Glastonbury: A Novel of the Holy Grail [Kindle Edition]

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Sweeping through 1500 years of tumultuous history, glastonbury tells the story of Christianity in England - from the first confrontations between druids and christians to the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII.

Glastonburty saw it al. The clash of cultures. Armies marching. the rise and fall of kingdoms. one language supplanting another. but glastonbury remained a place of serenity, prayer, and reconciliation.

Here is a story of faith passed on from generation to generation. And here in this epic novel of the triumph of christianity through the darkest moments of history, many will find their own spiritual roots.

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I didn't like this book at all as it comes with a very christian based theme and on almost every page there is another prayer, blessing or eulogy to read. If I wanted this much religion in a book, I'd read the bible.

Not for me.

First the downside: to be honest, I found the start a bit slow. But then, this isn't an all-action thriller. 'Glastonbury' covers a vast swathe of history, and the pace is appropriate - steady and well measured. There is a big story to tell here, and the writer tells it with depth.

Indeed, it is that depth, that thorough attention to detail which I came to appreciate as one of the strengths of this book. It's clear that a lot of research has been done. The writer not only has a firm grasp of the broad sweep of history, but also knows a lot about the small details of life - from what Romans ate for breakfast, to the latest interior decoration in the time of Henry the Eighth. However, she doesn't overwhelm the reader with too much minutiae. Instead, this information is woven smoothly into the narrative, adding authenticity without detracting from the story.

And what a story it is! From the very first coming of Christianity to Britain, through the ebb and flow of peoples, the coming and going of the Legions, the Dark Ages, the building of churches and monasteries... Kings and Bishops, knights and farmers, monks and merchants come and go, each adding their part.

Many elements are blended together here. Mysteries, romances and battles all have a part. But above all, this is a story of faith, of how individual lives have been touched by the Christian message, and how they in turn have touched their world.

So, even if it seems to start slowly, this is well worth staying with. 'Glastonbury' is a marvellously skilful weaving together of history and legend and scripture and imagination - vast in its scope, fascinating in its detail, thought provoking in its implications. I was fortunate enough to get it on a free offer, but if I'd paid the full price, I would have thought it money well spent!