📖 Overview
Monica Furlong (1930-2003) was a British author, journalist and activist known for her children's fantasy novels, spiritual writings, and biographical works. Her literary career spanned multiple genres including young adult fiction, theology, and feminist literature.
As a religious commentator and journalist, Furlong wrote extensively about spirituality and the role of women in Christianity. Her non-fiction works include "Puritan's Progress" and "Merton: A Biography," the latter being an influential biography of Thomas Merton that gained significant critical attention.
In children's literature, Furlong is particularly remembered for her Wise Child trilogy, consisting of "Wise Child," "Juniper," and "Colman." These historical fantasy novels, set in medieval Britain and focusing on themes of magic and wisdom, were published late in her career and brought her recognition in the young adult fiction market.
Beyond her writing, Furlong was an advocate for women's rights within the Church of England and served as a member of the Movement for the Ordination of Women. Her autobiography "Bird of Paradise" provides insight into her spiritual journey and social activism.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Furlong's Wise Child trilogy for its authentic portrayal of medieval life and complex female characters. Fans note the detailed depictions of herbal medicine and daily village routines.
Positive reviews highlight:
- Character development and mentor relationships
- Historical accuracy and atmospheric settings
- Treatment of magic as a natural force rather than spectacle
- Balance between darker themes and hopeful messages
Common criticisms include:
- Slow pacing in the first half of books
- Limited action sequences
- Religious undertones that some found heavy-handed
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- Wise Child: 4.1/5 (5,800+ ratings)
- Juniper: 4.0/5 (2,900+ ratings)
- Colman: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings)
Amazon averages 4.5/5 across her works, with readers particularly noting the books' impact on them as young readers. One recurring comment describes the trilogy as "books that stay with you long after reading."
Her non-fiction receives less attention but maintains steady ratings around 4/5 on review sites.
📚 Books by Monica Furlong
Wise Child - A young girl in medieval Scotland learns herbalism and magic from a mysterious healer while dark forces threaten their village.
Juniper - A prequel to Wise Child following the early life of the healer Juniper as she discovers her magical abilities and trains with a wise woman.
Colman - The final book in the Wise Child trilogy follows a young monk-in-training who must confront both Christian and pagan magic.
Merton: A Biography - A biographical account of Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk and spiritual writer.
Therese of Lisieux - A biography examining the life of the 19th-century French Carmelite nun and saint.
Contemplating Now - A collection of essays exploring contemporary spirituality and religious thought.
With Love to the Church - An examination of challenges and changes within the modern Catholic Church.
The End of Our Exploring - A personal memoir reflecting on faith, doubt, and spiritual journey.
Birds' Nest Soup - A novel following the lives of three generations of women in a British family.
Cousins - A story about family relationships and coming-of-age in post-war Britain.
Juniper - A prequel to Wise Child following the early life of the healer Juniper as she discovers her magical abilities and trains with a wise woman.
Colman - The final book in the Wise Child trilogy follows a young monk-in-training who must confront both Christian and pagan magic.
Merton: A Biography - A biographical account of Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk and spiritual writer.
Therese of Lisieux - A biography examining the life of the 19th-century French Carmelite nun and saint.
Contemplating Now - A collection of essays exploring contemporary spirituality and religious thought.
With Love to the Church - An examination of challenges and changes within the modern Catholic Church.
The End of Our Exploring - A personal memoir reflecting on faith, doubt, and spiritual journey.
Birds' Nest Soup - A novel following the lives of three generations of women in a British family.
Cousins - A story about family relationships and coming-of-age in post-war Britain.
👥 Similar authors
Ursula K. Le Guin writes fantasy with Celtic and Taoist influences, focusing on young protagonists discovering their magical abilities. Her Earthsea series explores themes of identity and power similar to Furlong's Wise Child series.
Susan Cooper combines Celtic mythology with contemporary settings in her Dark Is Rising sequence. Her work features children who must navigate between ordinary life and supernatural forces while discovering their destinies.
Diana Wynne Jones creates fantasy worlds where magic exists alongside everyday life, with young characters learning to master supernatural powers. Her books deal with apprenticeship and mentoring relationships comparable to those in Furlong's work.
Katherine Paterson writes about young people facing difficult circumstances and developing inner strength. Her characters undergo personal transformations while dealing with loss and finding their place in the world.
Robin McKinley tells stories of young women who develop confidence and magical abilities through guidance from mentors. Her novels incorporate folklore and magic in historical settings with female protagonists who grow into their power.
Susan Cooper combines Celtic mythology with contemporary settings in her Dark Is Rising sequence. Her work features children who must navigate between ordinary life and supernatural forces while discovering their destinies.
Diana Wynne Jones creates fantasy worlds where magic exists alongside everyday life, with young characters learning to master supernatural powers. Her books deal with apprenticeship and mentoring relationships comparable to those in Furlong's work.
Katherine Paterson writes about young people facing difficult circumstances and developing inner strength. Her characters undergo personal transformations while dealing with loss and finding their place in the world.
Robin McKinley tells stories of young women who develop confidence and magical abilities through guidance from mentors. Her novels incorporate folklore and magic in historical settings with female protagonists who grow into their power.