Conditions of Faith

With university behind her, Emily Stanton finds herself on the threshold of life. Introduced to a Scottish engineer, the exoticism of his life in Paris beckons, and she leaves her family home in twenties Melbourne to become his wife. But far from providing answers, her conventional marriage awakens in her an ardent desire to find a reason for living beyond that of simply wife and mother, a desire that leads her to flirt with risk, passion and unorthodox friendships, and carries her to Tunisia on a journey of self-questioning and intellectual reawakening.Through the lives of a rich cast of characters, Conditions of Faith compassionately and subtly explores the problem of a reason for living. This is the timeless theme of the heart of this beautiful and compelling novel. 'Utterly absorbing and deeply rewarding both emotionally and intellectually.'  James Bradley'This is an amazing book. The reader can't help but offer up a prayerful thank you... that human beings still have the audacity to write like this... No paraphrase can do justice to this novel. Conditions of Faith is a blessing.'  Carolyn See, Washington Post'I think we shall see few finer or richer novels this year... a singular achievement.'  Andrew Riemer, Australian Book Review'A truly significant addition to our literature.' - The Australian'My private acid test of a literary work is whether, having read it, it lingers in my mind afterward. Conditions of Faith fulfils that criterion; I am still thinking about Emily.'   Colleen McCulloch