Scandalous Risks by susan howatch

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

What a Church of England novel! It is a fascinating blend that combines the profound realm of theology with the captivating allure of romance.

On one hand, we have the exploration of deep religious and spiritual concepts, delving into the mysteries and doctrines of the Church of England.

On the other hand, there is the element of romance, which adds a touch of passion and human connection to the story.

But it doesn't stop there. The novel also delves into the complex and often scandalous topic of infidelity, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise.

And to top it off, there are the Cathedral staff meetings, which provide a glimpse into the inner workings and politics of the Church establishment.

Together, these elements create a rich and engaging narrative that offers a unique perspective on life within the Church of England.

0 0 Reply

sailorcess

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I did not like this story line. It really saddened me.

However, Susan Howatch is indeed a good writer. I picked up this book mainly because I have been intrigued by Salisbury Cathedral ever since I first visited it.

The theological discussions in the book that revolved around "Honest to God" were quite interesting. Howatch presented different perspectives and made me think deeply about certain religious and spiritual concepts.

Although the story line didn't appeal to me, I still appreciate Howatch's writing skills and her ability to explore complex themes. Maybe I will give another one of her books a try in the future.

0 0 Reply

GoBigRed07

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This book contains a significant number of words. Essentially, it is an essay that delves into the moral struggle that human beings encounter, particularly in the context of Christians. At certain points, it reads similar to a textbook, which I could have done without. However, I understand the author's intention. I skimmed through those sections, pausing intermittently to extract a thought-provoking essence. For me, the ending redeemed the entire work. It truly moved me.

I found that although some parts were a bit dry and textbook-like, the overall message and the way the author presented the moral dilemmas were quite interesting. The skimming process allowed me to focus on the key ideas and gain a better understanding of the author's perspective. The ending, in particular, had a profound impact on me, leaving me with a sense of reflection and inspiration.

Overall, despite its flaws, this book has the potential to make readers think deeply about their own moral compass and the choices they make in life. It serves as a reminder that moral struggles are an inherent part of the human experience and that we should strive to make the right decisions, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

0 0 Reply

leogirl321

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Oh, Susan Howatch, how devilishly entertaining you are!

I don't know why I find the Church of England novels so oddly comforting. There is something about them that just draws me in and makes me feel at ease. And indeed, sometimes I'm nearly ashamed of how delightful it is to read about members of the clergy screwing up their lives. It's like a guilty pleasure, but one that I can't seem to resist.

At any rate, while this wasn't my favorite Howatch novel, it was certainly among the more enjoyable fiction I'd read in awhile. The characters were well-developed and the plot was engaging, keeping me hooked from start to finish. I especially liked the way Howatch explored the complex relationships between the clergy and the people they served, as well as the internal struggles that many of them faced. Overall, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good Church of England novel.

0 0 Reply

Stegosaurus-chan

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

The Starbridge series, which focuses on the ministers in the Church of England during the 20th century, has its fourth installment.

This particular book is set in the 1960s and is narrated from the viewpoint of Venetia, a young woman who finds herself in love with an older priest. The backdrop of the story involves theological debate and argument surrounding the book 'Honest to God' and the ideals of platonic love.

The book cleverly weaves in subplots that involve characters from the previous books in the series, who are now older. It is both gripping and believable, yet in some places, it can be rather sordid and depressing.

I first read this book in 2000 and loved the series so much that I re-read them in 2001. Now, I am slowly working my way through them again, interspersed with other books. While this is probably my least favorite of the series, it is still extremely well-written. The author's ability to create complex characters and a thought-provoking storyline is truly remarkable. Despite its flaws, it offers a unique and engaging look into the world of the Church of England during a particular time in history.

0 0 Reply

Parisbelle

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Fantastic series.

This series is truly amazing. It takes the viewers on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, adventure, and mystery. The storylines are engaging and keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed and each has their own unique personality and backstory. You can't help but become attached to them and root for them throughout the series.

The special effects are top-notch and add to the overall atmosphere of the show. They make you feel like you are actually a part of the action.

Overall, this is a must-see series for anyone who loves a good adventure. It will leave you wanting more and eager to see what happens next.

Whether you're a fan of science fiction, fantasy, or just great storytelling, this series has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

You won't be disappointed.

0 0 Reply

9FingerJutsu

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

On to number four in the series, we are introduced to a previously peripheral figure, Venetia Flaxton, who becomes the first female narrator. The book delves deep into the seemingly mutual obsession that develops between this young woman and her older man. Set in the early Sixties, it provides a vivid description of the social upheaval of that time. In a modern context, we would easily recognize the grooming behavior for what it truly is. However, in the era in which the story is set, the dynamics might have been perceived differently. The tale is well-told and engaging, portraying a sexual predator in a compelling light. Given all the recent revelations and historic child sex abuse cases in religious settings, as well as the links between vulnerable individuals seeking support and the abuse of power, I'm certain that I'm not the only reader who can't help but wonder about the implications and parallels within this story.

0 0 Reply

owomachine

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This particular installment in the series is my least favorite.

However, it is still a worthwhile read if one desires to obtain the complete and comprehensive picture.

Although it may not possess the same allure or excitement as some of the other books in the series, it contains crucial details and plot developments that are essential for a thorough understanding of the overall story arc.

By reading this book, readers can gain valuable insights into the characters, their relationships, and the events that unfold.

It fills in the gaps and provides a more in-depth exploration of the themes and concepts presented throughout the series.

So, despite its shortcomings, it is an important part of the collection and should not be overlooked by those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the world created by the author.

0 0 Reply

Leave a Review

You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.

Starbridge #4

Scandalous Risks

susan howatch

This edition

More editions

About the author

susan howatch

Readers also enjoyed

Community Reviews