Sister Wendy has for many years lived as a contemplative nun in the grounds of a Carmelite Monastery, but is now well known for her television programmes on art.

Her latest book helps us to share her insights into the scriptures through a series of her favourite icons.

This beautifully presented hardback book contains full colour icons and Sister Wendy’s comments on both their artistic detail and their scriptural basis. It leads the reader to meditate and to try to share in the messages the iconographers have tried to present through prayer and paint.

This is not a book to be rushed through. I have valued dwelling on one icon a day – tempting though it was, at first, to devour the whole book in one sitting! The fact that there are 42 chapters – each with an icon and a short exposition – makes it an ideal book to use during the season of Lent. It provides inspiration to go forward in faith to live our lives in service to Christ, the church and to each other.

Margaret Walker, originally posted on The Good Bookstall website http://www.thegoodbookstall.org.uk/review/9780854398126/sister-wendy-beckett/the-iconic-jesus/ (Posted on 31/08/2011)