Beyond ourselves (by Catherine Marshall)

(Amazon UK link)

It’s over ten years since I last read Catherine Marshall’s thoughtful, semi-biographical book ‘Beyond ourselves’. She is the author of the better-known ‘A man called Peter’, describing her marriage to the outgoing, driven preacher to whom she was married until his early death.  She also wrote some Christian novels. 

‘Beyond ourselves’ was written some years later, in 1961. By this time the author had remarried, to a widower called Len who had three children of his own. Peter and Catherine only had one son, so although she was a bit overwhelmed by having three extra offspring, it evidently worked well for them all. But for a while her writing had to take second place.

This book recounts Catherine’s experiences as she learns to grow closer to God, and to listen for his voice. It doesn’t sound like something that would take up a whole book - and it’s not a short volume. But for her it was a lifelong adventure. 

She begins by recounting something from her early twenties, when she wrote about the hustle and bustle of life, and her sense of being restless. She acknowledges that it was a problem in herself, that she was unable to feel contentment or peace. She mentions her philosophy of the time, believing that people were inherently good, that education was going to solve most of the world’s problems.

Then World War II happened, and she saw people who did not appear to have any inherent goodness. Evil was ruling, and she had to throw out a lot of her preconceived ideals and beliefs.  She discovered that many people were dissatisfied with their lives, and challenges her readers to ask themselves whether they are happy with their lives, or wondering if there is something else.

It’s not really an evangelistic book, as the author assumes belief in God and a Christian background, if not a full commitment. She writes about her delightful childhood, and her belief in God as a father, but realises that it was all too easy for her at first. And gradually she starts wondering whether God ever speaks back, or whether - as her church taught her - this kind of thing stopped after the Bible was complete. 

There are many anecdotes, including descriptions of the author’s severe illnesses and depressions. She does not come across as a super-holy person; she’s often tired, she doesn’t always conform to society or church expectations. She’s quite cynical at times, ane makes plenty of mistakes. But she’s open to listening to God, and to learning from others, either on retreats or in talks, or in books. 

I love Catherine Marshall’s writing style, and the way she blends her experiences with her gradual discoveries of some of God’s communication and blessing. Her life hasn’t always been easy; losing her first husband unexpectedly brought tremendous grief and difficulties to her, and even as she began to adjust, it was difficult to concentrate or use her time constructively.

There are chapters in the book about pausing, and listening in silence; about taking note of our hunches and intuitions, which may be God speaking to us. There’s an excellent chapter about healing - not that God always heals, but that doesn’t mean he won’t sometimes allow a miracle to take place. There are several anecdotes confirming this. 

My book has quite a plain front cover, and it doesn’t look as if it would be particularly interesting, but I found it thought-provoking, sometimes moving, and overall very encouraging. I read a chapter each morning for a couple of weeks, so I could think about what was said during the day. 

Definitely recommended.

Review copyright 2026 Sue's Book Reviews