Leaving Alexandria – a Memoir of Faith and Doubt

by Richard Holloway

I had heard about Holloway’s book A Little History of Religion and, while searching for it on the library website (I have reserved it), found this one.

The subtitle tells it all – this is a memoir of Holloway’s life, from his childhood attraction to the Anglican Catholic church to his later run-ins with established theology and church practice.

Holloway’s approach to his subject – his journey of faith – is thoughtful and insightful.  Though it does at times seem that he is preoccupied with this, to the exclusion and possible detriment of those around him: colleagues, children and wife.

Holloway is very well-read, and quotes poetry in particular to support the points he makes.  I found this a revealing and ultimately rather disturbing read.  But at the same time, it helped me to realise that everyone – even a bishop – will have moments of doubt and wavering in faith, even deep despair, while still holding onto a view of the Creator.