Book review: A British Book Awards winner and bestseller by Katherine Rundell
Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne is a sparkling, modern biography about an ancient, standout scholar.
Oxford’s All Souls College Fellow Katherine Rundell brings Donne to life by detailing his myriad of careers and poems on love, sex and death.
As a result, this Faber bestseller won British Book Awards 2023 Book of the Year Non-Fiction Narrative.
So keep reading to find out more about this famous shape-shifter and hints for your own life-story creating…
What Super-Infinite is about
Super-Infinite starts in 1623 when John Donne is the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral and the power of his words nearly kills a man.
But Rundell soon circles back to cover the great love poet’s life chronologically with wit and gusto.
For example, we discover he was a prodigious child, hungry scholar of law, sea adventurer, Member of Parliament, Catholic turned Protestant, imprisoned groom, father of 10, and much more.
Indeed, his fortunes, status, health and moods were in constant flux.
“To read him – to read all of his love poems together – is to feel yourself change, for his is a passion which acknowledges the strangeness you are born with.”
Related article – Best life stories of 2023: Award-winning books to read over the holidays
Highlights from Rundell’s book
Super-Infinite is like a time machine to Shakespearean England.
For instance, we learn how fickle it was to secure and maintain a place in the royal court.
Also about the religious violence between Catholics and Protestant.
Furthermore how popular writing letters and poetry was among the educated as a source of entertainment, news, flirting, joking and more.
“The pleasure of reading a Donne poem is akin to that of cracking a locked safe, and he meant it to be so.”
Related article – The Boy from Boomerang Crescent: Australian memoir by AFL star Eddie Betts
Tips from Super-Infinite
Super-Infinite offers much for us as fellow life-story creators.
Firstly, Rundell’s vast use of historical sources (writings and artwork) helps us gather a detailed picture of Donne’s character, his struggles and popularity.
Equally important is how she interprets these sources and record gaps to make calculated suggestions to the reader about Donne’s motives and actions.
Lastly, Rundell does a great job using chapters to segment Donne’s life events and his many incarnations.
“We, slapdash chaotic humanity, persistently underestimate our effect on other people: it is our necessary lie, but he refused to tell it.”
Related article – Life-story interview: How to set-up an interview + family interview tips
Related article – Tell the truth: The surefire way to out skeletons in the closet
Read article – Chapters: 3 questions answered about book chapters
Final say: Super-Infinite
Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne by Katherine Rundell is a witty and intelligent biography.
In short, it is a refreshing and illuminating take on the highs and lows of a highly talented historical figure born in 1500s England.
Certainly read Super-Infinite if you want to know more about this famous metaphysical poet.
But also if you are interested in unlocking his secrets on finding purpose and meaning from one another.
Happy writing and reading!
Free gift!
Easily decide what to include and leave out of a life-story project. Take my free Structure Success video training! Sign up.
Your say
Do you have a book review recommendation? I always love hearing from different people. Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Got a question about creating a life story or an idea for a future article? Let me know!
Don’t miss an article
Know when new material is published. Sign up.