Women over the age of 40 are by far the biggest and the most active
demographic in the Church of England. A huge proportion of any given
congregation will likely have experienced menopause and yet it is almost
entirely taboo as a topic of conversation in churches.
Writing with refreshing frankness, Jayne Manfredi uses biblical
reflection, prophetic storytelling and prayer to journey with those
experiencing “the dreaded m word”. Facing the taboo head-on and by turns
hilarious and moving, Waking the Women offers a challenge to
destigmatize women’s experiences by opening up the conversation around
midlife and ageing in churches and other faith spaces.
Jayne Manfredi is an Anglican Deacon,
writer, teacher and regular contributor to BBC Radio Four. She lives in
Crewe with her husband and four children.