I still thoroughly enjoyed this novel that delves into the shenanigans within the English Anglican Church.

It is a story that manages to captivate the reader with its unique blend of humor, drama, and interesting characters.

The author has done a remarkable job of creating a world that is both familiar and yet full of surprises.

Rereading this novel was a pleasure as I was able to pick up on details that I may have missed the first time around.

It is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story set in an interesting and somewhat unusual backdrop.

Whether you are a fan of religious literature or simply looking for an entertaining read, this novel about the goings-on in the English Anglican Church is sure to delight.

I've read a few Susan Howatch books and this one is just as good as the others.

She has a tendency to be quite wordy and descriptive, which some might find excessive at times. However, it is precisely through her detailed descriptions that her characters truly come to life.

This particular book is about an Episcopal priest who, interestingly enough, also happens to be a psychic. He is on a journey of coming to terms with his past, present, and future.

The main premise of the book revolves around his ability to discern his latest vision and understand what it truly means.

Howatch's books often start off slowly, gradually building the foundation and setting the stage. But before you know it, you are completely caught up in the complex web of thoughts, feelings, and emotions of her characters.

It's a captivating read that is well worth the time and effort invested. You'll find yourself immersed in a world of mystery, self-discovery, and spiritual exploration.

So, if you're a fan of well-written, character-driven novels, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed.

Love these books!

I truly have a deep affection for these wonderful books. They are like precious treasures that have the power to transport me to different worlds and expand my imagination. Each book holds a unique story, filled with captivating characters and engaging plots that keep me hooked from the very first page to the last.

Some of these books have taught me valuable life lessons, while others have simply provided me with hours of entertainment and relaxation. They have become my constant companions, always there to offer comfort and inspiration whenever I need it.

I love the way the words on the pages seem to come alive, painting vivid pictures in my mind and making me feel as if I am a part of the story. Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking mystery, these books never fail to leave a lasting impression on me.

In conclusion, these books are not just objects made of paper and ink; they are a source of joy, knowledge, and inspiration. I will always cherish them and continue to explore the magical world of literature.

I was eagerly anticipating my delve into this book as I truly adored Jon Darrow in the previous one. In fact, the scenes in Glittering Images where Charles was resolving his issues with Darrow were the highlights of that novel. So, when I embarked on this book, it was with great enthusiasm, and the beginning did not disappoint.

The book commences with Darrow having a vision that leads him to believe God is calling him away from his life as a monk and into a new life in the outside world. The entire first third of the book is dedicated to Darrow's discussions with his superior, the Abbott-General. What makes this discussion interesting is that the Abbott-General was someone Darrow had known since adolescence when they were at Oxford together, and their relationship had become somewhat strained at that time. When Darrow has to disclose personal dramas from his life, he hesitates to reveal this information to someone he had difficulty trusting. This results in a captivating back and forth as the reader gains more insights into Darrow and grapples with the question of whether the Abbott-General is trustworthy. (I must admit, I almost admired Francis Ingram from the moment he entered the novel.)

Then Darrow ventures into the real world, and this is where the reading became challenging for me. As the novel progresses, my liking for Darrow diminishes. There are numerous instances where I thought a good slap on the back of his head might not be inappropriate. Many of his decisions seem questionable to anyone with common sense (which I believed Darrow had in abundance as he was so adept at guiding others), and his reactions to some of the consequences of his decisions also seem inconsistent with what I had come to expect of him from the previous novel and the first third of this one. Eventually, I was simply hoping that the novel would start to conclude as I was so tired of disliking Darrow and tired of encountering yet another situation that he would hopelessly mismanage. The presence of the secondary characters in this novel ultimately saves it for me. I loved Anne from the moment she appeared on the page, and I felt that her behavior, at least, reflects a certain degree of normalcy, even if her decisions aren't so great. And Father Ingram... God bless that man. He was witty and humorous.

The writing itself is outstanding, just as it was in the first novel of this series. Howatch has an incredible ability to explore various aspects of a person's mind and how they think. She beautifully explores motivations and connects them with past emotions. I love the way she dissects her characters' neuroses through witty dialogue. I wasn't satisfied with what Darrow became in this novel, and I feel it wasn't as successful as the first, but I will continue to read the next one because I love how this author crafts her characters.

This is book 2 in the Starbridge series. I possess books 3, 4, and 5 in the series, and I don't envision myself delving into them anytime soon.

These books center around the hierarchy within the Church of England. The initial book scrutinizes Charles Ashforth, while the second focuses on Ashforth's spiritual counselor, Jon Darrow.

If I had perused this book upon its first publication in 1988, perhaps my perspective would have been more lenient. The book commences with Darrow experiencing a psychic vision that he firmly believes stems directly from God. Darrow, a Monk desiring to leave the order, must obtain permission from the Abbott General, Francis Ingram, and undergo a psychological, emotional, and spiritual evaluation (which, at times, progresses rather sluggishly).

Darrow was formerly married, his wife having passed away, and he has a tenuous relationship with his two grown children. When asked if he was happily married, Darrow affirmatively responds. However, when queried if he had conversations with his wife, he replies, "no, she was rather stupid." At that moment, I knew that regardless of how Darrow was to be redeemed, I simply could not like this man. He spends countless hours in solitude, praying, fasting, and meditating, yet at the age of 60, he remains overly self-absorbed.

These books are truly AMAZING!!!!

They have the power to transport you to different worlds, introduce you to fascinating characters, and expand your knowledge and imagination.

Each page is filled with captivating stories, beautiful language, and thought-provoking ideas.

Whether you're into adventure, mystery, romance, or non-fiction, there's a book out there for everyone.

Reading these books is not just a pastime, but an experience that can enrich your life and leave a lasting impression.

So, pick up a book today and discover the magic for yourself!

In the initial volume of the Starbridge series, Jonathan Darrow emerged as a sagacious and empathetic spiritual counselor to a tormented cleric. Now, let's delve into his personal narrative.

"My life was an arduous and unending battle to strike the precise equilibrium between the psychic and the spiritual, enabling me to grow appropriately as a priest. Regrettably, it was a struggle that eluded my victory."

At the commencement of the story, he is 60 years old and has been an Anglican monk for 17 years when he experiences what he firmly believes to be a genuine vision, compelling him to depart from the order.

Beyond the confines of the cloister, France has just succumbed to the Nazis. Darrow's quest to discover his authentic path gives rise to a captivating tale and an engaging exploration of Christian mysticism.

This story not only showcases Darrow's internal turmoil but also provides a vivid backdrop of a world in the throes of war and upheaval.

As we follow his journey, we are drawn into a realm of spiritual exploration and self-discovery, where the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual are blurred.

The reader is left pondering the nature of faith, the power of visions, and the meaning of true vocation.

It is a story that will resonate with those who have ever questioned their own spiritual path and the role of religion in a changing world.

After reading the first book "Glittering Images" two years ago, I was firmly convinced that the subsequent story would not be able to fulfill the lofty expectations I had formed from the story of Charles Ashworth. However, how mistaken I was! The "Glorious Powers" and the story of John Darrow are just as entertaining, as unpredictable, and as profound as the story of Charles in Starbridge #1. I am truly in awe of Susan Howatch's remarkable ability to uncover the profound secrets of the human soul that we all encounter at different stages of our lives. She is an outstanding writer, and I am increasingly falling in love with the English language she employs in her works. It is sufficient to say (to prove my point) that although I started the book several times, put it aside, and then sporadically returned to it over the past year and a half, the deep questions that the book raised, the complexity of its characters, their turmoil, challenges, and quests for peace and truth, have remained etched in my memory. The bar of expectations for Starbridge #3 is now even higher, but I am eagerly looking forward to Susan proving me wrong once again.

A Provocative Writer!

A provocative writer is someone who has the courage to break the norms and challenge the status quo. They are not afraid to express their opinions, even if they are controversial.

These writers often use their words to stir up emotions and start conversations. They may write about taboo topics, such as politics, religion, or sexuality, in a way that makes people think and question their beliefs.

Some people may love a provocative writer for their boldness and creativity, while others may hate them for their audacity. But regardless of how people feel, a provocative writer always manages to make an impact.

They have the power to change people's minds, inspire social change, and leave a lasting impression on the literary world.

I was a bit disappointed in this book, especially since I had liked the first one in this series so well.

For starters, in the previous novel, Darrow was such an interesting character, but in this book, I found him to be quite unlikable. In fact, I have to say that I didn't care for any of the characters in this book except for one, and that was Reginald.

I found few redeeming qualities in this book. However, I did like the small sprinkling of supernatural elements that emerged sporadically throughout the story. The other thing was just the sheer brilliance of the author's use of the English language. She also seems to have a quite deep insight into the psychological aspects of human beings.

One other thing that I can't quite understand is how all the men in both these stories seem overly presumptuous and the women gullible in matters of the heart.

Regardless, I'll continue reading on in the series. I didn't find it so distasteful that I wouldn't return to reading more.

Another captivating and profound exploration of an individual's psychological and spiritual odyssey awaits. This narrative centers around the character of Jon Darrow, who was introduced in book one as an unassailable spiritual counselor. However, it soon becomes evident that everyone harbors their own inner demons. The story is rich with elements of mysticism, romance, and the history of the Church of England, ensuring that the reader's interest remains piqued from start to finish.

The exploration of Jon Darrow's character delves deep into the recesses of his psyche, uncovering the hidden turmoil and conflicts that lie beneath his seemingly perfect exterior. As the story unfolds, we witness his struggle to come to terms with his own flaws and the secrets that threaten to consume him.

The infusion of mysticism adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the narrative, drawing the reader into a world of supernatural phenomena and ancient beliefs. The romance that blossoms within the story provides a touch of tenderness and warmth, offsetting the darker themes and adding an element of human connection.

Overall, this is a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on the human condition and the power of self-discovery.

This is yet another read that is about to come.

It is the second installment of an amazing series.

However, there just isn't enough time in the day to fully immerse oneself in it.

The anticipation for this new addition has been building up, and now that it's here, it's both exciting and a bit frustrating due to the lack of time.

One can only hope to find those precious moments to sit down and devour the pages, getting lost in the captivating world that the author has created.

Despite the time constraint, the allure of this series is too strong to resist, and it will surely be a memorable read once the opportunity presents itself.