Miss Garnet’s Angel - Tapa dura

'Subtle, unexpected and haunting.' Penelope Fitzgerald

'Very kind, very funny.' John Bayley

'Writes like a haunted angel.' The Times

'Rich, complex and haunting...she makes the ancient story as riveting as Miss Garnet's own adventures.' Sunday Times

'The sort of novel I really enjoy.' John Bayley

‘Reveals itself as a surprising exploration of the mysteries of imagination and faith.' Joanna Trollope, Daily Telegraph Books of the Year

'A refreshing, gentle story.' Anita Brookner, Spectator Books of the Year

'A subtle, witty tale.' John de Falbe, Spectator Books of the Year

'Delightfully affecting.' Julia Neuberger, Independent Books of the Year

'Destined for a long life.' David Sexton, Evening Standard Books of the Year

'If you like Penelope Fitzgerald or Barbara Pym, try Salley Vickers.' Sunday Telegraph

'Original and delightful.' Woman's Journal

'It is a triumph.' John Julius Norwich

'All lovers of Venice should read this book.' Spectator

‘Miss Garnet’s Angel’ is a voyage of discovery, a novel about Venice but also the rich story of the explosive possibilities of change in all of us at any time.

Julia Garnet is a teacher. Just retired, she is left a legacy which she uses by leaving her orderly life and going to live – in winter – in an apartment in Venice. Its beauty, its secret corners and treasures, and its people overwhelm a lifetime of reserve and caution. Above all, she’s touched by the all-prevalent spirit of the Angel, Raphael.

Twinned with her journey is that of Tobias. The father, growing old and blind, is determined that his son, accompanied by an appropriate companion, should recover the family debt and allow his father to die in peace. The traveller, masquerading as a merchant – by common legend – is Raphael.

The two stories interweave with parents and landladies, restorers and priests, American tourists and ancient travellers abounding.

The result is an enormously satisfying journey of the spirit – and Julia Garnet is a character to treasure.