Williams was in the writing group with Lewis, Tolkien, and Sayers, so I was eager to read this novel. But, as it turns out, I was very eager to finishWilliams was in the writing group with Lewis, Tolkien, and Sayers, so I was eager to read this novel. But, as it turns out, I was very eager to finish it. It's the traditional story of the search for the Holy Grail, but in a contemporary (1930s England) setting. The story jumped around a lot, and since none of the characters were of great interest to me, it was hard to follow the jumping around. I had to make a chart to keep up with them and try to keep me interested. I suspect this is one of those books that you either love or hate. Hate would be a bit strong for me, but it won't be a re-read, nor do I want to pursue more in the series.
There were a few interesting quotes: "The English police are corrupt enough, of course, but the trouble is one doesn't know where they're corrupt, and you may hit on the wrong man." "During the previous day it had become evident in Grosvenor Square that a common spiritual concern does not mean a common intellectual agreement." "It annoyed him as his father had annoyed him by wasting emotions and strength in mere stupid, senile worry."
Merged review:
Williams was in the writing group with Lewis, Tolkien, and Sayers, so I was eager to read this novel. But, as it turns out, I was very eager to finish it. It's the traditional story of the search for the Holy Grail, but in a contemporary (1930s England) setting. The story jumped around a lot, and since none of the characters were of great interest to me, it was hard to follow the jumping around. I had to make a chart to keep up with them and try to keep me interested. I suspect this is one of those books that you either love or hate. Hate would be a bit strong for me, but it won't be a re-read, nor do I want to pursue more in the series.
There were a few interesting quotes: "The English police are corrupt enough, of course, but the trouble is one doesn't know where they're corrupt, and you may hit on the wrong man." "During the previous day it had become evident in Grosvenor Square that a common spiritual concern does not mean a common intellectual agreement." "It annoyed him as his father had annoyed him by wasting emotions and strength in mere stupid, senile worry."...more
A new friend with a love of Christian missionary biographies introduced me to the life of Lilias Trotter, an English artist who became a missionary toA new friend with a love of Christian missionary biographies introduced me to the life of Lilias Trotter, an English artist who became a missionary to Africa.
"Holiness, not safety, is the end of our calling."
"...there are those to whom a blessed life of fruitfulness to God comes in a simple way, with seemingly no hard process of dying involved"...more
Creative murder setting of an actress watching a classic movie. A novelist lets the detective know that this is not the first plot of hers to be copieCreative murder setting of an actress watching a classic movie. A novelist lets the detective know that this is not the first plot of hers to be copied....more
A great reread on the Bulla book I most remember from my children's reading 30+ years ago.A great reread on the Bulla book I most remember from my children's reading 30+ years ago....more
Caring family on a hopeless quest to make a life in Alaska with an emotionally damaged father. Well-told story.
"Did adults just look at the world and sCaring family on a hopeless quest to make a life in Alaska with an emotionally damaged father. Well-told story.
"Did adults just look at the world and see what they wanted to see, think what they wanted to think? Did evidence and experience mean nothing?"
"Bullies were always cowards who could be made to back down."...more
What a good reminder of what it means to befriend someone. Our words and actions are so important in the lives of the people we encounter. We are not What a good reminder of what it means to befriend someone. Our words and actions are so important in the lives of the people we encounter. We are not expected to do what God alone can do, but there is a lot we can do for others: material encouragement, consistent loyalty, verbal encouragement, godly and consistent lifestyle, second chance, frequent refreshment, unashamed compassion, diligent effort.
Great reminder also of what the Good Samaritan didn't do: become involved financially, adopt him as a major long-term personal project, allow his relationship with this man to develop beyond an appropriate level of involvement, did not allow the situation to hinder his own life purposes, didn't take control of the other mans life or allow the other man to take control of his....more
Continuing my preferred genre of detective stories where there is justice in the end, these women (detective and ME) bring long-delayed justice for a Continuing my preferred genre of detective stories where there is justice in the end, these women (detective and ME) bring long-delayed justice for a NYPD investigator who was framed for assault ten years earlier....more
After 'Crossing to Safety' any book fails to measure up, but this was a worthy novel by Stegner. I especially liked the fact that it was based so muchAfter 'Crossing to Safety' any book fails to measure up, but this was a worthy novel by Stegner. I especially liked the fact that it was based so much on his family and their life in the west as it was developing. Stegner's virtues of politeness, courtesy, kindness, and self-discipline come through in his characters. The term 'angle of repose' is the angle at which dirt and pebble stop rolling down or back. The book applies it to 'the angle at which a man or woman finally lies down.'...more
I want to keep a record of some chapter books for children as I read them once again with my grandchildren. Bulla is a long-time favorite writer of hiI want to keep a record of some chapter books for children as I read them once again with my grandchildren. Bulla is a long-time favorite writer of history books for children. This is a favorite....more
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