Cloistered
My Years as a Nun
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Cloistered
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Narrated by:
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Catherine Coldstream
About this listen
Brought to you by Penguin.
An astonishing memoir of twelve years as a contemplative nun in a silent monastery
Cloistered takes the reader deep into the hidden world of a traditional Carmelite monastery as it approaches the third Millennium and tells the story of an intense personal journey into and out of an enclosed life of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Finding an apparently perfect world at Akenside Priory, and a haven after the loss of her father, Catherine Coldstream trusts herself to a group of twenty silent women, believing she is trusting herself to God. As the beauty and mystery of an ancient way of life enfolds her, she surrenders herself wholly to its power, only to find that all is not as it seems behind the Order's closed doors.
Cut off from the wider world for decades, the community has managed to evade accountability to any authority beyond itself. When Sister Catherine realises that a toxic cult of the personality has replaced the ancient ideal of religious obedience, she is faced with a dilemma. Will she submit even to this, or will she be forced to speak out?
An exploration of the limits of trust, Cloistered shows us how far grief can take us along the road of self-surrender, and of how much harm is done when institutional flaws go unacknowledged. Catherine's honest account of her time in the monastery - and her dramatic flight from it - is both a beautiful love song to a lost community and a sharp critique of the abuse of power in an ancient institution.
Disclaimer: This book is a work of non-fiction based on the life, experiences and recollections of the author. In some cases names of people and places, dates, sequences and the detail of events have been changed to protect the privacy of others.
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What listeners say about Cloistered
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- one who knows......
- 11-04-24
how well written it was
loved all of it and how Catherine was able to reflect a balanced view of her world and identify her innocence.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Judith Horth
- 15-09-24
Some beautiful writing
This was a really interesting insight into a world which is a total mystery to me and one which I find both unnatural and quite repellent. It didn't at all surprise me to hear of the troubles which erupted. I found that I had to listen quite hard, and sometimes rewind if my attention drifted, as events are described in a very calm, matter-of-fact manner and it was easy to miss things which then had greater significance in the tale. The author/narrator sometimes breaks sentences in an odd way, and this jarred a bit - it's clear that she is not a trained actress, although she has a good voice and the reading is very competent. A very interesting listen.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Andy
- 12-03-24
An insight into a closed world
This feels like a novel,not because the story is unbelievable or sensational , but because there is a lot of dialogue and the key players are well defined like characters.
It is lyrically written in particular in the early stages of the account when the spiritual experience is new to the author. I think as a reader you can smell and see the setting of the convent because the writing is so strong.
It is a moving read and the author's personal conflicts are engaging within the confines of her situation. The account leaves the reader with unanswered questions but although the author seems conflicted on many issues she seems to have resolved them to her own satisfaction.
The author is an excellent narrator and this really enhances the experience,
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sue
- 23-03-24
Enlightening Rich in content painful
Beautiful speaking voice from the Author who penetrated your psyche with her suffering and alternate joy in her calling. The bullying and isolation was bravely worn with silence.
A lesson in forgiveness for all.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- claudeV
- 13-03-24
Poignant personal account
Amazing insight into the cloistered way of life and human inner battles.
Fascinating story, beautiful narrative and singing **
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ife
- 29-10-24
Deeply emotive and beautiful journey
I've always been interested in the life of nuns, and this honest expression of struggling to find a sense belonging and meaning in the world, especially after life is upended, is something that resonates with me deeply. I thank Catherine for sharing this story. It touched me deeply.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- EllieB
- 05-06-24
A beautifully written book.
This is a wonderful book which takes the reader on a tough physical and emotional journey. The story is beautifully written and told. It’s surprising, shocking at times, emotive, atmospheric and a fascinating glimpse into life in a closed religious community. The author conjured up vivid pictures of the house and grounds and it’s inhabitants so I felt I was actually there. Although not religious myself, I could relate to the narrator and was rooting for her every inch of the way, wanting the best outcome for her, whichever way that might be. I wanted to binge listen but I also knew I’d be sad when it finished and so made myself listen in sections so I could enjoy it to the full.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Granny Dub
- 14-04-24
Such a personal insight
The most unusual book that I have ever read. It showed a world that I hadn't even considered except in a romantised way.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 09-05-24
Engaging and thoughtful perspective
Enjoyed following Catherine’s journey. Candid, but hard listening at times,
I was struck by the levels of human frailty and fallibility in so many of the characters - exactly my experience in both myself and in so many other sectors of society!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-04-24
The beauty of the silence - the horror of deviant relationships
The oppressive life of an all female existence and the inability to express opinions. Not being allowed to be honest about the iniquities of life in a convent! Also the odd immorality of a life married to god, and gods numerous espouses,
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