Archbishop: A Novel - Softcover

Michele Guinness is a well-known speaker and the bestselling author of The Guinness Spirit, Is God Good for Women?, Autumn Leave and, most recently, Archbishop. She worked for many years as a broadcast journalist, then in PR for the NHS, eventually heading up NHS communications for Cumbria and Lancashire. She is now retired with two children and three grandchildren, and divides her time between Kent and France with her husband, Canon Peter Guinness.

A lengthy and lively read. * Magnet Magazine * As a history of the Church of England in the last 30 years, Archbishop has its points and would be a thought provoking choice for a book club wanting to discuss the nature of fiction. -- Jackie Wilkin * WI Life * Another great read from Michele Guinness; this book tells the story of the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. Set a few years in the future, it charts Vicky's progress from aspiring vicar to being offered the top job in the Church of England. Add to this a touch of intrigue and Michele's inimitable sense of humour and you have a book which is difficult to put down. -- Pam Teal * Woman Alive * A touch of intrigue and Michele's inimitable sense of humour ... a book which is difficult to put down. -- Anne Shakeshaft * Woman Alive * Michele Guinness has an important and relevant story to tell -- Peggy Woodford * The Church Times * Michele Guinness has an important and relevant story to tell: of the interaction of the Church both with politicians running the country, and with powerful businessmen, whose political manipulation, and (in some cases) corruption, cheating, and tax-dodging, plague society -- Peggy Woodford * The Church Times * Guinness gets the Church of England and portrays it very well . . . So full marks to Guinness on research. Few could have done it better . . . The plot is great -- Jo Ind * Third Way * If you read only one novel this year, make it Archbishop. It has intrigue, social comment, complex characters, and a plot that builds through the use of flashbacks ... It is a brilliant take on what British society could look like in the future ... One not to miss. * Christianity Magazine * [T]hat intangible barrier of prejudice which continues to prevent many women getting to the top of their professions [...] Writing gave [Michele] license to take a hammer to it as she tells the story of the first female Archbishop in Canterbury. -- Chris Hunter * Sittingbourne Messenger * When Vicky Burnham-Woods emerges as the compromise choice as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2020, she faces an enormous challenge...[T]hough politically liberal, her conservative theology brings her into conflict with a Government determined to force through gay marriage and outlaw religious teaching. The way [Vicky] tackles these problems makes enthralling reading, particularly as it becomes apparent that there are forces working to discredit her. -- Book Reviews * Townswoman * Guinness melds her skill as a journalist and a storyteller to good effect, producing something of a thriller... From the dramatic opening paragraph it hooked me... Throughly enjoyable -- Clem Jackson * Together Magazine * This is significant book at a significant time. I was gripped right from the first page. Being party to the discussions and negotiations surrounding the choosing of the next archbishop grabbed my attention and made it feel like I'd been allowed to enter a world that so few get to see...The book is immense and covers some huge themes. -- Claire Musters * Christian Today * A novel about the appointment of the Church of England's first female archbishop is bound to cause a stir. And even more so when it's published bang in the middle of the Church of England's General Synod. * The Kentish Gazette * I love how Michele brings history into the story of the church and weaves it into fiction. There's also intrigue, it shows the church in all its messiness and political maneuvering and grassroots humanity. I thought she was fantastic in portraying our church story in an accessible and interesting way. It comes to a fascinating end. It is possible, it will happen." Rev'd Ruth Scott In conversation with Clare Balding on BBC Radio 2 Sunday -- Rev'd Ruth Scott * BBC Radio 2 *