The novels of Susan Howatch: discussion and appreciation.

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Susan Howatch, a British novelist, has given the world some great books over the past 30+ years.

First there were her family sagas: Penmarric, Cashelmara, The Rich are Different, Sins of the Fathers, The Wheel of Fortune.

Then the Starbridge series, about the Church of England in the 20th century: Glittering Images, Glamorous Powers, Ultimate Prizes, Scandalous Risks, Mystical Paths, Absolute Truths. Her most recent books are The Wonder Worker (A Question of Integrity) and The High Flyer; and she is now working on a third novel focusing on the St Benet's healing centre.

In the 1960s Howatch wrote a number of gothic novels, most notably The Devil on Lammas Night. More recently she edited several volumes in the Library of Anglican Spirituality.

Susan Howatch can describe a situation from the point of view of several characters in turn, take you into each character's mind and soul, and somehow make the whole book so much more than the sum of its parts. Her family sagas are all retellings of well-known historical events in a 19th or 20th century setting, which makes her work of interest for historical fiction fans too.

You're very welcome to join this list and share your views on the work of Susan Howatch.

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Susan Howatch novels are published in the US by Random House, and in the UK by HarperCollins (Starbridge) and Penguin (sagas) and Little, Brown (St Benet's).