Press Reviews

• Rowan Williams, Book of the Year 2012, Times Literary Supplement

  We are spared no aspect of the anguish, confusion and anger experienced, but are also told an extraordinary story of inner movement and growth - growth in a faith much less orthodox on the face of it than Lucy's ardent Catholicism but equally deep and serious. It is a book about the massive difficulty of anything like reconciliation in the wake of outrage. There is nothing easily consoling here, but rather a sense of stillness, acceptance and hope - both given and worked for.

• Craig Brown, Book of the Week, The Mail on Sunday

  There is not a sentence in this book that has not been felt, fought for and hard won.

• Stephen Cherry, author of Healing Agony: Re-Imagining Forgiveness

  This is not a story of 'coping with loss', nor of 'overcoming emotion', nor less of 'achieving forgiveness'. It is the story of simply, doggedly and patiently refusing to accept the path of victimhood, revenge or bitter resentment. Instead Marian has walked the way of uncertainty, humility and hope which, through spiritual struggle and human kindness, accepts and transforms sadness, loss and evil.

• Marina Cantacuzino, Huffington Post

  An outstanding and beautifully crafted redemptive memoir.

• Jeffery Taylor, Sunday Express

  If You Sit Very Still should feature on everybody's bookshelf alongside such life guides as Shakespeare and the Bible.

• Human Givens Journal

  An anguished, gruellingly honest and lyrical cry from the heart.