Books like Raymond, or Life and Death

Charity Norman, whose life like mine has been shared between England and New Zealand, writes psychological dramas dealing with sensitive subjects in domestic settings. This novel was published in 2015 when there was less public awareness about “gender dysphoria” than there is today. Luke Livingstone is a respected solicitor, happily married with two children, outwardly a typical male leading a conventional life. But since early childhood he has felt like a woman born into a man’s body, and keeping this secret has gradually become too much too bear. Having been narrowly dissuaded from suicide by a stranger he decides to reveal the truth, but is initially met by hostile disbelief from all sides and a violent family crisis. I found it a gripping read.

Set in Rome, England and France during the late 20th century, this unusual novel is based on the true history of the author’s grandparents. David is a dedicated young Catholic priest, sworn to celibacy. Margaret is an assertive feminist theologian. They meet and fall in love but only after prolonged soul-searching can they bring themselves to acknowledge their feelings. Eventually David leaves the priesthood, they marry and have a child. The story is told partly in flashback, after David has died and Margaret has developed dementia. A slow read, written in elegant prose, highlighting the controversies within the Catholic Church.