Customer Reviews

When Angels Lie

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Gladys Hobson has written an award winner with `When Angels Lie.' Daring to take on a subject guaranteed to make some readers squirm, Hobson boldly explores the life of handsome Anglican priest Paul Stringer as he takes on an impoverished parish and pursues a loving affair--with a neighboring male priest. The author follows him as he struggles painfully with a commitment to his church and his desperate need for acceptance and companionship.

Although the two priests determine to keep their personal affair confidential, they learn that suspicions are quick to arise in this small community. Confused by the rebuffs of the parish's most eligible bachelor, local women begin to grow increasingly suspicious of his often repeated vow of bachelorhood. Worse, the enmity of the church warden, the jealousy of a woman spurned and the sexual escapades of two teenage lovers in the chapel are twisted into a scandal that threatens to expose not only the relationship of the priests but destroy their many accomplishments in the church.

Smoothly, expertly written, the author captures the essence and conflict of human love and religion as they struggle to coexist in a judgmental world. Hobson reveals a church hierarchy attempting to compromise with a nervous reality, and walks the reader ever so beautifully through the torment of a young man deeply devoted to his vows and wanting fervently to serve his parish--with the support of a loving partner. As the story unfolds, however, his options grow more desperate and his torment ever more intense.

Hobson is a writer of the first class, able to build a story quickly and maintain excitement throughout the book. Her characters are full and multidimensional--at times, the reader is torn by compassion and empathy for one and then the other. Such is the making of a fine novel and a book well worth reading. It is unfortunate that books such as these, so worthy of recognition, go unheralded by the literary establishment. I, for one, give it "tens" across the board.

Young, handsome, and driven, Paul is completely devoted to the practice of his faith as an Anglican priest. With all that he has going for him, it should come as no surprise that he remains square in the sights of many a single woman scattered throughout his doting parish. Unfortunately for them, Paul's heart is set solely on the pursuit of someone he finds quite special - little does anyone know, though, that someone just happens to be a fellow male priest...

When the two fated lovers eventually surrender to their desires, they begin a passionate, loving - albeit completely clandestine affair - but despite the pleasure of their physical indulgence, both men struggle greatly with the inner spiritual torment stemming from the juxtaposition of their flesh and their faith. Even worse, as suspicions regarding their relationship begin to grow throughout the surrounding community, Paul and his lover soon face the very real prospect of having to contend with the disastrous consequences of their actions - however well-meaning they may be. In light of all the looming controversy, each man is forced to engage in a fierce spiritual battle in order to reconcile the various conflicting elements deep within themselves...

When Angels Lie takes the reader on a piercing, heart-rending and ultimately edifying journey through the deepest recesses of the human soul. Insightfully well-crafted, author Gladys Hobson's endearing tale does a superb job of humanizing the eternal battle between the spirit and the flesh - a battle, it should be noted, that is no more or less difficult whether centered on homosexuality, addiction, or any other spiritual affliction. In the end, we all struggle daily with issues of acceptance vs. propriety, and the manifestation of this struggle in the form of Paul's relationship with his lover is guaranteed to inspire serious reflection within the reader on a number of different levels.

With a compelling storyline and well-rounded cast of characters, When Angels Lie is literary jewel that shouldn't be missed. Kudos to Hobson for launching such a brave headlong foray into what remains a highly controversial topic - and for pulling it off with the utmost class, grace, and much-deserved empathy. Highly recommended.


Tracy Moore
Apex Reviews