“Don’t be deceived by the charm and wit of this journey through Lent. With an eye to the human condition and a call to compassion, Chris Swift leads the pilgrim through the marvellous mind of the eccentric Laurence Sterne, a flawed cleric who spoke his mind and skewered the pomp and politics of his day with humour and a yen for truth-telling. This book encourages us to examine our ‘religion’ in pursuit of our faith, uncover our common humanity, and find that in the midst of the mess and complexity of life, there often lies the treasure – if we’re prepared to dig”.

Revd Dr Victoria Johnson, Dean of Chapel, St John’s College, Cambridge

“What Chris Swift has given us in this remarkable and refreshing volume is a book for our age… Let Chris Swift’s wise and considered book become a cherished spiritual guide for what lies ahead. The journey will be worth it”.

The Very Rev. Professor Martyn Percy

“In these Lenten reflections Chris Swift shows that Laurence Sterne’s ministry has a life beyond the eighteenth century. As well as having great compassion and humanity, Sterne was very ‘modern’ in his awareness of the interrelation of Mind, Body and Spirit. His writings speak to us today to make a stimulating focus for meditations during Lent. A Sterne Lent will have an audience far beyond the intended one and will be a rewarding and readable introduction to Sterne for anyone with an interest in this fascinating writer”.

Chris Pearson, Shandy Hall