Evensong

I agree with everything the reviewer "Birdwoman" from Bryn Mawr Pa May 06 said. This was a beautifully written book. I would say a more intellectual version of the Mitford books by Jan Karon. Another reviewer mentioned that the story was overly religious but I didn't feel that at all. I did not agree with every point Ms. Godwin made regarding religious views but there were plenty I liked and took into my heart even further. I like the idea she presented that God wanted to "make more of us". (her way of saying "God's plan for us"?) I found the situation with Tony the monk, and Chase amusing at times. The love between Margaret and Adrian so deep and tender was touching to read yet at times laced with emotional angry moments. The beginning of the book was a bit slow going but by page 60 or so I was getting real interested in the story then found myself looking forward to when I could settle in and begin reading it again. So don't get discouraged. I loved that the author chose to write about faith and how it weaves its way in the daily lives and thoughts of the people in the book. I saw how Margaret, the pastor committed her day to God with prayer and devotion and wondered what better way to start the day? I ended up feeling nourished in my soul after reading this book and felt the message Pastor Margaret wanted us to hear was trust and faith in God first would teach us how to muddle through our lives, make more of ourselves and each other and learn to use the gift of love through kindness and patience. If I read the ending correctly, there is a third book in this saga coming one of these months. I hope anyway.

This is a story told from the first person - the narrator is a priest, a young woman who's both in love with and loves her husband. It's a peaceful yet completely disrming stoty with flashbacks filling in the characters. There's a slight amount of small-town intrigue in the backdrop of the end of the millenium. Mostly though, there's a quiet definition of the narrator's faith - in people, in life, in God. I adored this story and its quiet, slow pace. Perhaps it does pale in comparison to the prequel - I picked this up in the library and didn't realize it was a sequel. It stands alone well. (*)>

I continue to be fascinated and amazed by this author's creativity and plot development. I read every word of this story. There was a combination of interesting characters, facts and story. Margaret's descriptions of her life and relationship with Adrian included elements of conflict, love, beauty, and confusion. The additional characters, including parishoners, friends and adversaries were developed with creativity that kept me wondering and wanting to know more about them. I was also intrigued by the historical and factual material, most of which I had no previous knowledge.

I wanted to review this book and am at a loss for words. Why? It is so unsurpassingly excellent. As soon as I finished it I reread book a second time and I have never done that before. I zeroxed pages and sent to friends. Why the enthusiasm? The story is about two Episcopal priests, mainly about the woman priest married to a husband priest. She has many problems -- her mother deserted her father, her husband suffers from cruel memories of his childhood. It is the author's attitude toward life and suffering which captivated me. Of course the role God plays in these lives is strikingly and subletly expressed. Our heroine finds meaning and purpose in life, although she too suffers. Evensong is second book about these characters. Father Meloncholy was first and I pray there will be a third.