Customer Reviews

Fall from Grace

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Using deceit, John obtained a positon of editing some diaries which belong to an eminent bishop's family at Illaton Manor. Surround by lovely family gardens, like Longwood Gardens in NE Pennsylvania, he finds the botanical papers preserved by generations. Also in the country home there is a cache of private letters which John decides to use for his own profit and benefit. The Bishop's father had inherited the estae in 1911.

"In the midst of their completely ruthless and amoral ives, th Jon Corbins of this world felt compelled to make the occasional oblations to the gods of chance." His charming character is like that of a con man, amoral, and a thief to which he puts to use.

He had written a book, GREEN PLEASURES, about his love of growing things, making him the perfedt choice as editor of the botanical papers. His unscrupulous tendencies which he keeps hidden make him the worst to deal with the diaries and letters.

"He lived in the Garden of Eden, but fate could at any time change. 'Religion' has now come into the market place and must raise its voice unashamedly with the other hustlers and pedlars."

John attempted to sell some of the Bishop's letters to the highest bidder. "He could at times be rough, crude, and draconian to those hwo cross his will or served him badly." Everything in life for him was a game -- dangerous, challenging, and amusing. Frustrated and anger were built up in him and 'the only instinct which he could follow was a desire to wound another to ease his own wounds.' Like somebody I know. This time, however, he challenged the wrong person and lost. The story ends in vague disaster.

Mr. Canning has also written THE CRIMSON CHALICE, THE GOLDEN SALAMANDER, and THE CIRCLE OF THE GODS among others.