June 2013 Book of the Month.
A captivating, magical and slightly sinister story of secrets, forgiveness, loss and love. It’s the perfect book for readers who loved Joanne Harris' Chocolat. No one knows where the mysterious cleaner came from, and she is happy to hide her past, but before long she is involved with and helping numerous people. Then rumours begin to circulate and she is forced to confront her history. A lovely and, at times, surprisingly insightful read.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
There is something special about the ancient cathedral of Chartres, with its mismatched spires, astonishing stained glass and strange labyrinth. And there is something special too about Agnes Morel, the mysterious woman who is to be found cleaning it each morning. No one quite knows where she came from - not the diffident Abbe Paul, who discovered her one morning twenty years ago, sleeping in the north porch; nor lonely Professor Jones, whose chaotic existence she helps to organise; nor Philippe Nevers, whose neurotic sister and newborn child she cares for; nor even the irreverent young restorer, Alain Fleury, who works alongside her each day and whose attention she catches with her tawny eyes, her colourful clothes and elusive manner. And yet everyone she encounters would surely agree that she is subtly transforming their lives, even if they couldn't quite say how. But with a chance meeting in the cathedral one day, the spectre of Agnes' past returns, provoking malicious rumours from the prejudiced Madame Beck and her gossipy companion Madame Picot. As the hearsay grows uglier, Agnes is forced to confront her history, and the mystery of her origins finally unfolds. The Cleaner of Chartres is a compelling story of darkness and light; of traumatic loss and second chances. Told with a sparkling wit and captivating charm, but infused throughout with deeper truths, it speaks of the power of love and mercy to transform the tragedies of the past.
The Cleaner of Chartres features in the following genres: Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Books of the Month, Book Club Recommendations, Romance / Relationship Stories, eBooks of the Month, General Fiction, Fiction, Recommendations
The Cleaner of Chartres is available in Paperback
The Cleaner of Chartres was written by Salley Vickers and published by Penguin Books Ltd
The Cleaner of Chartres has 296 pages
£9.89
