Sister of the Angels

A slim volume, featuring 11-year-old Henrietta who lives with her grandparents. Her rather vague writer father comes home for Christmas, and this is the catalyst for a series of secrets.

Gently caricatured people, interesting descriptions, and a delightful heroine (who also features in the book 'Henrietta's House' by the same author). The storyline is predictable, but no less enjoyable for that.

There's a strong Christian theme, although it's not at all pushy, and also quite a bit of philosophising. Could appeal to anyone over the age of about nine or ten who enjoys thoughtful books with some quite complex language.

My GGB edition has a brief introduction explaining the Cathedral on which the story is based, and a biography of the show more author. A tad pricey, and not always easy to find; but well worth borrowing if you can. show less

Sweet book! Henrietta seems much younger than her 11 years to me, but a delightful Christmas story that can be read any time of year. Good old fashioned story of faith, redemption and the uplifting, challenging power of creativity and art. Perfect illustration by C. Walter Hodges. I will share this with my Vintage Book Circle reading group. I'm sure they will love it, too.

Predictable, but so full of atmosphere and childish delight that's it's catching. And the Humanities Major in me loved it.

The Sister of the Angels by Elizabeth Goudge (2008)