Guilt

By: Caryll Houselander

Narrated by: Jody Lebel

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Discover the fascinating work of Caryll Houselander, a lay Catholic artist, mystic, religious writer, and poet in this thought-provoking book. Exploring the concept of guilt in the context of man's relationship with Christ, she reveals how breakdowns in this relationship manifest as psychological disfunction, and argues that only through suffering can we achieve sanity and become whole. Houselander illustrates these arguments through a series of case studies centered around famous authors, artists, and criminals, including as Leopold and Loeb, Teresa Martin, Hans Christian Andersen, and Franz Kafka,

With her unique perspective and expertise, Houselander's examination of guilt, suffering, and mental instability is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of religion and psychology.

©1952 Caryll Houselander (P)2023 Licensing Management, Inc.

Houselander has better books/Performer unsuitable

I begin this review with the caveat that I like Caryll Houselander a lot, and she has better works. But this one ain’t it, chief. She struggles to find her own authentic voice; she’s weighed down by Freud’s and Jung’s influence. Her discussion of mental health, while in some ways progressive for her time, is ultimately dated and not authoritative. The best parts are her spiritual insights, but those jewels are few and far between.

Now to the performance, the main reason I’m writing this review. My criticism is more with those who chose this performer than the performer herself. A good audiobook performer should bring the text to life, at the very least understand what she’s reading. However, the performer’s consistent mispronunciation of words and nonchalant, sometimes flippant tone is inappropriate for the material. They should have chosen an actor with more awareness of the subject matter—namely, Catholicism—and author, and frankly, more gravitas. It’s very hard to take anything seriously if the author can’t pronounce words like “legion,” “concupiscence,” “Protestantism,” and “theologians.” I can somewhat forgive the mispronunciation of “Rimbaud,” but not “Oedipus” or “Avila.” It grated on me so very much. Do better.