Friday, July 29, 2011

Glastonbury Tor by Leanne Hardy ~ review

Glastonbury Tor: A Novel

Product Details

  • Paperback: 240 pages
  • Publisher: Kregel Publications (September 29, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0825427894
  • ISBN-13: 978-0825427893

About the book:
When his mother dies, sixteen-year-old Colin is consumed with hate for his harsh, demanding father. Looking for a true relationship with Christ and purification for his hateful heart, he journeys to the historic monastery at Glastonbury, within whose walls lies the Holy Grail. In this captivating novel centered around Glastonbury Tor (Hill), a young man seeks salvation as the Catholic Church finds itself in turmoil during the reign of Henry VIII.

My take on this book:
Colin Hay is heartbroken, and also overcome with rage at his father when his mother dies a needless death. At seventeen his love of books and writing had his cruel father belittling him, but his mother hoping that he would eventually become a monk. When his mother dies Colin's actions against his father ensures that Colin will have to leave home. He sets out on foot for Glastonbury hoping not only to full fill his mothers dream for him, but to also find forgiveness for the actions against his father.

This is a time period that I have read very little about and found the historical aspect quite interesting.I felt as if I was being transported back in time to the days of King Arthur, when he decides to move away from the Catholic church so that he can divorce his wife and marry Anne Boleyn.A turbulent time in history to be sure.  I thought the actions that caused Colin's mothers death was quite sad, and couldn't help but think that Colin's dad was nothing but a barbaric brute. For me the theme running thru this book was forgiveness, I kept wondering if Colin would find forgiveness for his father. I think this book would be great for teens, because it isn't just another coming of age story instead its also weaves in a nice history lesson. 

3 comments:

  1. Thank you, Brenda. I am much more interested in how the facts we read in our history books affected the lives of ordinary people than in politics. Hmm. Events in Washington this week are sure to affect our lives profoundly. I wonder what a novelist will have to say about it from the perspective of history.

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  2. LeAnne, Thank you so much for dropping by. I always feel that its the "ordinary" people who often have the most extraordinary stories to tell. Loved your book, and will certainly be watching for more of your work.

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  3. Following you back. Can't wait to have time to read your reviews.
    Jessica from Life Unexpected

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Your wonderful comments make my day, thanks for dropping by!