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Miss Garnet’s Angel

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Miss Garnet’s Angel

By: Salley Vickers, Kati Nicholl
Narrated by: Anna Massey
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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.

 Anthologies & Short Stories Contemporary Contemporary Romance Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Fiction Romance
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Critic reviews

'Subtle, unexpected and haunting.' Penelope Fitzgerald

'Very kind, very funny.' John Bayley

'Writes like a haunted angel.' The Times

'Rich, complex and haunting…she makes the ancient story as riveting as Miss Garnet's own adventures.' Sunday Times

'The sort of novel I really enjoy.' John Bayley

Reveals itself as a surprising exploration of the mysteries of imagination and faith.' Joanna Trollope, Daily Telegraph, Book of the Year

'A refreshing, gentle story.' Anita Brookner, Spectator, Book of the Year

'A subtle, witty tale.' John de Falbe, Spectator

'Delightfully affecting.' Julia Neuberger, Independent, Book of the Year

'Destined for a long life.' David Sexton, Evening Standard, Book of the Year

'If you like Penelope Fitzgerald or Barbara Pym, try Salley Vickers.' Sunday Telegraph

'Original and delightful.' Woman's Journal
All stars
Most relevant
interesting to revisit this mysterious novel. The reader is quite mannered. Well worth a listen!

unusual love story

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I’ve loved this book for ages and when I found Anna Massey was to read it, I was overjoyed. She does it beautifully, inhabiting the shoes of Julia garnett with great elegance. I couldn’t leave a 5 star review because of the (to my mind) gong sound when moving between periods. It upset me and I found it intrusive and something that should have stayed in a school production.
Apart from this, all beautiful!

Wonderful storytelling

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Lovely tale, beautifully read but would have been better unabridged. I was conscious throughout that I was missing out on so much...

Unabridged would have been better

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If you love Venice, you'll love this book - a very gentle and engaging story about a retired school teacher who finds herself in the magic of Venice's churches and streets. There's a double plot - one in the present, one a commentary on the Book of Tobit - both are fine, although I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen and focusing more on the present day story. Lovely narration, all good.

For Venice lovers

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On third reading it doesn't fail to give. This book is for everyone everywhere, if you like Angels that is

angels everywhere

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