Glamorous Powers (by Susan Howatch)

(Amazon UK link)

'Glamorous Powers' is a novel by Susan Howatch.  It is the second in the Starbridge series, set in the early part of the 20th century.

This is a brilliant psychological novel featuring Jon Darrow. He is a high Anglican monk who was introduced in the first book of the series, 'Glittering Images'.

Jon receives a vision and believes he is called to leave the monastic life, to follow God's will in the wider world. Although this book is complete in itself, it's much better when read as a sequel, because we see the stunning contrast between this uncertain man and the secure, confident Jon who was spiritual director to Charles Ashworth.

In this novel, written from Jon's perspective, we realise that he has plenty of insecurities and hangups. They are gradually revealed over the course of one of the best books I can remember reading for a long time.

Jon's healing takes place alongside a wide variety of realistic people. I thought it absolutely wonderful. I was almost totally unable to put this book down once I had started.

Highly recommended.

(See also: my longer review of Glamorous Powers written in 2007)