I am continuing my re-read of the Starbridge series. This is the fourth book, and for me, it is by far the saddest one yet. Venetia has to endure a long wait for redemption. She has at least two close calls where she almost crosses the threshold but is yanked back. Interestingly, according to Wikipedia, Howatch based Venetia's journey on the real life of Venetia Stanley. Although it's a different era, the parallels are evident.
Any good will that I had built up for Neville Aysgarth (now the Dean of Starbridge) is completely wiped out by the events in this book. He is such a hypocritical jerk. However, it is extremely interesting to read all of these books so closely together. The conservative assumptions that 26-year-old Venetia makes about the older generation are fascinating (and completely off the mark), as the reader knows precisely what this generation was up to 20 years ago.
Another extremely absorbing book within the Church of England series. The author's profound understanding of the protagonist's personality truly intrigued me. It was fascinating to see how the author delved deep into the character's psyche, uncovering the hidden layers and motives. Moreover, the theological issues presented in the book were thought-provoking. They made me reflect on my own beliefs and values. The way the author explored these complex topics in a relatable and engaging manner was truly remarkable. I found myself completely immersed in the story, eagerly turning the pages to discover what would happen next. This book not only entertained but also educated me, leaving a lasting impression. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in religious literature or character-driven stories.
The dog is extremely cute. Its appearance is really charming. It has a very fluffy tail that sways gently as it walks. The soft fur on its tail seems to be a beautiful decoration. When it plays, the tail dances in the air, adding more vitality and fun to its image.
Fourth in the six-volume Starbridge series, "Scandalous Risks" stands out as the only one with a female protagonist. Venetia Flaxton, a young noblewoman, finds herself grappling with the "new morality" of the 1960s. She ultimately becomes embroiled in an affair with a high-ranking Anglican cleric. Just as she does with the other books in the series, Howatch masterfully weaves together theology, philosophy, church politics, and personal spiritual crisis. The result is a layered story that poses as many questions as it answers. In this particular book, Howatch pays special attention to Christianity in the context of love and modern man's attempts to redefine the historic Christian sexual ethic. It delves deep into the complex and often controversial issues surrounding these topics, inviting readers to思考 and explore their own beliefs and values.