Evil versus good.

Chaos versus order.

Darkness versus Light.

These are age-old dichotomies that have fascinated humanity throughout the ages. And as Holy Week approaches, it seems especially appropriate to read a book that delves into these profound themes.

What makes this book even more remarkable is that it is not written in a traditional "Christian" novel format. Instead, like many of Ms. Howatch's works, it seamlessly blends the languages of religion and psychology, making it accessible and engaging for a wide range of readers.

Even those without a strong religious affiliation can still appreciate the universal themes that surround and shape the world today. Themes such as the struggle between good and evil, the search for meaning and purpose in life, and the power of love and forgiveness.

I found myself deeply moved by several passages in this work, and I need to figure out how to add my favorite quotes again.

This book is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the human condition.

A wonderful intellectual book awaits those who find themselves in the fast lane of life and desire to take a step back. In this frenetic world, we often become so consumed by the hustle and bustle that we neglect our spiritual well-being. This book offers a respite, a chance to rejuvenate and refresh our inner selves. It is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom, carefully curated to provide insights and inspiration. With its engaging content and thought-provoking ideas, it has the power to transform our perspective and help us find balance in the chaos. Whether you're seeking answers to life's questions or simply looking for a moment of tranquility, this book is the perfect companion. Open its pages and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal.

I have a great admiration for Susan Howatch's body of work. Her novels often possess a certain charm and depth that draw me in. However, this particular one seemed to lack a clear direction and meandered quite a bit, especially as it approached the end.

The story seemed to lose its focus and wander off on tangents that didn't really add much to the overall narrative. It was as if the author was trying to fit in too many ideas and subplots, resulting in a somewhat disjointed and confusing read.

Despite this, there were still some redeeming qualities. The characters were well-developed and interesting, and the writing itself was of a high standard. But overall, this book didn't quite live up to my expectations of a Susan Howatch novel.

The story of a new marriage with shattered trust was riveting enough to make me read all 500 pages in a single day.

However, the constant discussion about the dark side, demons, the Powers, and second-guessing the path to redemption felt like just an endless succession of "nutterguff" or "clergyguff" (my new favorite words).

It seemed as if the author was trying to create an air of mystery and depth, but it ended up coming across as convoluted and perhaps a bit overdone.

Despite this, the core story of the broken marriage and the characters' struggles was engaging enough to keep me hooked.

I found myself sympathizing with the protagonist and rooting for her to find a way out of the mess she had gotten herself into.

Overall, while the excessive focus on the supernatural and the endless layers of "guff" detracted from the story a bit, it was still an enjoyable read that I would recommend to others who are interested in tales of love, loss, and redemption.

So far, this is reminding me of a book I read ages ago called 'The Victorian Album' by Evelyn Berckman.

Well, I've finally finished reading it. I must admit that it was a rather captivating story that delved into the complex world of warring personalities, cults, egotism, and emotional domination. However, it did have its drawbacks. One issue was its length. It seemed overly long, filled with too much conversational filler that could have been trimmed down to make the story more concise and engaging.

Another gripe I had with this book was the persistent use of Christian theology. I couldn't help but wonder about the author's intent. Was she trying to convert readers? The main character, who is an atheist, has her beliefs almost treated with contempt, and her reasonings are presented as simplistic. It makes me curious. Has the author recently converted to Christianity, or perhaps she was once an atheist herself? As an atheist, I found some of these aspects rather puzzling and it left me with more questions than answers.

Overall, while 'The Victorian Album' had its interesting moments, it also had several areas that could have been improved upon.

This is the second installment in Howatch's St. Benet's trilogy, which revolves around a fictional Anglican healing ministry situated in the heart of London. If there is anyone who could pique my interest in reading about modern Anglican exorcists驱逐恶魔 in late 20th century London, it is undoubtedly Howatch. Once I finish off this trilogy and complete my re-read of her Starbridge novels, I will most certainly delve into her earlier historical novels.

The eponymous high achiever in this book is Carter Graham (formerly Catriona). She has successfully transformed herself from her humble beginnings in Glasgow and, at 35, is a highly influential solicitor in the cutthroat world of London corporate finance. Carter has a life plan, and everything is going according to schedule. She simply has to maintain her vice-like, iron grip on every detail of her life and deny her past and her true nature…easy as pie, right? When she marries Kim Betz, a barrister for a powerful international banking conglomerate, it is just another item crossed off her list. The next step is to have a child, raise it for the necessary two or three years, and then return to the competitive frenzy… However, Kim's ex-wife Sophie is the spanner in the works of Carter's well-oiled plans. Sophie is desperate to warn Carter about Kim's involvement in the occult, but Carter dismisses this as the rantings of a bitter and cast-off spouse. As events unfold, it becomes clear that Kim has not been honest with Carter about his past, and her world begins to crumble. As a committed atheist, would she ever turn to a priest for help?

I thought this book was an outstanding read.

It had such a captivating allure that it constantly drew me back, making me eager to complete it without delay.

I truly relished every moment of it.

It was kind of like a spiritual thriller, with its unique blend of mystery and a touch of the supernatural.

The story had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next.

The characters were well-developed and their experiences felt real and engaging.

The author's writing style was fluid and easy to follow, which added to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

It's one that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Great.

Another convincing and imaginative story has emerged from the pen of Susan Howatch.

She is truly a masterly writer, capable of captivating readers with her unique storytelling skills.

Her works are known for their depth, complexity, and ability to draw the reader into a world of vivid characters and engaging plotlines.

Each story she tells seems to have its own charm and allure, leaving the reader eager to turn the page and discover what lies ahead.

Whether it's a tale of love, loss, or redemption, Susan Howatch has the talent to make it come alive on the page.

Her writing is a testament to her creativity and passion for the craft, and it's no wonder that she has such a dedicated following of readers.

With each new release, fans eagerly anticipate another dose of her masterful storytelling, and they are never disappointed.

Susan Howatch continues to be one of the most talented and respected writers in the literary world today.

Check out my review at www.myfivefrogs.com.

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I have always been a great admirer of Susan Howatch's family sagas. They are so engaging and captivating that I can't seem to put them down. However, when it comes to her series about the Anglican church, I just never quite got into it.

One day, while browsing through the library, I spotted a particular book by Howatch. Without doing any prior research, I simply assumed that it was a later stand-alone novel. So, I picked it up and started reading.

As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself becoming increasingly confused. The plot seemed to be all over the place, and I couldn't quite figure out what genre this book belonged to. Was it a corporate potboiler? A romantic drama? Or perhaps a thriller?

To my surprise, it turned out to be a paranormal thriller. But then, just when I thought I had it all figured out, the story took yet another unexpected turn. Was it a tale of Christian redemption? No, it was definitely a thriller...or so I thought.

Suddenly, the climax arrived, and the story seemed to be pretty much over. But to my dismay, there were still 100 pages left to go. I was left wondering if there was a twist coming. However, it soon became clear that there was no such thing.

Instead, the remaining pages were filled with our narrator going from character to character, psychoanalyzing what had happened. This was then followed by a Christian-y re-analyzation by the clergymen. By this point, I was completely zoning out.

And to make matters worse, I later found out that this book was actually the second of three books about a Christian healing center. So, all those characters who had come into the story halfway through were actually the main characters.

Sigh. While this book had its moments, overall, it was just too bizarre to recommend.

Short Review: Howatch's books are always significantly centered around ideas. It's not that the story lacks importance; rather, the story serves as a means for exploring and discussing ideas. In many respects, this book endeavors to grapple with atheism and offer a response to the new atheist critique. It can be seen as a fictional rendition of the memoir Unapologetic: Why, Despite Everything, Christianity Can Still Make Surprising Emotional Sense.

There is a substantial amount of explication achieved through dialogue, which is likely to draw complaints from some readers. The main character has a penchant for soliciting the opinions of those around her on various issues before formulating her own ideas. She engages in conversations with an Anglican priest, a spiritual director, her friend, a doctor, a psychologist, a novelist, and others. This occurs numerous times throughout the book.

The main story is a psychological thriller/mystery, which is decent. However, I am primarily drawn to Howatch's works for the ideas they present. And this book does not disappoint in that regard. The ideas mainly pertain to theological responses to the problem of Evil, sin, and the question of why God would create a world that contains evil. My full review can be found on my blog at http://bookwi.se/high-flyer/.

A bit preachy but in between the preachy parts, a gripping story. This statement implies that while there may be elements of说教 or moralizing in the narrative, there are also sections that are highly engaging and captivating. The combination of these two aspects can create a unique reading experience. On one hand, the preachy parts may offer valuable lessons and insights, while on the other hand, the gripping story keeps the reader hooked and eager to find out what happens next.

Perhaps the author uses the preachy moments to drive home important themes or values, but also knows how to balance this with a compelling plot. This could involve creating interesting characters, building tension, and using vivid descriptions to bring the story to life. By doing so, the reader is not only entertained but also challenged to think about deeper issues.

Overall, a bit preachy but in between the preachy parts, a gripping story can be a powerful and effective form of literature. It has the potential to both educate and engage, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.