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Anne Rice: A Literary and Spiritual Snapshot
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Anne Rice With Rosary
Anne Rice has enchanted readers for decades with her compelling and innovative books known as the Vampire Chronicles. From these narratives, readers have come to know quite well her archetypal characters of Louis, Akasha, Armand, Merrick, Memnoch, and most notably (of course) the vampire Lestat, Rice’s most charming yet conflict-ridden vampire of them all. Collectively, we’ve feared these characters. We’ve felt sympathy for them. And we’ve even learned a great deal from their choices. But the Vampire Chronicles are now over for Rice. Yet, Rice’s literary voice is far from diminishing. For the past few years, Rice has stepped into a much more radiant light, a much more interminable call to spiritual proclamation. Beginning in 2005 with the release of Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, Rice has launched herself into a spiritual narrative unmatched by most literary savants of today. Her most recent book, a memoir entitled Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession, was released by Knopf in early October. With this memoir, readers learn of Rice’s deeper conviction for her Catholic faith.
And as a devout Catholic, I soon became eager to ascertain more about her spiritual and literary mission. Here’s what I learned through a brief interview:
Of all the Christian denominations, why Catholicism?
AR: I was born a Catholic and grew up Catholic and have a deep love and faith in the Catholic Church. It is my church. It was natural for me to return to it. I’ve written much about it in Called Out of Darkness, my memoir.
Are there any modern Catholic writers you feel readers should check out?
AR: I read mostly non-fiction and cannot offhand recommend anyone. There are so many good Catholic authors. There is quite a choice out there for people.
Any current plans for a Christian vampire novel?
AR: No, there will not be any Christian vampire novels from me. I am working on another Christian series about angels, but will never return to my vampires. They existed in a world without light or hope. I don't exist in that world with them anymore.
What’s a moment of pride with Christ the King: Out of
AR: The novel was successful, but then all my books manage to get to their audience eventually. I am very happy with the reception among Christians of all denominations.
TIME magazine’s David Van Biema had this to say about your theology in Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession: “Rice could rival C.S. Lewis as a popular apologist for the faith.” Your reaction?
AR: That is a very generous remark. I don’t think I could rival C.S. Lewis. He had such a sophisticated mind and a gift for simple language. But I do what I can, obviously. I do it my own way. I wrote my memoir in a very simple and straightforward manner.
One hope you have for readers of Called Out of Darkness?
AR: That the readers be brought closer to God. I know that sounds like a big wish or hope, but it’s true. If the book does not bring one closer to the Lord on some level, it is a waste of paper. It is the story of one person’s embrace of the Lord. And it is meant to give some sense of what that experience is like. I find that people are responding very positively to it, and some are inspired, and I’m grateful.
Any advice for underground, aspiring Christian writers?
AR: Same advice I give all writers: do it. Write. Write and don’t listen to criticism. Do it your way, and in your voice and get it out there.
Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession is rich in both poetic simplicity and liberating confessionals. This memoir is not to be missed. Pick up a copy today and delve into the redemptive narrative of an enlightened mystic. Rice is truly the product of Christ’s modern Church. Her humble grace illuminates and removes the darkness by which she was once surrounded.
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