious (and those who want pictures), and Tischler (1980) for details of Sayers' religious work.

[Jen H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Gave me a clear insight into the woman behind the stories. She was intelligent. She was complex. She was nothing special to look at. And her heart was set on pilgrimage. I couldn't help feeling as I read that I had found a kindred spirit, and my only regret now that the book is done, is that I shan't be able to "converse" with her again until I crack open either another of her works or a book of her biographical information.

Sayers was, and continues to be, the quintessential example for Christian women in the modern world. In spite of walking a lonely path, she didn't cave to the feminists who would love to have had her in their corner. She sinned and sometimes grievously. But she persevered. To the end. And in the end, in spite of her failures and her frailty, she brought God glory simply by using the gifts God had given her in an excellent manner.

Loved the book. Loved the woman of the book. Love the God she sought to honor.