Before reading this book, my knowledge of the Anglican Church of England was extremely limited. It truly served as an educational experience for me.

This is the initial installment in the "Starbridge" collection, and I am eager to commence reading the second book in this series. The novel delves into passion, encompassing both the spiritual and emotional aspects. When the protagonist, Charles Ashworth, finds himself embroiled in an emotional and spiritual conflict, he seeks counseling from Jon Darrow, a Fordite Monk. This particular segment of the novel is highly engaging. A great deal of ground is covered, and despite the fact that the story is set in 1937, much of it remains remarkably relevant in the present day. There is a moment in this book where I couldn't help but wonder if Margaret Atwood, the author of "The Handmaid's Tale," drew inspiration from it to pen her own work. I was struck by the realization that what was happening in 1937 could potentially form the foundation of a dystopian novel.

Another significant aspect of this book is the relevance of the title, "Glittering Images." It is repeatedly referenced throughout the text and likely represents the façade that the elite strive to project of themselves. Given that this is a novel centered around the hierarchy of the Church of England, it holds great significance to the overall storyline.

I cannot say enough good about this book.

It has a great story that truly captivates the reader from start to finish. The depth of character development is remarkable. Each character is so well-written and complex, with their own unique personalities, flaws, and virtues.

This story takes on real dimensions of human pain, sin, and the struggle for how to be honest with God and other human beings. It delves deep into the human psyche and explores the difficult questions and emotions that we all face at some point in our lives.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a believable and engaging world that draws the reader in and makes them feel like they are a part of the story. Overall, this is a must-read book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and inspiring read.

I have read one of Susan Howatch's books before – Wheel of Fortune, and I absolutely loved it. The story was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the writing was superb. So when I started reading Glittering Images, I had high expectations. I thought it would be as good as Wheel of Fortune, if not better.

Unfortunately, my expectations were not met. Glittering Images is laggy, boring, and cuts scenes like a badly edited video. It was a tiresome drag to get through. The story seemed to plod along, and I found myself losing interest after just a few chapters.

However, I will say this one thing in its favour – it is one of those rare books that are positive about Christianity and God. Generally, I have found that when a book contains a Christian character, that character is quite often portrayed as an elderly spinster or widow, who reads the Bible every day and night, goes to Church every Sunday, yet holds more to a doctrine of rules then one of love. Such characters are usually shown as being out-of-date and disposable.

This book doesn't have a character like that. Christianity is shown as being beneficial and helpful (which I think it is), and I found that that rated highly with me. The characters in the book struggle with their faith, but they also find strength and comfort in it. It was refreshing to read a book that presented Christianity in a positive light.

Susan Howatch is truly a master when it comes to psychology. Her works are filled with deep and profound insights into the human mind and emotions.

It is also evident that she is a serious theologian. Her exploration of religious themes and ideas adds another layer of depth and complexity to her novels.

This recent re-read, after more than 20 years, has once again reminded me of the brilliance of her writing.

The characters she creates are vivid and real, and their struggles and triumphs are both engaging and thought-provoking.

Howatch's ability to seamlessly blend psychology and theology makes her works truly unique and captivating.

Whether you are interested in psychology, theology, or simply a great story, her novels are well worth reading.

I look forward to re-reading more of her works in the future and continuing to be inspired by her talent.

This is the absolute best, the most comprehensive, and the most well-balanced account that I have ever come across, whether in reading or hearing, regarding inner healing or the healing of the emotions and soul. It has, in numerous ways, jogged my memory of the healing that God has brought about in my very own life. It is most definitely not for the faint of heart! It offers a brutally honest and highly insightful perspective into the intricacies of life.

To fully appreciate this work, it would be beneficial to have at least a fundamental understanding of the Church of England. It's not just about seeing it as a mere denomination; rather, it's about grasping it as a distinct culture in and of itself, and understanding how it is an integral and inherent part of the everyday life in England. This book is the first in the "Church of England" series, and I am eagerly anticipating the other five books!

There are numerous memorable characters in the book. For instance, there's Charles Ashworth. He said, "To think of Christianity as a dream is to ignore its reality, although perhaps what you're really saying is that the finest lives express man's yearning for transcendent values. That's real enough--but just listen to me! Trust a theologian to make the nobler aspirations of humanity sound as dry as dust!" Then there's Eric Ashworth, Charles' father, who stated, "Your mother and I have been talking things over and we take your point so there's no need for you to be upset any more--and no need to keep shouting that you love us. Very embarrassing, that. Bad form." Bishop Jardine also had his moment when he said, "Dr. Ashworth, I'm beginning to think your prolonged silence has an ominous quality. I hope you're not thinking I should be burnt at the stake." And let's not forget Jonathan Darrow, who posed the thought-provoking question, "That's a very powerful myth in our culture and a myth which can produce extremely unhealthy results. Which is better: to express grief and pain by using tear-ducts specially created for the purpose or to express grief and pain by enduring a silent secret haemorrhage of the soul?"

Theological therapeutic thriller vibes?? Truly gripping.

This statement immediately piques one's interest. It makes you wonder what kind of story could have such a unique combination of elements.

A theological aspect often brings in questions of faith, morality, and the existence of a higher power. When combined with a therapeutic element, it might explore the idea of using religious or spiritual means to heal emotional or psychological wounds.

And a thriller? That adds an element of excitement, danger, and mystery. It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next.

I really need to discuss this with people so please read it. Thank you. This shows the author's enthusiasm and eagerness to share this captivating story with others. It also encourages the reader to pick up the book and experience it for themselves.

Overall, this short description makes it clear that the book is something special, something that will engage and thrill readers from start to finish.

This book was delightfully scandalous for 1930's England.

The story centers on Charles Ashworth, a doctor of divinity. He is commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury to look into the Bishop of Starbridge's private life, which might be filled with scandals.

The writing is truly beautiful, similar to a thick brownie just out of the oven, but with a few nuts in it.

Although the book is set in some lovely parts of England, like Cambridge (one of my favorite places on earth), there aren't overly long descriptions of the setting, which is a nice change.

The story mainly unfolds through the dialogue between the characters. It's generally fast-paced, witty, and very entertaining.

The character development in this book is outstanding. With each chapter, a little more about each person is revealed.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part, "The Mystery", is like a tarts and vicars party where the vicars are the tarts. What's happening in the Bishop of Starbridge's household? He lives with his wife and her young, attractive companion. Dr. Ashworth is trying to figure out if everything is as it seems, and the reader is eager to know too. And everything is investigated over what sounds like some really good wine.

The second part, "The Mystery Beyond the Mystery", satisfies the Freudian part of my brain. This section is rather long, but it's a great back and forth between Dr. Ashworth and his new spiritual counselor, a monk named Jon Darrow. I don't want to give away too much, but we learn a lot about what makes Dr. Ashworth tick.

The third part, "The Calling", is mainly to tie up any loose ends. And the ending is satisfying. After closing the book, I could reflect on how this book really discusses the redemptive qualities of God and how anyone, even a member of the clergy, can be wrong about God and His truth.

Even though some of the characters were a bit strange and did things that a 21st century girl like me thought were scandalous, I still loved them all. I understood the reasons behind their actions. And knowing them so well, it was easy to love them despite their mistakes. At the end of the day, this book strengthened my image of a loving God. It's well-written and extremely entertaining. I highly recommend it.

If you've ever found yourself pondering what a rather tacky soap opera might look like, especially if it were to be set in the 1930s, right in the midst of the complex politics and intense theological debates within the Church of England.

Here, every single person involved is acutely conscious of their spiritual shortcomings and the urgent need for repentance. Well, then this is precisely the book that you should reach for.

It offers a unique and captivating perspective, delving deep into the lives and minds of the characters as they navigate through the turmoil of that era.

The story unfolds against a backdrop of religious and political unrest, adding an extra layer of drama and intrigue.

You'll be drawn into a world where the characters' flaws and their quests for redemption take center stage, making for a truly engaging read.

Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for something different, this book is sure to satisfy your curiosity and keep you turning the pages.

This was truly so bizarre. But in a rather strange and yet somewhat captivating way...I think? To be honest, I don't even know precisely what I think anymore! So much of the plot was just outrageously absurd and ridiculously over the top.

And yet, once I finally managed to fully immerse myself into it, I simply couldn't put it down. It was as if I was under some sort of strange spell.

I especially found Darrow's counseling in the middle section to be incredibly profound and truly compelling. His words seemed to reach deep within me and made me think about things in a whole new light.

It was a journey of discovery and confusion all at the same time, and I couldn't help but be drawn in further with each passing page.

It is rather strange to come across accounts of less-than-perfect priests or bishops in the Anglican Church, particularly when the setting is the 1930s.

There is a significant amount of reference to sex within the narrative, although it is not typically graphic or overly detailed.

The character development in the story is quite good. The protagonist is interesting and engaging, which keeps the reader hooked.

Moreover, there are several thoughtful passages that make the reader pause and reflect.

Overall, despite the somewhat unusual subject matter, the book manages to offer an engaging and thought-provoking read. It provides a unique perspective on the inner workings of the Anglican Church during that era and the complex lives of those within it.

The combination of character development, interesting plot, and thoughtful passages makes it a worthwhile read for those interested in historical fiction or stories about the church.

This is one that I am, again, having trouble reviewing.

Howatch is an absolutely amazing writer. Her description, storytelling, and character development are almost unparalleled. The storyline, intricate in its characters, time, and place, is a great feat and quite beautiful most of the time.

The problem I have with this book is the strange psychological turn it takes toward the middle and end. I like the character of Darrow, but there were times when his psycho babble was too much to handle. I understand and appreciate the inner turmoil of Ashworth and how that plays out to others. However, I just didn't like how the counseling part of Ashworth and Darrow was portrayed.

Perhaps it was the way the dialogue was written or the actions that followed. It seemed a bit forced and didn't flow as smoothly as the rest of the story.

Overall, though, I still think Howatch is a talented writer, and this book has many great aspects. I just wish the psychological elements had been handled a bit differently.

Maybe on a second reading, I will be able to look past these issues and enjoy the story even more.

This novel began at a slow pace as the author painstakingly constructed her world.

However, it gradually drew me in, to the point where I simply had to complete it.

It was difficult to envision the protagonist's obsession with his quarry, but once I chose to accept that convention, everything else fell into place.

Some other readers have dismissed this book as psychobabble, yet I discovered the psychological references to be both true and profound.

I am captivated by the spiritual director Darrow and eagerly anticipate reading more about him in other installments of the series.

I wish that every individual could dedicate the same amount of time to spiritual growth as the protagonist did.

God often works in mysterious ways, and Howatch seemed to understand this, carefully mapping out the protagonist's journey through a series of revelations that taught him forgiveness and allowed him to embrace a life that had previously seemed unendurable.

This book pairs excellently with anything by Richard Rohr where he explores the concept of the false self, such as in "Falling Upward."

Nonetheless, I would have relished more detailed descriptions of the physical setting of the cathedral and the town.

Overall, this is a thought-provoking and engaging read that I would highly recommend.