Empty Shrine

by William Edmund Barrett

Whether Valerie Rivard actually had a divine vision one summer's day in her youth always remained a mystery. Yet in the years that followed, the lives of many seemed altered because of it. Twelve years later, with Valerie now a lovely woman, a stranger came to town to challenge the past with a bitter fury-and in so doing, threatened the future of love for them all.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Willam Edmund Barrett was born in New York City in 1900. He was Roman Catholic which is reflected strongly in his works. On February 15, 1925 he was married to Christine M. Rollman.

He attended Manhattan College. In 1941 he became an aeronautics consultant for the Denver Public Library.

He was a member of PEN and the Authors League of America, and also the National Press Club of Washington, D.C. He was president of the Colorado Authors League from 1943–1944.

Three of his novels were the basis for film productions: The Left Hand of God, Lilies of the Field, and Pieces of Dream which was based on The Wine and the Music.

Reviews

[Faye Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read after many years. Good insights into the people involved and their developmental processes over the years. My first thought had been to re-read quickly while at the beach, then leave behind in the room. After reading, however, I was reminded why I liked it so much the first time I read it, and liked it even more.