Review by Andrew Killick of ‘Don’t Forget We’re Here Forever’ - Lamorna Ash

Review by Andrew Killick
‘Don’t Forget We’re here Forever’
by Lamorna Ash

I first heard Lamorna Ash on the Nomad Podcast, and was quickly taken with her point of view. A writer in her late 20s, with no previous personal experience of Christianity, and a default atheist position, fascinated by the fact that two of her friends from university (formerly a comedy duo) are now training to be priests, decides to write an article on Christianity. A deeply-felt and insightful personal journey (and this book) emerges.

I'm not aware of a better survey of contemporary Christianity (albeit in a British context). And the perspectives, firmly grounded in the particular culture and society of today by someone of her generation (but with a studied awareness of the past), are striking. Both stark and moving. No gloss, with a generosity of spirit and understanding where it's appropriate, but unflinchingly calling out toxicity and harm where it's evident. Not to mention the fact that it's superbly well written. I listened to the audiobook, read by Lamorna herself. A treat.

Lamorna's own arrival (spoiler alert) into Christianity (a form we might describe as ready-deconstructed and progressive) via Quaker meetings then into the sacramental world of the Church of England (a Christian context that she describes as her cultural inheritance) is fascinating and, I think, deeply compelling. It would no doubt horrify some - both within the church and outside it, for different reasons. I can't quite put words to the positive feelings I had for it.

To me, it seems to reveal a true pulse at the heart of Christianity that may just mean it continues to abide for as long as humans are around, as cultures and generations roll on by. Or at least the hope of something like that.

A highly valuable contemporary insight into an unfolding Christian spirituality that would almost certainly provide fascinating reading for spiritual directors.

Don’t Forget We’re Here FOrever is available in New Zealand via The Nile NZ.

Reviewer, Andrew Killick lives in Tahawai with his wife, Anna (also a poet). Creatively, he works in the areas of photography, poetry and prose, as well as various multimedia forms. Professionally, he works as an editor and book production specialist, and is the publishing manager at Castle Publishing. 
See www.safelittleworld.com and www,shadowpress.co.nz