The new edition of Salley Vicker's sensational debut novel. `Miss Garnet's Angel' is a voyage of discovery; a novel about Venice but also the rich story of the explosive possibilities of change in all of us at any time. Julia Garnet is a teacher. Just retired, she is left a legacy which she uses by leaving her orderly life and going to live - in winter - in an apartment in Venice. Its beauty, its secret corners and treasures, and its people overwhelm a lifetime of reserve and caution. Above all, she's touched by ...
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The new edition of Salley Vicker's sensational debut novel. `Miss Garnet's Angel' is a voyage of discovery; a novel about Venice but also the rich story of the explosive possibilities of change in all of us at any time. Julia Garnet is a teacher. Just retired, she is left a legacy which she uses by leaving her orderly life and going to live - in winter - in an apartment in Venice. Its beauty, its secret corners and treasures, and its people overwhelm a lifetime of reserve and caution. Above all, she's touched by the all-prevalent spirit of the Angel, Raphael. The ancient tale of Tobias, who travels to Media unaware he is accompanied by the Archangel Raphael, unfolds alongside Julia Garnet's contemporary journey. The two stories interweave with parents and landladies, restorers and priests, American tourists and ancient travellers abounding. The result is an enormously satisfying journey of the spirit - and Julia Garnet is a character to treasure.
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Add this copy of The Perennial Collection-Miss Garnets Angel to cart. $4.66, very good condition, Sold by Reuseabook rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester, GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2008 by Harper Perennial.
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Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
Add this copy of Miss Garnet's Angel (the Perennial Collection) to cart. $8.51, new condition, Sold by Pearlydewdrops rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Haywards Heath, WEST SUSSEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2008 by Harper Perennial.
Add this copy of Miss Garnet's Angel to cart. $9.29, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Austell, GA, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by HarperPerennial.
Add this copy of Miss Garnet's Angel to cart. $14.00, like new condition, Sold by Powell's Books Chicago rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Chicago, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by HarperPerennial.
Add this copy of Miss Garnet's Angel to cart. $14.00, very good condition, Sold by Powell's Books Chicago rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Chicago, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by HarperPerennial.
Add this copy of Miss Garnet's Angel to cart. $29.01, like new condition, Sold by Robin Books rated 1.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Kingston, ON, CANADA, published 2008 by HarperPerennial.
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Fine. Fine Very lightly used, looks like new tight with clean unmarked pages Quality Books Because We Care-Shipped from Canada Usually ships within 1-2 business days If you buy this book from us, we will donate a book to a local school We donate 10, 000+ books to local schools every year If there are any problems, pleases ask us to resolve it amicably before leaving any feedback.
This is the best book I've read all summer. The intimate description of an elderly spinster opening up to sensuality and the metaphysical realm was nuanced and believable, yet the book had a magical quality to it as well.
Rolo
Sep 10, 2008
Trying too hard to be spiritual?
I decided to read this book on holiday because I had heard its author, Salley Vickers, talking about the way she writes, at a seminar. I found her intriguing and interesting and therefore opened the book in great anticipation.
Unfortunately I felt mildly disappointed by the time I finished the book, which I really didn't want to be, as I had taken to the author, and was hoping it would be a stupendous read. Perhaps that was the trouble, my expectations had been built up unrealistically.
I liked the theme of the book, and the central character, Miss Garnet. There was a very strong sense of place and also of Miss Garnet's growing awareness and spiritual unfolding, but I found some of the other characters unconvincing, especially the 'twins' . The plot was fast - moving and unpredictable, but I found myself becoming a bit irritated by all the references to angels, which I felt became contrived and a bit 'precious'.
I generally like books that have a kind of magical realism like this one, but I thought Salley Vickers was perhaps 'trying too hard' with this element. I would have liked more subtlety. I have known others who rave about Vickers' work so I don't want to be too heavy in my criticism, and I might give her other books a go later ( but not yet.....)
Perhaps this is just a very personal reaction - I wouldn't dissuade others from reading this book but think it merits 'robust discussion' - eg in a book club or similar.
