For all those who read The Name of the Rose when it was new and adored it beyond measure, I now see that we were eavesdroppers. The book was written for Hilary. The rest of us created the demand that kept it on bookshelves so she, just she, could find it. What a moving essay and a celebration of the marvel of books!
Not to diminish the others, but this is by far the best piece on this Substack since it started. I am awed.
Not only because I loved the book myself, not only because I also have a fascination with the world of medieval Christianity, and not only because I consider the pursuit of wisdom the most worthwhile goal of my life.
I am in awe seeing this perfect weight of the writing, the perfect balance of full and tight.
When Hilary first submitted it she offered to cut some of the words down because technically it’s over the word limit, but I told not to. It’s so brilliantly written I wouldn’t dare cut any of it.
Sep 28, 2023·edited Sep 28, 2023Liked by M. E. Rothwell, Hilary Layne
Wow, what a gorgeously written and interesting story. I am a life-long practicing Catholic and we recently moved to a place where there are a surprising number of religious groups that claim to be Catholic, but have simultaneously rejected certain fundamental aspects of the faith in order to adhere to an incredibly rigid, stiff, "medieval" interpretation of it, attaching a legalistic obligation of dogma to things that were only ever meant to be optional expressions of love and devotion. Very much like what you described. It is truly cult-like and the people who have made their way out of those communities and back to the Church itself would probably tell stories very similar to yours. It is so interesting how there is a touting of "this is the truth" and yet, when you are a part of those communities you can feel the tangible lack of love. It's such a grace that you were able to extract yourself from it.
It’s quite interesting because even a light study of the medieval period would illustrate how bonkers a lot of their beliefs were 😂😂 Even just their artwork is so off the rails! Seems an odd thing to harken back to
One of the most heated debates between the monks in the book was about whether or not Christ had laughed during his lifetime. This was a recurring argument. When I was in class one day in that little isolated community, I happened to walk in just as my classmates were about to come to blows about the exact same thing, right down to calling each other heretics. It was such a surreal experience.
Yeah, medieval times were fascinating but also sometimes pure chaos haha.. I mean, it is true that some of the most incredible intellectual works of faith and reason ever written came about in the medieval period, as well as some true masterpieces of art. But that doesn't *necessarily* make their lived practice of the faith any better or more sincere (in my opinion). As C.S. Lewis said (in regard to old books), they aren't better just because they are old. But they are worth reading because each culture is subject to its own unique misconceptions, including our own, and an older culture is often not subject to the same misconceptions that we are. So there's a lot to learn from the medieval culture in general, but certainly a lot to leave behind as well! Such as... burning witches.
Woah! What a great story. I love Eco, and The Name of the Rose is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It spoke to me in ways no other book had. But it seems like it spoke to Hilary even more.
This kind of essay is a testament to the importance of BTMU’s mission, as it clearly, poignantly, and vulnerably shows how books can change and shape a life. Thank you for featuring this story, Mikey.
And Hilary, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for writing it.
I've been distracted and pulled away from my regular reading on Substack, and I've missed this publication.
This piece was beautiful, evocative, and incredibly sad. It's so sad to think of your father dying in that community after being forced to conform. I can think of many people I love in repressive religious communities who will also probably die there.
And regarding The Name of the Rose - it's been on my book shelf for years, sadly unread. This post might change that.
For all those who read The Name of the Rose when it was new and adored it beyond measure, I now see that we were eavesdroppers. The book was written for Hilary. The rest of us created the demand that kept it on bookshelves so she, just she, could find it. What a moving essay and a celebration of the marvel of books!
What a lovely way of putting it - I think you’re absolutely right. This is clearly Hilary’s book
This makes me think that maybe we each have a book, either waiting for us to discover it, or which we've read already. I wonder which one it is...
Not to diminish the others, but this is by far the best piece on this Substack since it started. I am awed.
Not only because I loved the book myself, not only because I also have a fascination with the world of medieval Christianity, and not only because I consider the pursuit of wisdom the most worthwhile goal of my life.
I am in awe seeing this perfect weight of the writing, the perfect balance of full and tight.
Bravo
When Hilary first submitted it she offered to cut some of the words down because technically it’s over the word limit, but I told not to. It’s so brilliantly written I wouldn’t dare cut any of it.
Agreed. Good call.
Gorgeous and haunting. Uncomfortably familiar. What luscious details! The pacing and scene-setting in this piece is just exquisite.
Breathtaking prose isn’t it
Wow, what a gorgeously written and interesting story. I am a life-long practicing Catholic and we recently moved to a place where there are a surprising number of religious groups that claim to be Catholic, but have simultaneously rejected certain fundamental aspects of the faith in order to adhere to an incredibly rigid, stiff, "medieval" interpretation of it, attaching a legalistic obligation of dogma to things that were only ever meant to be optional expressions of love and devotion. Very much like what you described. It is truly cult-like and the people who have made their way out of those communities and back to the Church itself would probably tell stories very similar to yours. It is so interesting how there is a touting of "this is the truth" and yet, when you are a part of those communities you can feel the tangible lack of love. It's such a grace that you were able to extract yourself from it.
It’s quite interesting because even a light study of the medieval period would illustrate how bonkers a lot of their beliefs were 😂😂 Even just their artwork is so off the rails! Seems an odd thing to harken back to
One of the most heated debates between the monks in the book was about whether or not Christ had laughed during his lifetime. This was a recurring argument. When I was in class one day in that little isolated community, I happened to walk in just as my classmates were about to come to blows about the exact same thing, right down to calling each other heretics. It was such a surreal experience.
Yeah, medieval times were fascinating but also sometimes pure chaos haha.. I mean, it is true that some of the most incredible intellectual works of faith and reason ever written came about in the medieval period, as well as some true masterpieces of art. But that doesn't *necessarily* make their lived practice of the faith any better or more sincere (in my opinion). As C.S. Lewis said (in regard to old books), they aren't better just because they are old. But they are worth reading because each culture is subject to its own unique misconceptions, including our own, and an older culture is often not subject to the same misconceptions that we are. So there's a lot to learn from the medieval culture in general, but certainly a lot to leave behind as well! Such as... burning witches.
Hilary's writing is beautifully immersive. What a gift to have come across this book at just the right time.
Like it was meant to be
It's amazing how books can save our lives. How amazing that an author can speak through time and help Hilary flourish.
Woah! What a great story. I love Eco, and The Name of the Rose is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It spoke to me in ways no other book had. But it seems like it spoke to Hilary even more.
This kind of essay is a testament to the importance of BTMU’s mission, as it clearly, poignantly, and vulnerably shows how books can change and shape a life. Thank you for featuring this story, Mikey.
And Hilary, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for writing it.
Exactly my thoughts.
I've been distracted and pulled away from my regular reading on Substack, and I've missed this publication.
This piece was beautiful, evocative, and incredibly sad. It's so sad to think of your father dying in that community after being forced to conform. I can think of many people I love in repressive religious communities who will also probably die there.
And regarding The Name of the Rose - it's been on my book shelf for years, sadly unread. This post might change that.
Lovely read!
Wow Hillary. What beautiful writing and what unflinching truth. Thank you for sharing.
I often wonder what makes some people able to resist conformity while others cannot. I love the way you shared Brother William as your own influence.
-- Beautiful, bright, brilliant writing. Xo.
Great storytelling and I enjoyed how Hilary's life story intertwined with ideas from Eco's book.
Wonderful to read this superbly written personal reflection. I haven’t read the book yet but Eco is a favourite author so it’s on my list.
Yes, literature as salvific! True Catholic sensibility. Thank you, Hilary, and onward blessing.
Such a beautiful story about a beautiful book. I love what you say about truth.
Beautiful!
👏