A Smile on the Face of God
by Adrian Plass
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Description
The inspiring story of one man's journey through extremes of light and darkness to reach a place where he can be a smile on God's face for many people. Confined to a wheelchair, Philip Ilott's life radiates the compassion of a caring God, despite overwhelming odds. Philip's spirituality also clearly demonstrates that God has not put all his denominational eggs in one basketTags
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Member Reviews
The warm and sensitive biography of Philip Ilott. He was neglected, unwanted and abused by his mother, yet dearly loved by his grandmother.
The book charts his life with all its struggles, as Philip longs for his mother's approval. Despite everything he becomes a priest in the Anglican church, most comfortable as a high Anglo-Catholic. Health issues abound, and he makes plenty of mistakes as he gradually finds healing from his early memories.
It's brilliantly written, without being preachy in any way. It's often very moving, too. I've read it at least three times now, and love it every time. Highly recommended.
Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2025/09/a-smile-on-face-of-god-by-adrian-pl...
The book charts his life with all its struggles, as Philip longs for his mother's approval. Despite everything he becomes a priest in the Anglican church, most comfortable as a high Anglo-Catholic. Health issues abound, and he makes plenty of mistakes as he gradually finds healing from his early memories.
It's brilliantly written, without being preachy in any way. It's often very moving, too. I've read it at least three times now, and love it every time. Highly recommended.
Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2025/09/a-smile-on-face-of-god-by-adrian-pl...
A very moving story that I have read before and wanted to read again. It concerns the story of Philip, a priest, and his journey through life and faith. The title says it all really - despite setbacks and problems his faith and belief shine through.
I hope I can follow his lead.
I hope I can follow his lead.
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Author Information
76+ Works 3,203 Members
Adrian Plass is one of today's most successful Christian authors. He has written more than twenty books in the last eighteen years, including bestsellers Seriously Funny and Bacon Sandwiches and Salvation.
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- A Smile on the Face of God
- Original publication date
- 1990-03-15
- People/Characters
- Philip Ilott; Margaret Ilott
- Important places
- Leavesden, UK; Isle of Wight, England, UK; Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, England, UK
- Dedication
- This book is dedicated to Margaret Illot and Bridget Plass, who worked so hard to make stories possible for others.
This book is dedicated to Margaret Illot and Bridget Plass who work so hard to make stories possible for others. - First words
- Nearly five years ago, before I ever wrote anything, I phoned a man who had been in the book business for years and asked him how to be a successful writer.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Seeing Philip on his feet that day was wonderful. I don't know about a smile on the face of God - it certainly put one on mine.
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 68
- Popularity
- 460,911
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (4.13)
- Languages
- English, German
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 3
