Step into the captivating world of Starbridge, where scandal, faith, and human complexity intertwine in a fictional Anglican diocese! Susan Howatch’s Starbridge series, a six-novel saga, offers a gripping exploration of the Church of England’s 20th-century evolution. With its blend of theological depth, psychological insight, and juicy ecclesiastical drama, this series is a hidden gem for readers who love rich, character-driven stories.
Unlike traditional historical fiction, Starbridge feels like a high-brow soap opera, complete with flawed priests, forbidden romances, and spiritual awakenings. Ready to uncover the secrets of this unique literary cathedral? Let’s dive in!
How Starbridge Began
Susan Howatch, a British author known for her gothic novels and family sagas, found her true calling after a spiritual epiphany in the 1980s. Living near Salisbury Cathedral, she became fascinated by Anglican Christianity, which inspired her to weave her newfound faith into her storytelling. The result was the Starbridge series, launched in 1987 with Glittering Images. Howatch crafted a fictional diocese modeled on Salisbury, blending real-world ecclesiastical vibes with her signature narrative flair.
Her goal? To humanize the clergy, showing them as ordinary people grappling with extraordinary moral and spiritual dilemmas. This bold vision, rooted in her own journey, set the stage for a series that’s as thought-provoking as it is addictive.
The Heart of Starbridge
The Starbridge series spans six novels, each narrated by a different character, offering multiple perspectives on shared events. The first three books—Glittering Images (1937), Glamorous Powers (1940), and Ultimate Prizes (1942)—explore the 1930s and World War II, while the final three—Scandalous Risks (1963), Mystical Paths (1968), and Absolute Truths (1965)—tackle the turbulent 1960s.
In Glittering Images, we meet Charles Ashworth, a Cambridge academic sent to investigate a scandal involving the flamboyant Bishop of Starbridge. His journey unravels personal and spiritual crises, aided by the wise Father Jonathan Darrow. Glamorous Powers follows Darrow, a monk with psychic gifts, as he navigates temptations after leaving his order. Scandalous Risks, narrated by young aristocrat Venetia Flaxton, dives into a risky affair with the married Dean Neville Aysgarth, echoing real-life dramas. Mystical Paths centers on Nicholas Darrow, Jonathan’s son, wrestling with his own psychic powers and a mysterious death. Themes of redemption, human frailty, and the clash between personal desires and spiritual ideals run deep, all set against the vivid backdrop of Starbridge’s cathedral and its fictional Fordite monks.
Howatch’s style is immersive, blending theology, psychology, and scandal with unreliable narrators who keep you guessing. Each book stands alone but shines brighter as part of the series, revealing new layers of the same events through fresh eyes.
Why Starbridge Resonates
The Starbridge series has left a lasting mark on readers who crave stories that challenge the mind and stir the soul. Its nuanced portrayal of the Anglican Church—mirroring societal shifts from wartime austerity to the swinging sixties—offers a unique lens on faith and morality. Fans, including clergy, praise its authenticity, with some jokingly wondering if Howatch had peeked into their diaries! Her creation of the Starbridge Lecturer post at Cambridge University, funded by her profits, underscores her commitment to bridging theology and science.
Decades later, the series remains a cult favorite, cherished for its intellectual depth and addictive drama. It’s a testament to Howatch’s skill that Starbridge feels both timeless and intimately tied to its era.
- About Starbridge
- Publication Years: 1987–1994
- Number of Books: 6
- Setting: Fictional Starbridge diocese, inspired by Salisbury
- Genres: Historical fiction, religious fiction, psychological drama
Ready to lose yourself in a world of faith, scandal, and redemption? Grab Glittering Images and step into Starbridge’s unforgettable saga today!