The Horizontal Epistles of Andromeda Veal (by Adrian Plass)

(Amazon UK link)

Adrian Plass is one of my favourite modern Christian writers. He combines humour, irony, and clever observations to poke gentle fun at himself and the evangelical church culture, while making some very thoughtful points and asking the kinds of questions that many people within the Christian church don't even think of asking.

In 'The Horizontal Epistles of Andromeda Veal', Adrian's wife's niece Andromeda is in hospital with a broken femur. Her parents are very progressive, but rather neglectful, and Andromeda is lonely.

So starts a lengthy correspondence with Adrian, his son Gerald, various members of the church, and some politicians. Funny in places - spelling is not Andromeda's strong point, and she makes some amusing errors in names and understanding of events. Also extremely moving.

Recommended. Not currently in print on its own, but can often be found second-hand. Also published as part of the 'Sacred Diary Trilogy', or 'Sacred diaries of Adrian, Andromeda and Leonard'.