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The Grantchester Mysteries #6
Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love
The sixth book in the James Runcie's much-loved series, which has been adapted for Masterpiece's Grantchester starring James Norton, sees full-time priest, part-time detective Sidney Chambers plunged back into sleuthing when he discovers a body in a bluebell wood.
It is May 1971 and the Cambridgeshire countryside is bursting into summer. Attending to his paternal duties, Archdeacon Sidney Chambers is walking in the woods with his daughter Anna and their aging Labrador, Byron, when they stumble upon a body. Beside the dead man lies a basket of wild flowers, all poisonous. And so it is that Sidney is thrust into another murder investigation, entering a world of hippies, folk singers, and psychedelic plants, where love triangles and permissive behavior seem to hide something darker.
Despite the tranquil appearance of the Diocese of Ely, there is much to keep Sidney and his old friend, Detective Inspector Geordie Keating, as busy as ever. An historic religious text vanishes from a Cambridge college; Sidney's former flame, Amanda Richmond, gets a whiff of art-world corruption; and his nephew disappears in the long, hot summer of 1976.
Meanwhile, Sidney comes face to face with the divine mysteries of life and love while wrestling with earthly problems--from parish scandals and an alarmingly progressive new secretary to his own domestic misdemeanors, the challenges of parenthood and a great loss.
It is May 1971 and the Cambridgeshire countryside is bursting into summer. Attending to his paternal duties, Archdeacon Sidney Chambers is walking in the woods with his daughter Anna and their aging Labrador, Byron, when they stumble upon a body. Beside the dead man lies a basket of wild flowers, all poisonous. And so it is that Sidney is thrust into another murder investigation, entering a world of hippies, folk singers, and psychedelic plants, where love triangles and permissive behavior seem to hide something darker.
Despite the tranquil appearance of the Diocese of Ely, there is much to keep Sidney and his old friend, Detective Inspector Geordie Keating, as busy as ever. An historic religious text vanishes from a Cambridge college; Sidney's former flame, Amanda Richmond, gets a whiff of art-world corruption; and his nephew disappears in the long, hot summer of 1976.
Meanwhile, Sidney comes face to face with the divine mysteries of life and love while wrestling with earthly problems--from parish scandals and an alarmingly progressive new secretary to his own domestic misdemeanors, the challenges of parenthood and a great loss.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2017
About the author
James Runcie
20 books582 followersJames Runcie is a British novelist, documentary film-maker, television producer, theatre director, and Artistic Director of the Bath Literature Festival.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 8, 2017
"Life has limits, but love has no bounds. / Dem Leben sind Grenzen gesetzt, die Liebe ist grenzenlos."
I received the arc from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended: to those who like their cozy mysteries with substance that matters. :)
Although I heard about the "Grantchester Myteries" before and I know that there is also a related TV series, which I mean to check out soon, I haven't read any of the previous books.
I expected the "usual" cozy mystery with a busybody, self-designated sleuth who gets in the way of police investigation more often than not. However, this book was anything, BUT usual.
It is not a single story to begin with, but rather a collection of 6 novellas loosley chained, covering a period of five years from 1971 to 1976.
The novellas are as different from one another as this book is from others in the genre. Not all of them are crime oriented. There is an appealing and gentle humour throughout them, but some are funny and intriguing while others are deeply sad and touching. I would consider some of them as strictly crime novellas, as they are much too grim and realistic (without being violent), with nothing cozy about them at all. Having said this, I don't mean to imply that they are not interesting to read, because they are, but they do make you think about all the unfairness there is in the world.
James Runcie's writing has a clear and engaging tone and he makes his characters come to life. They are all credible, flesh and blood people with virtues and flaws, likeable or irritating, adding their colour to the wide palette.
The themes / ideas JR raises in the novellas via his characters also make you deliberate on what I would call the facts of life (love, hate, life, death, gain and loss). The philosophy behind is nothing complicated, but it is all about what makes us human & it is expressed concisely and makes you stop and think and make you own stand/draw your own conclusions.
The list of novellas in in the book:
1. The Bluebell Woods: during a walk in the woods Sidney and her daughter discover a dead body with a basket of poisonous plants next to it. Sidney and Inspector Geordie Keating investigate.
2. Authenticity: Sidney ponders the question if man can ever get to the roots of his true self & celebrates his 10th wedding anniversary. A new, overzealous, assistant is assigned to the chapter to sort out ecclesiastical finance and find a culprit who has been embezzling donation money. She also has the not-so-hidden agenda of becoming one of the first woman priests. - The Vicar of Dibley comes to mind, which is a welcome connotation, though the character of Vanessa Morgan is very different from Geraldine Granger. :)
3. Insufficient Evidence: a case of rape where the victim is Sidney's friend. We are in the 1970s, the case is handled by policemen, male barristers/judges/jury entertaining the disgusting, but overwhelming conviction that the "victim is to blame". :(
4. Ex Libris: The priceless Gospel Book of St. Augustine gets stolen from Sidney's former College, Corpus Christi in Cambridge. It happens to be the same religious text upon which the new Archbishop of Canterbury should take his oaths of office...
5. The Long Hot Summer: Sidney's nephew, a 16-year-old with radical ideas goes missing.
6. The Persistence of Love: Sidney's faith is put to the test in the heaviest crisis of his life & it is for the first time he truly realises the difficulty of practicing what we preach.
Now I am going the other way round, but I will definitely read the previous books in the series.
I received the arc from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended: to those who like their cozy mysteries with substance that matters. :)
Although I heard about the "Grantchester Myteries" before and I know that there is also a related TV series, which I mean to check out soon, I haven't read any of the previous books.
I expected the "usual" cozy mystery with a busybody, self-designated sleuth who gets in the way of police investigation more often than not. However, this book was anything, BUT usual.
It is not a single story to begin with, but rather a collection of 6 novellas loosley chained, covering a period of five years from 1971 to 1976.
The novellas are as different from one another as this book is from others in the genre. Not all of them are crime oriented. There is an appealing and gentle humour throughout them, but some are funny and intriguing while others are deeply sad and touching. I would consider some of them as strictly crime novellas, as they are much too grim and realistic (without being violent), with nothing cozy about them at all. Having said this, I don't mean to imply that they are not interesting to read, because they are, but they do make you think about all the unfairness there is in the world.
James Runcie's writing has a clear and engaging tone and he makes his characters come to life. They are all credible, flesh and blood people with virtues and flaws, likeable or irritating, adding their colour to the wide palette.
The themes / ideas JR raises in the novellas via his characters also make you deliberate on what I would call the facts of life (love, hate, life, death, gain and loss). The philosophy behind is nothing complicated, but it is all about what makes us human & it is expressed concisely and makes you stop and think and make you own stand/draw your own conclusions.
The list of novellas in in the book:
1. The Bluebell Woods: during a walk in the woods Sidney and her daughter discover a dead body with a basket of poisonous plants next to it. Sidney and Inspector Geordie Keating investigate.
2. Authenticity: Sidney ponders the question if man can ever get to the roots of his true self & celebrates his 10th wedding anniversary. A new, overzealous, assistant is assigned to the chapter to sort out ecclesiastical finance and find a culprit who has been embezzling donation money. She also has the not-so-hidden agenda of becoming one of the first woman priests. - The Vicar of Dibley comes to mind, which is a welcome connotation, though the character of Vanessa Morgan is very different from Geraldine Granger. :)
3. Insufficient Evidence: a case of rape where the victim is Sidney's friend. We are in the 1970s, the case is handled by policemen, male barristers/judges/jury entertaining the disgusting, but overwhelming conviction that the "victim is to blame". :(
4. Ex Libris: The priceless Gospel Book of St. Augustine gets stolen from Sidney's former College, Corpus Christi in Cambridge. It happens to be the same religious text upon which the new Archbishop of Canterbury should take his oaths of office...
5. The Long Hot Summer: Sidney's nephew, a 16-year-old with radical ideas goes missing.
6. The Persistence of Love: Sidney's faith is put to the test in the heaviest crisis of his life & it is for the first time he truly realises the difficulty of practicing what we preach.
Now I am going the other way round, but I will definitely read the previous books in the series.
April 30, 2017
This is the sixth collection of short stories featuring Sidney Chambers. Sidney is now an Archdeacon and has moved on from Grantchester with his wife and daughter, however the stories still revolve around the characters we've come to love and know so well through the earlier books and the TV series "Grantchester". Set in the early 1970s, everyone has become a little older and wiser although Sidney still loves to solve mysteries and often gets in trouble for dereliction of his home duties.
All written in James Runcie's engaging style the six stories cover very different aspects of Sidney's life. In the "Bluebell Woods" Sidney and his young daughter find the body of a man collecting toxic plants while they are out walking in the woods and Sidney and Geordie work together once again on solving the murder. A priceless antiquarian book stolen from Sidney's old college, Corpus Christi, leads Sidney into a perplexing 'locked room' mystery to solve in"Ex Libris" and in "Authenticity" Amanda makes a very costly decision and Sidney must grapple with a new secretary trying to change his relaxed ways.
More serious matters affecting Sidney's friends and family occur in "The Long Hot Summer" where his nephew goes missing and in "Insufficient Evidence" where a friend of Sidney's is a victim of rape and is treated in a disgraceful and unsympathetic way by the police and courts of the times. Finally "The Persistence of Love" describes a tragic death of a loved character and has Sidney reflecting on the meaning of life, love and death. A common theme through all the stories are Sidney's thoughts on ethics and morals, love and jealousy and what might have been if he had made different choices. I loved spending more time in Sidney's world and this was definitely a worthwhile addition to the series.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Bloomsbury for a copy of the book to read and review."
All written in James Runcie's engaging style the six stories cover very different aspects of Sidney's life. In the "Bluebell Woods" Sidney and his young daughter find the body of a man collecting toxic plants while they are out walking in the woods and Sidney and Geordie work together once again on solving the murder. A priceless antiquarian book stolen from Sidney's old college, Corpus Christi, leads Sidney into a perplexing 'locked room' mystery to solve in"Ex Libris" and in "Authenticity" Amanda makes a very costly decision and Sidney must grapple with a new secretary trying to change his relaxed ways.
More serious matters affecting Sidney's friends and family occur in "The Long Hot Summer" where his nephew goes missing and in "Insufficient Evidence" where a friend of Sidney's is a victim of rape and is treated in a disgraceful and unsympathetic way by the police and courts of the times. Finally "The Persistence of Love" describes a tragic death of a loved character and has Sidney reflecting on the meaning of life, love and death. A common theme through all the stories are Sidney's thoughts on ethics and morals, love and jealousy and what might have been if he had made different choices. I loved spending more time in Sidney's world and this was definitely a worthwhile addition to the series.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Bloomsbury for a copy of the book to read and review."
September 5, 2017
In the first book we meet a young Sidney Chambers some years after WW2, unmarried and vicar of Grantchester. It's now the 70s and Sidney and Hildegard are married and they have a young daughter, Anna. He has risen in the ranks and is now archdeacon. But, he still can't stay away from trouble as the stories in this book will prove. This book is, as the rest I have read, divided into short stories that have different cases that Sidney takes one. And, I have to say that so far this is my favorite book in the series, all six stories are quite good with interesting cases, from murder and rape cases to Sidney's nephew going missing. And the years go by in the book. In the first story, is it early 70s and Anna is a little girl, but she is a teenager in the last story in this book.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
April 23, 2017
In the sixth book to feature the philosophizing Archbishop Sidney Chambers, Sidney does, indeed, explore love in its many manifestations: romantic love, marital fidelity, the special love between longtime friends, love of children, jealousy, even the loves of traditions books. But the six interrelated novellas of Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love aren’t as thoughtful or poignant as the ones in previous books. Sidney has always had his head a bit too much in the clouds and a tendency to overthink matters — his imperfections were part of what made him endearing — but here is much more out at sea and some of the stories seem a bit pointless. The messages — good can come of evil, communication is more important than the misguided protection of people, young people always rebel — seem exceedingly trite. In addition, Sidney seems beset with cheap nostalgia and unjustified jealousy, emotions that don’t ring true but are included in a misbegotten notion to make weak points. But the book has some amazing redeeming features (more on that later).
In Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love, Archbishop Chambers investigates the murder of a bohemian folk singer, an auction for a painting that may — or may not be — a Goya, a rape, the theft of a sixth century book (The Gospel of St Augustine, the oldest surviving Latin illustrated Gospel, actually exists at Cambridge’s Corpus Christi College), a runaway, and an unexpected natural death. The book takes place in the 1970s, and Sidney seems overwhelmed with the prospect of women priests and the changing status of women in general. While he won’t admit it, Sidney tends to think that he should have more privileges than his wife, and he seems immersed in musings of what might have been: if he’d married Amanda rather than Hildegard, if he’d never taken that first fateful step toward sleuthing, if he’d not befriended Inspector Geordie Keating, if, if, if…. On the other hand, author James Runcie provides an excellent window into the changes of that revolutionary decade in which society’s attitudes toward women (including ordaining them), rape, and authority began shifting.
But most importantly, in the final story of the collection, the titular “The Persistence of Love,” marks a return to the usual Sidney Chambers fare: perceptive, honest, thoughtful and guaranteed to remain with the reader for a long, long time. If nothing else, the book is well worth your while for this novella alone, worth an extra star all by itself.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA in exchange for an honest review.
In Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love, Archbishop Chambers investigates the murder of a bohemian folk singer, an auction for a painting that may — or may not be — a Goya, a rape, the theft of a sixth century book (The Gospel of St Augustine, the oldest surviving Latin illustrated Gospel, actually exists at Cambridge’s Corpus Christi College), a runaway, and an unexpected natural death. The book takes place in the 1970s, and Sidney seems overwhelmed with the prospect of women priests and the changing status of women in general. While he won’t admit it, Sidney tends to think that he should have more privileges than his wife, and he seems immersed in musings of what might have been: if he’d married Amanda rather than Hildegard, if he’d never taken that first fateful step toward sleuthing, if he’d not befriended Inspector Geordie Keating, if, if, if…. On the other hand, author James Runcie provides an excellent window into the changes of that revolutionary decade in which society’s attitudes toward women (including ordaining them), rape, and authority began shifting.
But most importantly, in the final story of the collection, the titular “The Persistence of Love,” marks a return to the usual Sidney Chambers fare: perceptive, honest, thoughtful and guaranteed to remain with the reader for a long, long time. If nothing else, the book is well worth your while for this novella alone, worth an extra star all by itself.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2017
Princess Fuzzypants here:
As a fan of the tv series, Granchester Chronicles, it was interesting to read one of the books from which it was taken. Even though the stories are set well in advance of where the current series is set, the characters come alive as faces are put to names. Sidney has advanced well in his career and his hobby of crime fighting. Much has happened in the lives of the characters not the least of which is Sidney's marriage and fatherhood.
He is well meaning but not always the most effective person with those closest to him. His disintegration in the last story of the book brought his failings into view only too clearly. He has tried to straddle all the things in his life. It is only when he is forced to recognize what he has lost that he truly looks at the price that has been paid.
I suspect this book would resonate even more for the readers who have come along on Sidney's journey through life. The first stories in the book are Sidney doing what he does best: solving mysteries. It is this last story where he becomes highly introspective as he weighs decisions he has made and will need to make in the future.
I did enjoy the book although I think it might be best to catch up on the previous outings before reading this one. I still give it four purrs and two paws up.
As a fan of the tv series, Granchester Chronicles, it was interesting to read one of the books from which it was taken. Even though the stories are set well in advance of where the current series is set, the characters come alive as faces are put to names. Sidney has advanced well in his career and his hobby of crime fighting. Much has happened in the lives of the characters not the least of which is Sidney's marriage and fatherhood.
He is well meaning but not always the most effective person with those closest to him. His disintegration in the last story of the book brought his failings into view only too clearly. He has tried to straddle all the things in his life. It is only when he is forced to recognize what he has lost that he truly looks at the price that has been paid.
I suspect this book would resonate even more for the readers who have come along on Sidney's journey through life. The first stories in the book are Sidney doing what he does best: solving mysteries. It is this last story where he becomes highly introspective as he weighs decisions he has made and will need to make in the future.
I did enjoy the book although I think it might be best to catch up on the previous outings before reading this one. I still give it four purrs and two paws up.
February 25, 2017
I do like this series. James Runcie writes very well in an easy, readable style, he creates decent mysteries and there is often some genuine moral and spiritual weight to the stories. If you're not familiar with the earlier books in the series, I would suggest that you read at least some of them first; it's not essential but it will add to your enjoyment, I think. If you have read them, you won’t be disappointed in this latest episode.
By now, we know pretty well what we're going to get with a Sidney Chambers book. We have arrived in the 1970s; Sidney's marriage is well established, his daughter is growing up (she's six in 1971) and his personal life continues to develop. Life in Grantchester and Cambridge continues to be peppered with crimes, including murder, with which Inspector Keating requires Sidney's help, as bodies, missing manuscripts and the like are interspersed with pastoral duties and Sidney's personal moral musings…all of which we have grown used to and which continue to be very well done.
It's worth saying that although I haven't always been completely convinced by Runcie's period detail, especially in his characters' use of language, I think he captures the period very well here. I was in Cambridge during this time and the picture he paints seems very convincing to me.
Probably all that really need be said is that this is an enjoyable addition to a very good series, which is well up to the standard of its predecessors. Warmly recommended.
(I received an ARC via Netgalley.)
By now, we know pretty well what we're going to get with a Sidney Chambers book. We have arrived in the 1970s; Sidney's marriage is well established, his daughter is growing up (she's six in 1971) and his personal life continues to develop. Life in Grantchester and Cambridge continues to be peppered with crimes, including murder, with which Inspector Keating requires Sidney's help, as bodies, missing manuscripts and the like are interspersed with pastoral duties and Sidney's personal moral musings…all of which we have grown used to and which continue to be very well done.
It's worth saying that although I haven't always been completely convinced by Runcie's period detail, especially in his characters' use of language, I think he captures the period very well here. I was in Cambridge during this time and the picture he paints seems very convincing to me.
Probably all that really need be said is that this is an enjoyable addition to a very good series, which is well up to the standard of its predecessors. Warmly recommended.
(I received an ARC via Netgalley.)
January 14, 2017
James Runcie never, ever disappoints with a Sidney Chambers book-it's not possible. They are filled with such good mysteries and so many good, thoughtful lines that make me want to remember them afterward. I am so glad that the ITV/PBS series introduced me to this series because it is wonderful reading. I don't want to go into the specifics of the book but I just want to gush how about how well written, interesting, and cozy reading this series is.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
June 3, 2017
This work is yet another in a series of thoughtful, quiet stories on a topic related to the title, here, the persistence of love. A murdered man tries to shelter a former lover, Sidney continues to love his nephew even after the boy runs away, and finally the continuence of love after death. I just love these books and the decency of the primary characters. The television series is no where near as satisfying as Mr. Runcie's books. I recommend them all highly.
May 22, 2017
In spite of the rather irritating double standard running through this book, and the fact that at least one case wasn't satisfactorily resolved, I still love the gentle philosophising and the feeling of community in these books. The main characters are by no means perfect, but there's a sense that they're on a journey towards growth, compassion and understanding.
July 8, 2017
Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love is the sixth volume of James Runcie’s “Grantchester Mysteries” featuring the eponymous Anglican cleric—and hopefully the last. I say that as a clergyman who loves mysteries, and what could be better than a mystery featuring a clerical detective? Indeed, I have been a fan of Runcie’s mysteries, beginning with the PBS series, Grantchester, and then coming upon the books.
For me, however, the dissatisfaction began to set in several books back. I have had a difficult time figuring out why I was less and less engaged in the books. It’s not Runcie’s writing, which is beautiful. It’s not the mysteries themselves. The Persistence of Love includes cases of murder, art forgery, rape, theft, a child that has disappeared, and what the dustjacket describes as a “great loss” to Chambers himself. The series as a whole fits easily into that very English tradition of “drawing room mysteries,” which I enjoy, especially if they’re written by Agatha Christie.
No, the reason I’m less engaged with these books is really two reasons. First, evil just doesn’t seem evil. This may be a problem with drawing room mysteries generally, but it’s especially the case in this series, at least in my opinion. What is missing is sheer horror at the crimes committed. Moreover, these stories take place in the three decades following World War II—a period characterized by Cold War tensions, rapid social change, and the dislocation of mores that inevitably accompanies such change. Runcie simply can’t capture the mood. At one point, Chambers goes looking for his nephew who's disappeared, and finds him in a café frequented by anarchists where they drink, I kid you not, lemonade. Anarchists and lemonade?!? There’s no better way to smooth over the rough edges of an entire era and mood than by pairing those two things.
Here’s my second reason for disengagement: Sidney Chambers is narcissistic. The narcissism was funny at first, when he was a bachelor priest, but it has become less and less endearing as he marries, fathers a child, and ages. In this novel, he expects Hildegard, his wife, to accept his relationship with his lifelong friend, Amanda, for example, but he gets jealous at Hildegard’s platonic relationship with a fellow musician, Rolfe. I got no sense that exposure shook Chambers out of his hypocrisy, nor did it prompt any change. Instead, we just hear Runcie endlessly processing these issues in Chambers’ mind. The narcissistic hypocrisy and the endless ruminations (and occasional recriminations) have gotten old. At least for me.
I’ve read somewhere that this is the last Grantchester mystery that will be published. I don’t know if that’s true or not. I do know that the book ends with two questions: Will Chambers accept an ecclesiastical promotion? And will he give up his sideline as a detective? As a fan of series novels, part of me wants to know. The other part just doesn’t care. If a seventh novel is published, it will be interesting to see whether the curiosity of the former part overcomes the apathy of the latter.
Book Reviewed:
James Runcie, Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love (New York: Bloomsbury, 2017).
P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review page.
For me, however, the dissatisfaction began to set in several books back. I have had a difficult time figuring out why I was less and less engaged in the books. It’s not Runcie’s writing, which is beautiful. It’s not the mysteries themselves. The Persistence of Love includes cases of murder, art forgery, rape, theft, a child that has disappeared, and what the dustjacket describes as a “great loss” to Chambers himself. The series as a whole fits easily into that very English tradition of “drawing room mysteries,” which I enjoy, especially if they’re written by Agatha Christie.
No, the reason I’m less engaged with these books is really two reasons. First, evil just doesn’t seem evil. This may be a problem with drawing room mysteries generally, but it’s especially the case in this series, at least in my opinion. What is missing is sheer horror at the crimes committed. Moreover, these stories take place in the three decades following World War II—a period characterized by Cold War tensions, rapid social change, and the dislocation of mores that inevitably accompanies such change. Runcie simply can’t capture the mood. At one point, Chambers goes looking for his nephew who's disappeared, and finds him in a café frequented by anarchists where they drink, I kid you not, lemonade. Anarchists and lemonade?!? There’s no better way to smooth over the rough edges of an entire era and mood than by pairing those two things.
Here’s my second reason for disengagement: Sidney Chambers is narcissistic. The narcissism was funny at first, when he was a bachelor priest, but it has become less and less endearing as he marries, fathers a child, and ages. In this novel, he expects Hildegard, his wife, to accept his relationship with his lifelong friend, Amanda, for example, but he gets jealous at Hildegard’s platonic relationship with a fellow musician, Rolfe. I got no sense that exposure shook Chambers out of his hypocrisy, nor did it prompt any change. Instead, we just hear Runcie endlessly processing these issues in Chambers’ mind. The narcissistic hypocrisy and the endless ruminations (and occasional recriminations) have gotten old. At least for me.
I’ve read somewhere that this is the last Grantchester mystery that will be published. I don’t know if that’s true or not. I do know that the book ends with two questions: Will Chambers accept an ecclesiastical promotion? And will he give up his sideline as a detective? As a fan of series novels, part of me wants to know. The other part just doesn’t care. If a seventh novel is published, it will be interesting to see whether the curiosity of the former part overcomes the apathy of the latter.
Book Reviewed:
James Runcie, Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love (New York: Bloomsbury, 2017).
P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review page.
July 24, 2018
I really wanted to like this book as I loved the previous novels in the series and enjoyed the tv show based on the books, but I didn't. One of the problems I had is that the story here just meanders too much, and has too much philosophizing about faith, identity, love, a changing world, etc. etc. We have all heard this stuff before and it's not very original or compelling. Another issue is that the story is pretty pallid compared to the television series as the actors playing both Sidney and Geordie are charismatic and, in Sidney's case, very handsome. A third issue is that the tv series deviated in season two from the books so much its hard to remember which story is richer. The novels are more realistic but somehow duller, especially this last effort. Only the last story seems worthwhile.
March 19, 2017
I loved this book so much I dragged out finishing it because I didn't want it to be over. Sidney is a great character, and I love the progression he goes through in each set of stories. This one was more meditative, less crime-oriented than those of the past, yet it's the characters that made me want to keep on reading.
June 2, 2017
Over the past few years, I have watched Grantchester on PBS. It didn't take me long to become a fan of the series. It's about a vicar, Sidney Chambers, that lives in a small parish and through extenuating circumstances meets up with a detective, Inspector Geordie Keating, who reluctantly enlists the vicar's help in solving a mystery. The two eventually become friends and a partnership is formed. I know I don't do the series justice by my summary, but trust me, it's good.
Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love is the sixth book in The Granchester Mysteries series. Runcie writes in such a way that you can just jump into the sixth book without reading the previous books. However, if you're watching the series, there are definite spoilers ahead, so turn back now. I'm not kidding. If you're still reading then this is on you.
Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love takes up in May of 1971. Grantchester, though a quiet town, doesn't stay that way for long. Sidney is a Archdeacon and is searching for flowers with his daughter Anna when they stumble upon a dead body. It isn't long before he and Geordie are on the case. And that's not the only one. There's a few more in this book that include a missing book, a sexual assault case, and a missing child, who happens to by Sidney's nephew.
I can see now how perfectly the characters of the television series are cast. Runcie hit the mark with these characters. Sidney Chambers is often hit with the dark side of life, but remains faithful to his calling. He is flawed which makes him seem real. He struggles in his marriage, as a father, and in life. Geordie is passionate and often disagrees with Sidney, but their respect for one another often sees them through the difficulties. Which makes their friendship lasting.
If cozy mysteries are your thing then Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love is a book you don't want to miss. In fact, the entire Grantchester series (both book and television) is one you don't want to miss. Season three of Grantchester will begin in the US in a few weeks, and I can't wait to see what Runcie has in store for these characters.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2017...
Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love is the sixth book in The Granchester Mysteries series. Runcie writes in such a way that you can just jump into the sixth book without reading the previous books. However, if you're watching the series, there are definite spoilers ahead, so turn back now. I'm not kidding. If you're still reading then this is on you.
Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love takes up in May of 1971. Grantchester, though a quiet town, doesn't stay that way for long. Sidney is a Archdeacon and is searching for flowers with his daughter Anna when they stumble upon a dead body. It isn't long before he and Geordie are on the case. And that's not the only one. There's a few more in this book that include a missing book, a sexual assault case, and a missing child, who happens to by Sidney's nephew.
I can see now how perfectly the characters of the television series are cast. Runcie hit the mark with these characters. Sidney Chambers is often hit with the dark side of life, but remains faithful to his calling. He is flawed which makes him seem real. He struggles in his marriage, as a father, and in life. Geordie is passionate and often disagrees with Sidney, but their respect for one another often sees them through the difficulties. Which makes their friendship lasting.
If cozy mysteries are your thing then Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love is a book you don't want to miss. In fact, the entire Grantchester series (both book and television) is one you don't want to miss. Season three of Grantchester will begin in the US in a few weeks, and I can't wait to see what Runcie has in store for these characters.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2017...
May 17, 2017
This is a collection of six short stories of varying lengths all with a theme of love and how it is always there. A body in a wood and poisonous plants; a priceless manuscript going missing; problems with the authenticity of a painting involving Sidney's friend Amanda; a well known photographer accused of rape; Sidney's nephew goes missing and a loss and grief.
This is the sixth book in this low key mystery series spanning Sidney's career in the church and his 'hobby' of solving mysteries. By the end of this book his daughter Anna is a becoming a teenager and asking questions of her own - questions which Sidney finds himself struggling to answer.
I do like Sidney as a character and the way he struggles with the realities of life and love and with his faith. He tries to be the best possible person but often falls short but through it all runs love in all its forms like a golden thread. A book which makes you think as well as being an entertaining read.
This is the sixth book in this low key mystery series spanning Sidney's career in the church and his 'hobby' of solving mysteries. By the end of this book his daughter Anna is a becoming a teenager and asking questions of her own - questions which Sidney finds himself struggling to answer.
I do like Sidney as a character and the way he struggles with the realities of life and love and with his faith. He tries to be the best possible person but often falls short but through it all runs love in all its forms like a golden thread. A book which makes you think as well as being an entertaining read.
April 13, 2019
4.5 stars. Probably my favorite Sidney Chambers book yet, mostly because of the final chapter. James Runcie describes grief in a breathtaking way, capturing the experience perfectly.
I found myself so drawn into Sidney's story that I spent a few days moping around the house. It was crazy that I'd think of a line out of the book and have tears spring to my eyes unbidden, like I was the one grieving.
Sidney's relationship with his now-teen daughter was beautiful and poignant. I think every parent can relate to the way relationships with their children become much more complex as the kids move into those teen years. I kept wanting to pause and share these father-daughter interactions with my husband!
I love the complex and gentle character of Sidney Chambers. He's so much better here in the books than on the PBS series, although that's worth watching as well. It seems to me that Sidney has been content enough with his life but only it's more of an intellectual thing, reminding himself how happy he is instead of really soaking it in with his heart. Do you think happiness is ahead for our intrepid priest-detective? I hope so!
I found myself so drawn into Sidney's story that I spent a few days moping around the house. It was crazy that I'd think of a line out of the book and have tears spring to my eyes unbidden, like I was the one grieving.
Sidney's relationship with his now-teen daughter was beautiful and poignant. I think every parent can relate to the way relationships with their children become much more complex as the kids move into those teen years. I kept wanting to pause and share these father-daughter interactions with my husband!
I love the complex and gentle character of Sidney Chambers. He's so much better here in the books than on the PBS series, although that's worth watching as well. It seems to me that Sidney has been content enough with his life but only it's more of an intellectual thing, reminding himself how happy he is instead of really soaking it in with his heart. Do you think happiness is ahead for our intrepid priest-detective? I hope so!
May 22, 2017
This series of stories takes Sidney Chambers from 1971 to 1976, with background which if you are old enough to remember it will ring a few bells (drought, punk, etc.). There are a few wry in-jokes ("the children of archbishops are bound to be unreliable") and some Anglican themes such as the beginning of the noises about the ordination of women, which however seems (and was) far off in Sidney's world. This is better read after the others in the series, as although the stories are chapters in a life rather than novels there is steady progression and maturity. The last story is particularly surprising and strong, and ends with a bit of a cliffhanger.
August 4, 2017
Cozy mysteries and quite nostalgic. Sydney Chambers is a charming character and has some fascinating philosophical musings. I found the dialogues quite lively and well written. The stories are an invitation into Sydney's life and the mysteries he encounters. Nothing terribly thrilling going on here but certainly real life matters. Had I not watched the PBS series, Grantchester, I would not have picked up this book at the library. The cover design has a cartoonish appeal, which would not have caught my eye. I probably won't read more of this series. One visit is enough. I will continue to watch the PBS series as that is far more compelling.
May 14, 2018
Early in the book, treatment of female victim made me angry. Not at Sidney, he tries his best to be understanding, as does Geordie. It's typical of time period but it still makes your blood boil. Then there is the last part of the book. Heartbreaking. I hope this isn't that last in series because I want to see more of the father/daughter relationship.
September 2, 2017
excellent as usual, beautifully written, but the 6th story is terribly sad
June 5, 2017
I would have given this short story collection just three stars, however, the last story, not even a mystery at all, was so well crafted and poignant that I bumped the rating up to four stars. If you read nothing else in this collection, read the last story at least .
February 23, 2020
The Last book of a great series - Six in all.
This is a great read, but to really make full sense of it you need to read the whole series beginning with the first one.
You will not be disappointed - especially if you are a Christian who is interested in detection!
This is a great read, but to really make full sense of it you need to read the whole series beginning with the first one.
You will not be disappointed - especially if you are a Christian who is interested in detection!
March 22, 2022
Wat ga ik Sidney missen! Wat een heerlijk laatste deel. Maar ook wat een moeilijk laatste hoofdstuk. Die kwam hard binnen.
June 6, 2017
Another six stories about Sidney Chambers. In Blue Bell Wood, Sidney and Anna are walking and find a dead man. He was sort of a hippy, and had a basket of poisonous flowers nearby. With some investigation, Sidney finds out that it is murder. In Authenticity, Amanda has found a painting that she is certain is a Goya. She pays much more than she expects in the auction, and then can't get the painting authenticated. In Insufficient Evidence, newspaper woman accuses a photography colleague of raping her when they were on an assignment. In Ex Libris, a valuable text is stolen from the college library. In the Long Hot Summer Sidney helps to find his run away nephew. Lastly, Hildegard dies in the Persistence of Love.
January 23, 2018
"'I think there has to be an authority of expression; a sense of control that is also combined with effortlessness- what the Italians call sprezzatura. It never shows how hard it is. It seems easy, right, natural, even if it is hard to play.' (Hildegard) 'With music it need interpretation & performance. It cannot just exist on the page.' (Sidney) 'It can. But it is meant for more than that. It also needs an audience to become itself; just as we always need other people to help us realize who we are.' (Hildegard) 'Perhaps, then, there is no such thing as the authentic self? We are defined by our parents, our children, our friends & those we love. We are dependent on how other people see us & change us; & how we change them.'"
"'It is the most ancient of ritual,' the cathedral agent concluded, 'a fitting tribute to the sacred nature of the priesthood. If you choose to dismiss it then that is your prerogative. But I prefer a sense of the transcendent; to dwell in mystery. The earth alone is not enough.'"
"but he was also unsure whether the person in the bedroom was that of his wife or merely an inanimate object, a vessel emptied of meaning. Even though her body remained there, implacably present, she had already left. The flesh & blood that he had loved & cherished was redefined as a corpse."
"He got into the car once more. He remembered that this was a metaphor he sometimes used to explain to children the difference between the body & the soul. Imagine the body as a car, he would say, & the soul as the driver. When the driver no longer needs the car he gets out, leaving it empty, just as the soul leaves the body."
"'if ever beauty I did see, which I desired & got, 'twas but a dream of thee.'" Hildegard
"'O God, Lord of life & conqueror of death, our help in every time of trouble, comfort us who mourn, & give us grace, in the presence of death, to worship you, that we may have sure hope of eternal life & be enabled to put our whole trust in your goodness & mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'"
"tears, talk, time." ~Cecilia
"'I hope & believe that you are going forth into life, not to seek the applause which depends on the fleeting breath of your fellow-men, nor that success which ends only in this life, but that you will remember that another Eye besides that of man is upon you, & that a higher approbation is to be won that that of your fellow-creatures.'" ~Tait
"'It is the most ancient of ritual,' the cathedral agent concluded, 'a fitting tribute to the sacred nature of the priesthood. If you choose to dismiss it then that is your prerogative. But I prefer a sense of the transcendent; to dwell in mystery. The earth alone is not enough.'"
"but he was also unsure whether the person in the bedroom was that of his wife or merely an inanimate object, a vessel emptied of meaning. Even though her body remained there, implacably present, she had already left. The flesh & blood that he had loved & cherished was redefined as a corpse."
"He got into the car once more. He remembered that this was a metaphor he sometimes used to explain to children the difference between the body & the soul. Imagine the body as a car, he would say, & the soul as the driver. When the driver no longer needs the car he gets out, leaving it empty, just as the soul leaves the body."
"'if ever beauty I did see, which I desired & got, 'twas but a dream of thee.'" Hildegard
"'O God, Lord of life & conqueror of death, our help in every time of trouble, comfort us who mourn, & give us grace, in the presence of death, to worship you, that we may have sure hope of eternal life & be enabled to put our whole trust in your goodness & mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'"
"tears, talk, time." ~Cecilia
"'I hope & believe that you are going forth into life, not to seek the applause which depends on the fleeting breath of your fellow-men, nor that success which ends only in this life, but that you will remember that another Eye besides that of man is upon you, & that a higher approbation is to be won that that of your fellow-creatures.'" ~Tait
July 22, 2017
SPOILER ALERT! I cannot review this book without revealing the ending!
I am heartbroken. Since the first book in this series, I have loved all the characters. I have watched them develop. I have watched the TV series with much less satisfaction as it has veered away from the plot line of the books. Every so often while reading, I would again tell my husband how much more I enjoy these books than the TV representation of Sidney. But I hadn't realized how very invested in these people I had become.
The book begins in 1971. As I have read these books and they have progressed in time, I have thought about where I was and what I was doing at the time of the story. I was celebrating my husband's birthday when the book began. Time passes, and I compare the comments about society and culture with what I was experiencing. Cathy's cancer and her treatment made me recall others who were in the same situation. The rape chapter was amazing in how Mr. Runcie was able to show the horrors, the impact of such a crime, not just on the woman, but on her entire family. It was a hard chapter to read; my heart ached for everyone involved.
Suddenly it was 1976. As the chapter began, I commented to my husband that I wondered how much longer this series could continue - Sidney is getting older. This book covered almost 5 years - soon Mr. Runcie will catch up to modern time and Sidney, if not dead, will be close to death. I worried about the end of the series coming soon. I was not prepared for what happened. Neither was Sidney. I could only read the first part of the chapter. I cried myself to sleep. As I slept, I dreamt about walking on a beach at night, looking out over the sea at the dark sky filled with stars and mourning lost love. When I awoke the next morning, I still felt the heaviness of loss. I knew I had to finish the book, but didn't want everything to come to an end. I was gloomy all day.
What is Sidney's future? How will he go on? Is this the end of his work with Geordie? What will happen with Anna? And Amanda?
Mr. Runcie better write quickly.......
I am heartbroken. Since the first book in this series, I have loved all the characters. I have watched them develop. I have watched the TV series with much less satisfaction as it has veered away from the plot line of the books. Every so often while reading, I would again tell my husband how much more I enjoy these books than the TV representation of Sidney. But I hadn't realized how very invested in these people I had become.
The book begins in 1971. As I have read these books and they have progressed in time, I have thought about where I was and what I was doing at the time of the story. I was celebrating my husband's birthday when the book began. Time passes, and I compare the comments about society and culture with what I was experiencing. Cathy's cancer and her treatment made me recall others who were in the same situation. The rape chapter was amazing in how Mr. Runcie was able to show the horrors, the impact of such a crime, not just on the woman, but on her entire family. It was a hard chapter to read; my heart ached for everyone involved.
Suddenly it was 1976. As the chapter began, I commented to my husband that I wondered how much longer this series could continue - Sidney is getting older. This book covered almost 5 years - soon Mr. Runcie will catch up to modern time and Sidney, if not dead, will be close to death. I worried about the end of the series coming soon. I was not prepared for what happened. Neither was Sidney. I could only read the first part of the chapter. I cried myself to sleep. As I slept, I dreamt about walking on a beach at night, looking out over the sea at the dark sky filled with stars and mourning lost love. When I awoke the next morning, I still felt the heaviness of loss. I knew I had to finish the book, but didn't want everything to come to an end. I was gloomy all day.
What is Sidney's future? How will he go on? Is this the end of his work with Geordie? What will happen with Anna? And Amanda?
Mr. Runcie better write quickly.......
January 30, 2018
I have just finished this sixth set of stories in the Granchester Series and have found it wonderfully done. I must say that I have felt that some of the stories in the 4th and 5th books were not quite up to the stuff of the initial offerings by Runcie, but this one brought me through challenging emotional stories and unpredictable outcomes that kept me rooted to the book. Throughout the tales of this most recent book, I was becoming increasingly frustrated with Sidney and his outward attentions. Perhaps because I have so loved the character Hildegard (his wife) and was so happy in the book series that Sidney marries her instead of Amanda (TV series), and therefore get frustrated when Sidney puts her aside to help others, I want to have a good sit down with Sidney and set him straight. This is a sign to me that I have thoroughly climbed in to the reading... that I struggle with reality and the book.
Runcie takes us through several stories with the focus being on love, murder, art world scams, theft, and missing persons. All of these Sidney invests all his energy into, as we expect, but he shies away from his own wife and daughter's needs throughout. He runs off with Amanda to rescue her again, all while telling his wife that she cannot have a male (German Expat Rolfe) friend. I really got flustered and actually spoke out loud to Sidney while reading.
But in the end, through Runcie's weaving of tales, Sidney finally gets how important Hildegard is and tries to make amends. By the way, I learned that Hildegard shares my birthday, June 15, so that is yet another reason I love her character so much!
All told, I struggled to bring this book to the end. I saw that the pages were dwindling, but I purposely slowed my reading because I did not want to get to the end of this book. Sidney is in his 50's and he is really questioning whether it is time to stop working on investigations. Geordie is close to retirement. Anna is in need of a more attentive father, and Sidney gets an offer to continue to move up the ranks in the church. Surely it is time to call the investigations over...but...
Runcie takes us through several stories with the focus being on love, murder, art world scams, theft, and missing persons. All of these Sidney invests all his energy into, as we expect, but he shies away from his own wife and daughter's needs throughout. He runs off with Amanda to rescue her again, all while telling his wife that she cannot have a male (German Expat Rolfe) friend. I really got flustered and actually spoke out loud to Sidney while reading.
But in the end, through Runcie's weaving of tales, Sidney finally gets how important Hildegard is and tries to make amends. By the way, I learned that Hildegard shares my birthday, June 15, so that is yet another reason I love her character so much!
All told, I struggled to bring this book to the end. I saw that the pages were dwindling, but I purposely slowed my reading because I did not want to get to the end of this book. Sidney is in his 50's and he is really questioning whether it is time to stop working on investigations. Geordie is close to retirement. Anna is in need of a more attentive father, and Sidney gets an offer to continue to move up the ranks in the church. Surely it is time to call the investigations over...but...
April 23, 2017
I've read all of the previous books in the series which I thoroughly enjoyed and although I think you don't necessarily have to do this, I would recommend it. I feel that it helps to have that wider understanding and extra connection with the characters which is gained from reading the other books. Not only that, but they're fantastic books which shouldn't be missed.
The Persistence of Love is made up of six smaller stories which are connected through Sidney and span about five years of his life. They all cover different things, they're not all crime, but each one is perceptive and thoughtful. I liked them all, but the last one really stood out to me. It was emotional and poignant and really touched me. It stayed with me long after I finished reading.
Sidney has a great depth and insight which makes reading all the more pleasant. His many flaws combined with beautiful descriptions of the Cambridgeshire countryside, make reading a Sidney Chambers book reminiscent of greeting an old friend.
Overall, I would give this book 4.5 out of 5. It's engaging, insightful and at times moving, with some classic English mysteries for good measure.
This e-book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review.
The Persistence of Love is made up of six smaller stories which are connected through Sidney and span about five years of his life. They all cover different things, they're not all crime, but each one is perceptive and thoughtful. I liked them all, but the last one really stood out to me. It was emotional and poignant and really touched me. It stayed with me long after I finished reading.
Sidney has a great depth and insight which makes reading all the more pleasant. His many flaws combined with beautiful descriptions of the Cambridgeshire countryside, make reading a Sidney Chambers book reminiscent of greeting an old friend.
Overall, I would give this book 4.5 out of 5. It's engaging, insightful and at times moving, with some classic English mysteries for good measure.
This e-book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2017
Whilst remaining readable, the series seems to be running out of ideas and characters, if only retirement was on the horizon.
March 5, 2022
Upon closing this book, the thought first and foremost in my mind is: Why? Why, why, why??
July 15, 2017
Archdeacon Sidney Chambers is back in the 6th book of the Grantchester Mystery series. In this novel Sidney deals with the death of an aging hippie when Sidney and his daughter, Anna, stumble upon the body. Sidney's friend Amanda is embroiled in an art scandal and is on the verge of losing her money and her stellar reputation in the artistic community. Another old friend, reporter Helena Mitchell, has been attacked by a photographer and has reluctantly brought charges against him. Inspector Geordie Keating calls on Sidney to help with the case. A locked room mystery with the theft of an ancient holy book is next on Sidney's plate followed closely by the disappearance of his nephew, Louie, who seems to have fallen under the spell of anarchists. The final story deals with a deep personal tragedy in Sidney's life, one that he may never recover from or that might change his outlook on life and religion for good.
I have enjoyed these novels, some more than others, and I like that there are several mysteries to be solved in each book. Sidney is such a wonderful character, flaws and all. He is a bit different from the tv character who is much more worldly than the book Sidney. I hope there will be more in the series.
I have enjoyed these novels, some more than others, and I like that there are several mysteries to be solved in each book. Sidney is such a wonderful character, flaws and all. He is a bit different from the tv character who is much more worldly than the book Sidney. I hope there will be more in the series.
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