Angels in the Architecture

by Sue Fitzmaurice

1185. Bishop Hugh takes on the re-building of Lincoln Cathedral after a devastating earthquake, and attempts to calm superstitious town folk among Christian and Jewish communities, some of whom seek to lay blame at the feet of a poor ‘idiot’ child. 1981. Journalist and stay-at-home dad, Pete, tries to get inside the mind of his autistic son, and at the same time, make sense of a chaotic world of riots, assassinations and religious strife. Lincoln Cathedral is the setting for a thrilling story, alongside an exploration of what is real, what can be known, what is Faith, and is there really a God? This fascinating journey of alternating stories weaves real historical figures and events with an exploration of what is possible, of angels, and of saving the Western and Islamic worlds from their own violence and prejudice. “Fitzmaurice’s writing is gutsy and authentic, and she weaves a complex and satisfying plot. Images and scenes have remained with me long after reading. Her intellect and delight in language are the guiding forces here.” Mary McCallum, Radio New Zealand (Montana-winning author of The Blue)"This is so much more than a novel. It is a journey. It is a mind opening experience." JV Manning, author of Random Thoughts n Lotsa Coffee

Genres: Fiction

354 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2012

About the author

Sue Fitzmaurice has been a nurse, business owner, management consultant and CEO. She has a lifetime's interest in international politics, philosophy, the quantum and all religions, and has degrees in philosophy & political science, international relations & international law, and business. A native of Wellington, New Zealand, she now travels the world and writes. 'Angels in the Architecture' is her first novel. Sue is writing her second novel, tentatively titled 'In the Company of Angels'. She has released a non-fiction titled 'Purpose', based on her extensive research and coaching on finding one's life purpose. A second title is due soon.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really hard to know how to rate this. It had flavors of Neale Donald Walsh, and of The Celestine Prophecy. I enjoyed the concept, but it felt disjointed and kind of stilted. I was bothered most by the typos in the text. It felt like autocorrect did the editing.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sue Fitzmaurice's first novel is a must read, "Angels In The Architecture" is thought provoking....The book is based on two young boys with autism, each living in a different time period of English history, their stories unfold amid real historical figures and events. The narrative explores and questions society's philosophical and predispositions of one's faith and beliefs, the possibility that the universe and the spiritual world do connect, is there really a God? A bold and multifaceted, yet rewarding storyline gave me immeasurable pause, as I questioned and challenged my own beliefs, is it possible, were these boys really connected by a reality unseen by those around them?

[John Rafalak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I progressed in this book the more I found I couldn't put it down. This morning, as I picked it up again and started reading,thinking I had perhaps 20% or so left to read, I was thrown to find I was approaching the end! I will miss reading this, possibly re-read it in the future, and look forward to more from this author. The story line involving two autistic boys living in two very different periods in history and their inner and outer worlds was wonderful and thought provoking. I work in a school where many of our students are on the Autism Spectrum and was glad to find this interesting exploration of life, faith and how we all live together in this world we share.

[Mary Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listed this novel on four different shelves because it actually fits into each of them. Sometime ago, I started following Sue Fitzmaurice on Facebook, became interested in her novel, and finally found it in the library. I was challenged by the ideas she presents about autistic children, the possibility of time travel being generated through sources of light, and the presence of angels among us. I would certainly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading a novel that is entertaining, well-written, and challenging.

[Rachel]

This is a well written piece of work and expresses some important philosophies really beautifully. I was engaged with the story from beginning to end but it did seem that there wasn't a lot of 'excitement/anticipation in it and I kept turning the pages wondering when I'd come across it. that being said, on a philosophical level this book really does make you think and the characters come across beautifully. All in all, I'd recommend it

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, from a new author, Sue Fitzmaurice. I could not put this book down. It will make you think, keep you interested, and stir up conversation. It would make be a great selection for a book club read.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In anticipation of arrival of the book. Just ordered it. Think I’m going to enjoy it.
Okay, update; Received it, read it, enjoyed it - very much! Definitely saw "the Angels in the Architecture". ;-)

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting premise. I enjoyed the addition of science to the obvious religion. The message of faith, what it is and how it works, and the wish to have peace among all faiths is a compelling one.

[Robyn Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome, but left me hanging! Sequel???