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Loading... The Vicar of Sorrowsby A. N. Wilson
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. Description of the 75 year old who is sexually abusing, but also sexually satisfying—-finally—-the 47 year old main character’s new twenty-something squeeze, as “a magnificent stud of a man” will make this worth reading for a certain demographic. Otherwise, a psychologically unconvincing portrayal of mid-life crisis. Wilson’s day job as a journalist and writer of popular non-fiction is evident as he invariably tells you rather than shows you what is going on with his characters, all of whom are portrayed with easy condescension.
A. N. Wilson's quite superb "The Vicar of Sorrows" is the story of Francis Kreer, vicar of St. Birinus in cozy Berkshire, a parish complete with all the Miss Marple trimmings of retired Wing Commander, unpleasant nouveau riche couple, spinster schoolmistress, Harvest Festivals and sherry parties after the Communion Service. So far, so pretty much familiar, and indeed, the story that attends these people--a surprise twist to Francis' mother's will, an unsuitable love affair that even Francis himself is aware has little future, a subplot about a Gypsy encampment--is well-trodden ground. What sets this book far apart from other superficially of its kind, is its exploration of the spiritual life.
In this powerful novel that will confirm his reputation as one of Britain's brightest literary lights, A. N. Wilson recounts the downward spiral of Francis Kreer, a clergyman who does not believe in God and whose life starts to come apart at the seams. When his mother dies, Francis is shocked to discover that she had a lover and that he must share his inheritance with this (awful) man. Then Francis falls in love-painfully, absolutely-with an irresistable but most unsuitable young woman.A. N. Wilson traces Francis's descent through various circles of the English establishment, a tragi-comic journey that takes the hapless hero to the outer edges of both absurdity and despair. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)823.914Literature English English fiction Modern Period 1901-1999 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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