The little book of Easter, compiled by Canon Arthur Howells 

'Insightful collection of reflections, poetry and prose which remind us of why the Easter story should and does shape us in a world filled with the darkness of Good Friday'

The Little Book of Easter
Compiled by Canon Arthur Howells
Hodder
ISBN 978-1-399-80715-9
Reviewed by Heather Jay

When a book opens with a foreword by the former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, you know it’s going to be insightful.

I’ve now read that foreword three times and each time I’ve found something different to savour. The foreword is genuinely a real taste of what is to come. It’s quite common for people to skip both forewords and introductions: I’d strongly advise you read both in this case. 

The Little Book of Easter is designed to be read across the whole season. Starting with Holy Week, there are Bible readings, reflections and insights. It begins with Palm Sunday and takes you up to Pentecost through a journey that as Dr Williams says is a great exploration of why we call ourselves “Easter people.”

The reflections, poetry and prose are from a very diverse set of people too: here the thoughts of CS Lewis, Maggie Dawn, Desmond Tutu and Eugene Peterson mix beautifully with the Bible readings and insights. It will sit perfectly alongside and within your daily meditations. 

On a practical level, it’s a small paperback too so perfect for those like me who are always looking to find books to slip into backpacks for train journeys. 

Most of all though, this is a book which will - as Dr Williams says - remind us of why the Easter story should and does shape us in a world that is filled with the darkness of Good Friday. 
 

Heather Jay is a communications specialist in the maritime sector working for a global maritime foundation. She is a former BBC and newspaper journalist and has also worked in government communications. She is director of music at her local church.