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Miss Garnet's Angel

By: Salley Vickers, Kati Nicholl - editor
Narrated by: Anna Massey
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Summary

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.

©2010 Salley Vickers (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

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

What listeners say about Miss Garnet's Angel

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For Venice lovers

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.

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Miss Garnet's Angel

loved it ... beautifully narrated and a lovely story. will need to visit Venice now

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Miss Garnet's Angel

I read and loved this book years ago..it was lovely to revisit it and extra special to be able to listen to it at my leisure.

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3 people found this helpful

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Wonderful storytelling

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!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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unusual love story

interesting to revisit this mysterious novel. The reader is quite mannered. Well worth a listen!

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    4 out of 5 stars

Delightful

A good tale well read. Miss Massey's cool precise voice suits this intriguing story well. Only four stars because of the foolish gong sounds interspersed too liberally - they are a dreadful distraction.

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angels everywhere

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

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Unabridged would have been better

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

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Good Story

I loved this story as a book but find the reading of it sharp & slightly jarring, which is such a shame.

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