Review: Angels of September by Andrew M. Greeley

Title: Angels of September
Author: Andrew M. Greeley
Publisher: Warner Books
Publication Date: December 31, 1986
Edition: Hardcover (451 pages)
Genres:

• Fiction
• Mystery
• Romance
• Suspense

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anne Reilly has spent much of her life afraid, trying to do the right thing, and trying to navigate her Catholic faith. Suddenly, she is confronted by her past, as it collides with her present. As the owner of a well known art gallery, she agrees to exhibit the paintings of a Catholic priest who spent years hospitalized with mental illness. Unexplained things began to happen to her. Will those who love her be able to put the picture together in time to save her life?

Father Andrew Greeley is a master story teller. He brings the characters he writes about to life in vivid detail. And, he writes, without apology, about the flaws of his characters and the flaws of the Church, past and present.

I first read this book shortly after its publication in 1986, and have reread it a few times since. I find it fascinating each time I reread it. It was a book my mom enjoyed, so it is special to me for that reason also. I'm reminded of the quote: "Get knocked down seven times, stand up eight." This is precisely what Anne Reilly does, along with so many people in real life. Suffice it to say, I have an affinity for strong characters, especially strong women.