Unconventional Women by Sarah Gilbert, published in July, is an impressively researched and empathetically put together biography of a group of Melbourne-based nuns. In Unconventional Women, Gilbert masterfully recounts their personal stories which span over decades of tremendous social changes in Australia between 1950 and 1970, touching on religion, women rights, historical events and much more along the way.
Gilbert is an accomplished Australian writer who has been published in the Sydney Review of Books, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Wall Street Journal and Marie Claire. She also worked overseas for the New York Post, Lonely Planet, and Time Out. Now based in Darlinghurst, she is the book columnist at Galah magazine, as well as a writer/producer of documentary film, television and podcasting with a focus on Australian history.
When choosing to read Unconventional Women, I was very intrigued by the title and front cover. I was looking for a book on Australian history and frankly the image of nuns was something that I associated more with Medieval Europe. But, Unconventional Women reveals a very different Australia to the one I’ve grown used to.
1950s Australia is described by Gilbert as a place of rich Catholic tradition, with religious social gatherings, churches and convents filling our cities and small towns. It feels like a completely different world with the same street names! The image of the nun was not only common in that world, but in fact was a position of power for women. An alternative path at a time when there were not many options available for women in terms of career development or a life outside of marriage and motherhood.It was insightful to read about the different pathways that lead these women to choose the convent life, and to learn the details of their faith and their day to day routines, and how it all changed with time.
The book primarily focuses on the social upheaval of the 1960s and its effects on the order, including: the rise of peace activism, women rights and increasing openness to First Nations cultures. After dedicating years out of their lives to contemplation and prayer in a very closed convent, the changes inside and outside their religion caused a whirlwind in that particular generation of nuns. For some it was quite the identity crisis and for others an opportunity to change course. Their journeys all took different directions, all fascinating in their own way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their different choices and the journeys they undertook.
It was also special to read the accounts of the nuns lives in their own words. The story of Marie brought me to tears in particular. Aged only 21 Marie chose to devote her life to prayer following the forced adoption of a child she had outside of marriage. The Vatican II changes within the Catholic community urged Marie to move on from enclosed life and take the path of social activism. She is described as particularly passionate about climate change but still very committed to her faith. I thought it was a beautiful, spiritual story!
It stood out to me how empathetic and non-judgemental Gilbert was when discussing these controversial stories and how positively she presented religion (even in the strictest orders). I felt it was a testament to the respectful conversation about Australian history and different cultures. In general it was heart warming to see the lives of these women commemorated: so simple but yet so representative of a niche and an era.
Unconventional Women serves as a time capsule and an ode to the dying order of the Blessed Sacrament Sisters in Australia. It is a brilliant work of non-fiction – unique in its theme, angle and characters. All I could think of as I was reading was: I wish I thought of interviewing these fascinating women myself! There is so much I would have loved to ask them…
If you are interested in spirituality, history or just love a good true story, then this book is for you.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Unconventional Women by Sarah Gilbert is available now from Melbourne University Publishing (MUP). Run and grab yourself a copy from your favourite bookstore HERE.
