When I saw that the subject was a religious biographer (Shirley du Boulay has profiled Tutu, Cicely Saunders, Bede Griffiths and Teresa of Ávila, among others), my heart sank still further. I was sure Ms du Boulay’s spiritual journey has been interesting for her, but would it make a riveting read for the rest of us?
The answer, sadly, is no. Du Boulay has certainly led a varied and fascinating life, but this book is ultimately about her spiritual odyssey from what she describes as a 'middle-class, Anglican upbringing' – via transcendental meditation, Catholicism and shamanism – to her current stance; an eclectic ‘pick-and-mix’ spirituality.
I found the experience uncomfortably voyeuristic and frustrating, with its slightly preachy, universalist tone, inviting readers to conclude that all spiritual paths lead to ‘God as Being’, whatever that means. JM
