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Torminster Saga #2
The Sister of the Angels
In "The Sister of the Angels," Elizabeth Goudge takes us back to the City of Bells, and tells an enchanting story about Henrietta, a young girl in love with every nook and cranny of her grandfather's cathedral. This is a perfect story for the holiday season, and, because of its peace and charm, a book to cherish all the year round.
124 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1939
3 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Goudge
77 books870 followersElizabeth Goudge was an English author of novels, short stories and children's books.
Elizabeth de Beauchamp Goudge was born on 24 April 1900 in Wells, Somerset, in Tower House close by the cathedral in an area known as The Liberty, Her father, the Reverend Henry Leighton Goudge, taught in the cathedral school. Her mother was Miss Ida Collenette from the Channel Isles. Elizabeth was an only child. The family moved to Ely for a Canonry as Principal of the theological college. Later, when her father was made Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford, they moved to Christ Church, Oxford.
She went to boarding school during WWI and later to Arts College, presumably at Reading College. She made a small living as teacher, and continued to live with her parents. During this time, she wrote a few plays, and was encouraged to write novels by a publisher. As her writing career took off, she began to travel to other nations. Unfortunately, she suffered from depression for much of her life. She had great empathy for people and a talent for finding the comic side of things, displayed to great effect in her writing.
Goudge's first book, The Fairies' Baby and Other Stories (1919), was a failure and it was several years before she authored Island Magic (1934), which is based on Channel Island stories, many of which she had learned from her mother, who was from Guernsey. After the death of her father, Goudge and her mother went to Devon, and eventually wound up living there in a small cottage. There, she wrote prolifically and was happy.
After the death of her mother, and at the wishes of Goudge's family who wished her to live closer to them, she found a companion who moved with her to Rose Cottage in Reading. She lived out her life there, and had many dogs in her life. Goudge loved dogs, and much preferred their company to that of humans. She continued to write until shortly before her death, when ill health, successive falls, and cataracts hindered her ability to write. She was much loved.
Goudge was awarded the Carnegie Medal for The Little White Horse (1946), the book which J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter stories, has said was her favorite as a child. The television mini-series Moonacre was based on The Little White Horse. Her Green Dolphin Country (1944) was made into a film (under its American title, Green Dolphin Street) which won the Academy Award for Special Effects in 1948.
A Diary of Prayer (1966) was one of Goudge's last works. She spent her last years in her cottage on Peppard Common, just outside Henley-on-Thames, where a blue plaque was unveiled in 2008.
Elizabeth de Beauchamp Goudge was born on 24 April 1900 in Wells, Somerset, in Tower House close by the cathedral in an area known as The Liberty, Her father, the Reverend Henry Leighton Goudge, taught in the cathedral school. Her mother was Miss Ida Collenette from the Channel Isles. Elizabeth was an only child. The family moved to Ely for a Canonry as Principal of the theological college. Later, when her father was made Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford, they moved to Christ Church, Oxford.
She went to boarding school during WWI and later to Arts College, presumably at Reading College. She made a small living as teacher, and continued to live with her parents. During this time, she wrote a few plays, and was encouraged to write novels by a publisher. As her writing career took off, she began to travel to other nations. Unfortunately, she suffered from depression for much of her life. She had great empathy for people and a talent for finding the comic side of things, displayed to great effect in her writing.
Goudge's first book, The Fairies' Baby and Other Stories (1919), was a failure and it was several years before she authored Island Magic (1934), which is based on Channel Island stories, many of which she had learned from her mother, who was from Guernsey. After the death of her father, Goudge and her mother went to Devon, and eventually wound up living there in a small cottage. There, she wrote prolifically and was happy.
After the death of her mother, and at the wishes of Goudge's family who wished her to live closer to them, she found a companion who moved with her to Rose Cottage in Reading. She lived out her life there, and had many dogs in her life. Goudge loved dogs, and much preferred their company to that of humans. She continued to write until shortly before her death, when ill health, successive falls, and cataracts hindered her ability to write. She was much loved.
Goudge was awarded the Carnegie Medal for The Little White Horse (1946), the book which J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter stories, has said was her favorite as a child. The television mini-series Moonacre was based on The Little White Horse. Her Green Dolphin Country (1944) was made into a film (under its American title, Green Dolphin Street) which won the Academy Award for Special Effects in 1948.
A Diary of Prayer (1966) was one of Goudge's last works. She spent her last years in her cottage on Peppard Common, just outside Henley-on-Thames, where a blue plaque was unveiled in 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 28, 2020
This is the second in the Torminster trilogy. As it takes place around Christmas it was fun to read it during this season. Sweet little novelette about redemption and how beauty, art and kindness can transform lives. Goudge is one of my favorite authors; she has the ability to create an atmosphere of genuine Christian love which is at the same time believable. I love visiting her book environments and usually leave them most reluctantly. Occasional little black-and-white sketches (a childhood remembrance) accompany the tale and add to its whimsical charm. My copy is very old and I had to handle it with care so as not to damage it in any way.
A little more research reveals that Torminster is based on the tiniest cathedral town in England and author's hometown, Wells.
Henrietta and Grandpa are my favorite characters in this story and the first Torminster Chronicle, A City of Bells: The Cathedral Trilogy though they figure far less prominently there. Here they are more center stage, especially dear Henrietta who is a charmer, especially for little girls and Big little girls like me, who still fancy themselves little girls, i.e., they remember what it was to be a little girl. For example, Henrietta has to deal with her rather strict (but very loving!) adopted Grandma who sometimes just doesn't understand. So Henrietta has to count to 200 ... or more. Henrietta remembers once counting to several thousand! 😯
So though it is sad to finish this, I still have one more book with Henrietta to look forward to! Good-bye and hello my dear sweet friend, Henrietta!
A little more research reveals that Torminster is based on the tiniest cathedral town in England and author's hometown, Wells.
Henrietta and Grandpa are my favorite characters in this story and the first Torminster Chronicle, A City of Bells: The Cathedral Trilogy though they figure far less prominently there. Here they are more center stage, especially dear Henrietta who is a charmer, especially for little girls and Big little girls like me, who still fancy themselves little girls, i.e., they remember what it was to be a little girl. For example, Henrietta has to deal with her rather strict (but very loving!) adopted Grandma who sometimes just doesn't understand. So Henrietta has to count to 200 ... or more. Henrietta remembers once counting to several thousand! 😯
So though it is sad to finish this, I still have one more book with Henrietta to look forward to! Good-bye and hello my dear sweet friend, Henrietta!
December 10, 2022
I loved this book! It’s truly a perfect gem of a Goudge novel. Goudge captures Henrietta’s 11-year-old perspective, her innocent wisdom and her childlike delight so beautifully. There are so many gems of humor throughout. I love revisiting some beloved characters from A City of Bells, like Grandfather and Grandmother, Gabriel Ferranti, and Hugh Anthony. Grandfather is a special favorite of mine. He has the childlikeness, goodness, and holy foolishness of a true saint.
Threaded through the story are some other Goudge signature touches as well. There are brief but beautiful descriptions of nature and the stone marvel of Torminster Cathedral. We have a redemptive arc for a struggling artist as well as reflection on what it means to be a creative person. Above all, we get Goudge’s faith interwoven into the story through the restoration of a medieval chapel painting and the joys of preparing the cathedral for Christmas.
All together, this is a beautifully crafted Advent/Christmas story, and I highly recommend it.
Threaded through the story are some other Goudge signature touches as well. There are brief but beautiful descriptions of nature and the stone marvel of Torminster Cathedral. We have a redemptive arc for a struggling artist as well as reflection on what it means to be a creative person. Above all, we get Goudge’s faith interwoven into the story through the restoration of a medieval chapel painting and the joys of preparing the cathedral for Christmas.
All together, this is a beautifully crafted Advent/Christmas story, and I highly recommend it.
December 4, 2020
One of the sweetest Christmas books I’ve ever read! I usually love all of Elizabeth Goudge’s books and this is no exception. This is the second book of the Torminster series and I loved it as much (or maybe even more) than the first book, The City of Bells. Full of generosity of spirit, love and renewal. Highly recommended - especially if you love Elizabeth Goudge and you have a soft spot for children, art and angels 💜👼💜
December 15, 2024
I loved this charming Christmas story. Henrietta's influence on the lives around her stems from her innocence, and a good and gracious heart. We love Grandfather for his devotion to the Lord and to serving those around him, chuckle over Grandmother's prickliness, laugh with Hugh's exuberance, and accept her father with all his shortcomings and strengths. There are no surprises, just good people doing good things when they see a need, bringing lost souls into their sphere of love.
Reread December 13,2024 Loved it again.
Reread December 13,2024 Loved it again.
December 20, 2024
I don't know that I've ever read a children's novel that's the sequel to an adult novel, but Goudge's understanding of the human spirit makes it flawless. She knows the religious potential of the child. She honors it as Jesus did.
December 25, 2022
I've been looking forward to reading this on Christmas Eve and what a perfect thing to read in preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth. It helps put me in the right place spiritually to be able to welcome that glorious day.
January 1, 2024
Very sweet, short Christmas story with several beautiful passages about art for my commonplace.
January 4, 2025
The second Torminster volume shifts from a mostly adult perspective (Jocelyn's) to a child's perspective (Henrietta). Again a child helps bring a man out of darkness, again art is a link (Henrietta lined through painting to both Nicholases), and the joy of creation, of finding one's gift or artistic inclination is expressed. The story also argues that accepting help can be as important as giving it, that beauty can come out of suffering (particularly apparent in the story of the first Nicholas who created a wonderful painting despite living alone in the dark with leprosy), and that a good work can be finished even when it seems past hope.
I enjoyed spending more time with imaginative, sensitive Henrietta and dwelling once more in the cozy, old-fashioned Torminster with its mysterious yet homey cathedral. I knew what the plot "twist" would be early on, but I did not mind at all. While City of Bells delves more deeply into depression and even suicidal thoughts, this second book stays on the lighter, simpler side, which seems appropriate for a Christmas story written from a child's point of view.
I had the good fortune to find a wonderful old edition with cozy illustrations.
Memorable quotes:
11 She looked always too fine-drawn and too fragile for the world in which she found herself, her body a very thin shell for the burning, leaping flame that was her spirit.
16 "...what you love is part of you."
18 ...that curious second self whom we seem to carry about with us, that self that criticizes, observes, and admonishes...
30 ...the Cathedral...rose up like some great enchanted mountain, its three towers soaring up into the sky as though they did not mean to stop until they had pierced the crystal dome and come face to face with the rainbow-encircled throne that was built above it.
32 The sunshine came through the stained glass windows curiously changed...robbed of its brightness and subdued to the colors of mystery.
The place in its eternal greatness and grandeur seemed to her as frightening as life itself.
43 She could never feel...that because a particular bit of history was over and done with that it did not matter any more. She had a feeling that no story ever was over and done with; not unless it came full circle round again and the intention of it was completed.
58 ...she with her pencil could portray the visions that she saw and give them to the world as her gift of gratitude for its nurture and its teaching.
69 It is not often that one sees anyone in a moment of misery, for they take good care one shall not, but if the sight is rare it is horribly unforgettable.
71 Ferranti...like Henrietta, loved to discover links between them, even when the links were those of utter stupidity.
72 Grandmother was like a silver needle, bright and sharp but good metal right through.
83 ...he always did look suited by his environment...because he liked it and made use of it...absorbed it into himself and used it as his artist's material...Wherever she went she looked, marveled and adored, and then stored away in her memory the essential beauty of what she had seen, so that one day she might take it out and make it into pictures.
84 Everything she did she was able to do with her whole soul.
...candlelight, a light which is romantic above all others, a gentle light into which fairies and ghosts are not afraid to step at the summons of the storyteller. Bright daylight hurts their eyes, unattuned to the glare of this world, and is inclined to dazzle the eyes of mortal folk so that they can see...not the tenuous frail outline of something that has no physical substance...Candlelight is the best for tales...delicious tingling anticipation at the shadows that might presently take shape and form and be one knew not who.
96 "Colors need to have the hardness taken out of them by sun and rain before they are really beautiful."
97 Life might be terrible sometimes...but it was nice to think how people could comfort themselves by making things.
117 She always thought she heard a sort of click in her head when she concentrated her attention upon this work that of all others meant most to her; as though her mind and her work had locked together and a key had actually turned.
118 It was a flinching sort of look, almost as though she had pleased him so much that it hurt.
121 "Some grownups can be very tiresome and selfish when they won't let themselves be helped."
123 Henrietta...knew that pleasure, to be pleasure, must come to an end.
150 ...those deep velvety underground shadows whose mystery the lighted candles in tall iron sconces could not conquer, only intensify.
151 ...robbed in the somber dignity of his long black gown that seemed to hold in its whispering folds the ghosts of a hundred dead and gone processions.
154 ...that peace which only the experience of perfection can give to a human soul.
I enjoyed spending more time with imaginative, sensitive Henrietta and dwelling once more in the cozy, old-fashioned Torminster with its mysterious yet homey cathedral. I knew what the plot "twist" would be early on, but I did not mind at all. While City of Bells delves more deeply into depression and even suicidal thoughts, this second book stays on the lighter, simpler side, which seems appropriate for a Christmas story written from a child's point of view.
I had the good fortune to find a wonderful old edition with cozy illustrations.
Memorable quotes:
11 She looked always too fine-drawn and too fragile for the world in which she found herself, her body a very thin shell for the burning, leaping flame that was her spirit.
16 "...what you love is part of you."
18 ...that curious second self whom we seem to carry about with us, that self that criticizes, observes, and admonishes...
30 ...the Cathedral...rose up like some great enchanted mountain, its three towers soaring up into the sky as though they did not mean to stop until they had pierced the crystal dome and come face to face with the rainbow-encircled throne that was built above it.
32 The sunshine came through the stained glass windows curiously changed...robbed of its brightness and subdued to the colors of mystery.
The place in its eternal greatness and grandeur seemed to her as frightening as life itself.
43 She could never feel...that because a particular bit of history was over and done with that it did not matter any more. She had a feeling that no story ever was over and done with; not unless it came full circle round again and the intention of it was completed.
58 ...she with her pencil could portray the visions that she saw and give them to the world as her gift of gratitude for its nurture and its teaching.
69 It is not often that one sees anyone in a moment of misery, for they take good care one shall not, but if the sight is rare it is horribly unforgettable.
71 Ferranti...like Henrietta, loved to discover links between them, even when the links were those of utter stupidity.
72 Grandmother was like a silver needle, bright and sharp but good metal right through.
83 ...he always did look suited by his environment...because he liked it and made use of it...absorbed it into himself and used it as his artist's material...Wherever she went she looked, marveled and adored, and then stored away in her memory the essential beauty of what she had seen, so that one day she might take it out and make it into pictures.
84 Everything she did she was able to do with her whole soul.
...candlelight, a light which is romantic above all others, a gentle light into which fairies and ghosts are not afraid to step at the summons of the storyteller. Bright daylight hurts their eyes, unattuned to the glare of this world, and is inclined to dazzle the eyes of mortal folk so that they can see...not the tenuous frail outline of something that has no physical substance...Candlelight is the best for tales...delicious tingling anticipation at the shadows that might presently take shape and form and be one knew not who.
96 "Colors need to have the hardness taken out of them by sun and rain before they are really beautiful."
97 Life might be terrible sometimes...but it was nice to think how people could comfort themselves by making things.
117 She always thought she heard a sort of click in her head when she concentrated her attention upon this work that of all others meant most to her; as though her mind and her work had locked together and a key had actually turned.
118 It was a flinching sort of look, almost as though she had pleased him so much that it hurt.
121 "Some grownups can be very tiresome and selfish when they won't let themselves be helped."
123 Henrietta...knew that pleasure, to be pleasure, must come to an end.
150 ...those deep velvety underground shadows whose mystery the lighted candles in tall iron sconces could not conquer, only intensify.
151 ...robbed in the somber dignity of his long black gown that seemed to hold in its whispering folds the ghosts of a hundred dead and gone processions.
154 ...that peace which only the experience of perfection can give to a human soul.
December 10, 2014
I read this book every year around Christmastime. My favorite story of Elizabeth Goudge: a beautifully woven tale of acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption. And of course I'm a sucker for daddy's girl. This one highlights that special relationship.
February 26, 2019
Nice, pleasant story.
June 29, 2021
Predictable, but so full of atmosphere and childish delight that's it's catching. And the Humanities Major in me loved it.
June 9, 2018
A slim volume, featuring 11-year-old Henrietta who lives with her grandparents. Her rather vague writer father comes home for Christmas, and this is the catalyst for a series of secrets.
Gently caricatured people, interesting descriptions, and a delightful heroine (who also features in the book 'Henrietta's House' by the same author). The storyline is predictable, but no less enjoyable for that.
There's a strong Christian theme, although it's not at all pushy, and also quite a bit of philosophising. Could appeal to anyone over the age of about nine or ten who enjoys thoughtful books with some quite complex language.
My GGB edition has a brief introduction explaining the Cathedral on which the story is based, and a biography of the author. A tad pricey, and not always easy to find; but well worth borrowing if you can.
Gently caricatured people, interesting descriptions, and a delightful heroine (who also features in the book 'Henrietta's House' by the same author). The storyline is predictable, but no less enjoyable for that.
There's a strong Christian theme, although it's not at all pushy, and also quite a bit of philosophising. Could appeal to anyone over the age of about nine or ten who enjoys thoughtful books with some quite complex language.
My GGB edition has a brief introduction explaining the Cathedral on which the story is based, and a biography of the author. A tad pricey, and not always easy to find; but well worth borrowing if you can.
October 22, 2022
I had almost forgotten why Elizabeth Goudge was one of my favorite authors it has been so long since I have read one of her books. Reareading this little treasure reminded me what a treasure Miss Goudge is. This book is a lovely Christmas story for all ages.
December 31, 2018
This is the sequel (yet, it’s technically a children’s book while the first was not) of A City of Bells. Honestly, I loved them both. This story follows 11-year-old Henrietta as she learns about compassion from her father and grandfather. A wonderful Christmas story!
February 10, 2020
I love this book even more now that I’ve actually visited Wells Cathedral... and had the extremely magical pleasure of getting engaged within its lovely ancient walls.
June 7, 2021
Sweet book! Henrietta seems much younger than her 11 years to me, but a delightful Christmas story that can be read any time of year. Good old fashioned story of faith, redemption and the uplifting, challenging power of creativity and art. Perfect illustration by C. Walter Hodges. I will share this with my Vintage Book Circle reading group. I'm sure they will love it, too.
July 30, 2025
A very sweet story to savor. I loved spending a little more time with Henrietta after finishing City of Bells. She’s a delightful character.
There are some dated expressions and one in particular would be considered offensive in today’s society but I don’t hold that against the author as it was a common expression in her time.
There are some dated expressions and one in particular would be considered offensive in today’s society but I don’t hold that against the author as it was a common expression in her time.
January 9, 2021
The Sister of the Angels is an easy book to read, so compelling. Even though I am 79 I was engrossed and I am going to lend the book to an 11 year-old friend. I wish I could find one for less than $25.00.
January 27, 2021
Lovely little sequel to The City of Bells. I love the continuation of the stories of the contrasting characters of Grandfather and Grandmother, and the two children. Beautiful story of art and dreams or imagination.
September 8, 2021
This was a lovely follow up to City of Bells that could be read on its own. It was charming and redemptive and probably best enjoyed at Christmas with a hot cup of tea. Looking forward to finishing the series with book 3 next.
October 25, 2021
1939. Sequel to A City of Bells. The further adventures of Henrietta and her father. In this book she is introduces to a real painter and learns much from him as he paints her portrait. Her longing to be a painter herself is strengthened.
October 26, 2017
I enjoyed this. It's a sweet Christmas story, and a continuation of Goudge's book A City of Bells
December 6, 2018
Beautiful story line, skillfully and beautifully written
December 25, 2018
A wonderful, sweet Christmas story! Great to revisit Torminster and Henrietta and family!
November 22, 2021
A sweet, uplifting book for a young girl to read during the holidays.
December 23, 2021
Wonderful Christmas story. Best to have read City of Bells or Henrietta's House first, as you appreciate the characters even more.
January 4, 2022
Sweet and short story involving loving people and Christmas. While I didn't keep the first book in the trilogy, this I could revisit next December. And of course I'll be reading the third book.
December 15, 2022
Not as good as the first or third book in the series, but a charming Christmas tale nonetheless, that takes Faith seriously but deals with it so beautifully. Very short, but very lovely.
January 5, 2023
4.5 stars. Delightful.
January 22, 2023
What an absolutely delightful little book! I feel like this will be an annual Christmas re-read for me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews