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Lindchester #2
Unseen Things Above
Who will be the next bishop of Lindchester? That's what everyone's been asking since bishop Paul Henderson resigned in haste and a whiff of scandal. Unseen Things Above rejoins our friends in the diocese as they address themselves to the labyrinthine process of appointing his replacement. When they aren't arguing about love and marriage, that is. Should Jane renounce her feminist orthodoxy and wed the manly archdeacon? Could Father Ed defy the House of Bishops and marry Neil? And how many hearts will start atrembling when the gorgeous but volatile Freddie May returns to the Cathedral Close? Come, dear reader, and clamber once again onto the liturgical rollercoaster. Travel from Easter to Advent with bishops, archbishops, and all the company of Lindchester. Hang on to your hat as you're whirled through ups and downs and twists of plot. There are unseen things above, all right. But if you manage to open your eyes, the view from the top is glorious.
- GenresFictionLGBTChristianity
328 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2015
23 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Fox
14 books68 followersCatherine Fox was educated at Durham and London Universities and has a degree in English and a PhD in Theology. She is the author of Angels and Men, The Benefits of Passion and Love for the Lost, which explore the themes of the spiritual and the physical with insight and humour. In 2007, Yellow Jersey Press published Fight the Good Fight: From Vicar's Wife to Killing Machine in which Catherine relates her quest to achieve a black belt in Judo. More recently she published a YA fantasy novel, Wolf Tide, before starting work on her three volume Lindchester Chronicles. She teaches at Manchester Metropolitan University and lives in Sheffield. She is currently blogging a new novel in weekly instalments. It starts here: https://lindfordtales.blogspot.com/20...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 25, 2019
Most fabulous series of books. About to start number three. Beautifully written, funny, clever and hugely entertaining.
September 12, 2023
Catherine Fox’s twenty-first century homage to Trollope’s Barchester Chronicles is proving to be an absolute delight. With wicked wit, a large cast of complex, fully-rounded characters and an eye for human decency and personal frailties, both Acts and Omissions, and Unseen Things Above, the second instalment in the series, make for compulsively entertaining reading. And that’s before I mention her perfect pacing and observations of the natural world and the rhythms of the seasons. These books deserve to be so much better known than they are. The wife of a cathedral dean, she knows her subject matter intimately, and portrays the life of the diocese from a sympathetic but detached viewpoint.
True to its Trollopian predecessor, Unseen Things Above focuses on the appointment of a new Bishop, but ranges widely to cover the life of the entire diocese of Lindchester. There is much fun to be had with the very slowly grinding wheels of CofE bureaucracy (in Trollope’s time the question of ‘who will be the new bishop?’ was resolved within a month!), and the divisions between the finely graded wings of a church that is almost the epitome of ‘broad’. But whether you are a churchgoer or not, the Lindchester chronicles are worth reading for their excellent storytelling, warm, rounded characters, and affectionate (sometimes quite dark) humour.
True to its Trollopian predecessor, Unseen Things Above focuses on the appointment of a new Bishop, but ranges widely to cover the life of the entire diocese of Lindchester. There is much fun to be had with the very slowly grinding wheels of CofE bureaucracy (in Trollope’s time the question of ‘who will be the new bishop?’ was resolved within a month!), and the divisions between the finely graded wings of a church that is almost the epitome of ‘broad’. But whether you are a churchgoer or not, the Lindchester chronicles are worth reading for their excellent storytelling, warm, rounded characters, and affectionate (sometimes quite dark) humour.
February 6, 2017
Loved it. I read her earlier works when they originally appeared and was sorry when she seemed to go out of print, and was intrigued by her idea of publishing online in instalments, so the new books appear rather like serialised Victorian novels, which is quite fitting as they are in a Trollopian tradition (Barchester is not far away). This is the Church of England in the 21st century, moving towards accepting women in senior positions and the marriage of gay couples, but not quite there yet - a glimpse into the world of the cathedral close, some really moving moments but mostly archly funny. Oh, and very good on memories of childhood in the 1960s and 1970s, too! There are rather a lot of characters to keep track of, so the list at the front is handy. Sorry to finish it (this is the second of the three recent ones), of which the third is still available on her blog until the end of the month, and should then eventually appear in print. (I discovered that the Victorian experience of reading a chapter at a time wasn't really for me - I prefer to have it in one go! It's an interesting experiment though).
July 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this author's previous book about Lindchester - Acts and Omissions - so I was looking forward to this one. I wasn't disappointed as it has all the sparkle and wit of its predecessor. The main event which dominates the story is the choosing of a new Bishop following Bishop Paul's unexpected resignation at the end of the previous book. Naturally rumours are rife and everyone has their preferred candidate.
But what about Matt and Jane? Ed and Neil? Can Lindchester cope with the possible return of that wild child, Freddie May? Will Veronica Da Silva have the holes picked in her work of fiction - her CV? While the people at the top are scratching their heads over precisely which candidate for Bishop will ruffle fewest feathers in Lindchester, ordinary people are going on with their lives.
I have enjoyed all this author's books and I love the way she shows a different view of the Church of England and the people who run it. The funny bits had me laughing out loud and some of the one liners are just marvellous. If you want something with sparkle and fizz for reading in a Summer afternoon in the garden this may be exactly what you need. You definitely won't see the Church of England in the same light after reading it.
But what about Matt and Jane? Ed and Neil? Can Lindchester cope with the possible return of that wild child, Freddie May? Will Veronica Da Silva have the holes picked in her work of fiction - her CV? While the people at the top are scratching their heads over precisely which candidate for Bishop will ruffle fewest feathers in Lindchester, ordinary people are going on with their lives.
I have enjoyed all this author's books and I love the way she shows a different view of the Church of England and the people who run it. The funny bits had me laughing out loud and some of the one liners are just marvellous. If you want something with sparkle and fizz for reading in a Summer afternoon in the garden this may be exactly what you need. You definitely won't see the Church of England in the same light after reading it.
November 16, 2019
All of the books in this trilogy are simply wonderful, I can’t recommend them highly enough. They make you laugh, they make you cry. Just a delight! Thank you
February 6, 2019
Aaw only one more book in the trilogy! What will I do? I’m like literally smitten.
March 16, 2016
Another book by Catherine Fox that I enjoyed just as much reading it the second time around. This is the sequel to her splendid Acts and Omissions, with many of the same characters and a good handful of new ones to add an extra dimension to the mix. (Oh, plus a few very old ones that I was delighted to see making an appearance.) I love the developing storylines and the way the characters deepen the more we know them. Challenging themes, a bit of heartbreak - and lots of love. Perfect.
June 26, 2023
grace and charitable synthesizing of different churchmanships. Plus Jane in my head *is* played by Olivia Coleman
July 10, 2023
Like the first book in the series, this is a good, wry and amusing take on a collection of Church of England people in and around the fictional Lindchester Cathedral.
The narrative style is unusual in that the author acts as your quide and perhaps mentor, explaining the relevance of certain obscure parts of C of E life and taking you on amusing asides. I know little about the Church of England, despite being a card-carrying English Brit, so can be amused by some of the trials, tribulations, knots (some Gordian) that the church and their officials tie themselves in.
Now and then there are lovely descriptive passages and funny explanations to delight and lighten things. It did take me a while to get back into all the characters, after reading the first book.
So....
Definitely 3-stars and 1-star.added for making it all amusing and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny. Adds up to 4-stars!!
Will I read any more in the series? Not sure at this stage.
The narrative style is unusual in that the author acts as your quide and perhaps mentor, explaining the relevance of certain obscure parts of C of E life and taking you on amusing asides. I know little about the Church of England, despite being a card-carrying English Brit, so can be amused by some of the trials, tribulations, knots (some Gordian) that the church and their officials tie themselves in.
Now and then there are lovely descriptive passages and funny explanations to delight and lighten things. It did take me a while to get back into all the characters, after reading the first book.
So....
Definitely 3-stars and 1-star.added for making it all amusing and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny. Adds up to 4-stars!!
Will I read any more in the series? Not sure at this stage.
June 29, 2019
Another completely brilliant book from Lindchester, that fictional Diocese in the Church of England. I am SURE I know some of the characters she writes about, but in reality that's probably more to do with the fact that she observes character traits brilliantly, and has a wicked sense of humour, than that she stalks me, notepad in hand!
I am already mourning the fact that I have only one book remaining, but I shall save and savour when the time is right.
One tiny (very personal) bug bear - the Evangellybabies invented the misuse of the Verb 'To Preach' being used as a noun 'A Preach'. Why is that easier to say than A Sermon/Homily etc? It is a bit like nails on a blackboard for me. Sorry! It's only used once, but it surprised me.
Brilliant brilliant book though. I just love Father Wendy, Totty, Matt, Jane, Bob, Ed....
I am already mourning the fact that I have only one book remaining, but I shall save and savour when the time is right.
One tiny (very personal) bug bear - the Evangellybabies invented the misuse of the Verb 'To Preach' being used as a noun 'A Preach'. Why is that easier to say than A Sermon/Homily etc? It is a bit like nails on a blackboard for me. Sorry! It's only used once, but it surprised me.
Brilliant brilliant book though. I just love Father Wendy, Totty, Matt, Jane, Bob, Ed....
June 3, 2022
This is a refreshingly different book and takes a while to get into as the style and print size are new. But once you do it is very much worth it - particularly if you have some knowledge of the Anglican Church. It's cocks a gentle snoot at the world of the clergy but in such a gentle and affectionate way but so honestly and lovingly done. I laughed out loud a couple of times - which is not something I do very often.
Excellent writing - slightly Virginia Woolf in style but only a little and much more readable, but great attention to detail and the characters are many faceted and flawed and I lurched between despair and anger but underneath all that was an understanding of these characters and hence a huge affection for them. I really recommend it. Try the first in the series first as they are a series of 3, the above being the second.
Excellent writing - slightly Virginia Woolf in style but only a little and much more readable, but great attention to detail and the characters are many faceted and flawed and I lurched between despair and anger but underneath all that was an understanding of these characters and hence a huge affection for them. I really recommend it. Try the first in the series first as they are a series of 3, the above being the second.
December 25, 2024
Unfortunately I started reading this without realising it was the second in a series. I will definitely be reading both the one before and the one after it, but I enjoyed the story so much I rather wish I could have seen it unfold in the intended order. I loved the gentle, character-driven and sometimes very funny adventures of this group of people connected with a fictional cathedral, even though I'm not religious. There's romance, office politics, soul-searching and a lot of good sense. With one obvious exception I liked all the characters and could relate to three essentially happy relationships that had a believable amount of good-natured sparring.
August 30, 2019
Book number two in this series brought back beloved characters, added new ones, and taught more about the goings on in Cathedrals and their surroundings. People fall in love, people are diabolical, singers do well but then get in trouble. A little more sedate than book one but clever, humane, and fun anyway. On to book three after I catch a library book or two.
June 27, 2020
As ensnaring as the first, sly, wry, witty, characters as engaging, plus intriguing additions
, additions, a great read especially for the loosely Anglican category, loved it, beautifully describes parishes in their yearly season changes. Having g read the first two have immediately ordered 3rd, can't say more,
, additions, a great read especially for the loosely Anglican category, loved it, beautifully describes parishes in their yearly season changes. Having g read the first two have immediately ordered 3rd, can't say more,
July 15, 2020
An exquisite blend of compassion and waspish humour, in a diocese affectionately painted, with brushstrokes broadened just a little, think Barchester, and the colours heightened similarly. Looking forward to reading the third in the series, and to catch up with Lindchester in lock-down, being blogged even as it happens ...
January 12, 2018
A worthy addition to the Lindchester Chronicles.
April 4, 2018
A great read
After reading the first in the series , I quickly settled back into reading the second. These are enjoyable books to read.
After reading the first in the series , I quickly settled back into reading the second. These are enjoyable books to read.
March 20, 2019
If you’re a church or choir nerd of the Anglican branch, just effin read this, okay? Gah!
December 16, 2024
I like this. The Lindchester books are much happier than Catherine Fox’s other novels that I’ve read.
May 17, 2025
As good as the first one.
January 1, 2017
Loved it.
July 13, 2017
Loved it every bit as much as the first in the trilogy.
July 25, 2015
My introduction to Catherine Fox was through 'Acts and Omissions', which I loved so much that I went on to read all her other, rather different 'Anglican' novels, while waiting impatiently for 'Unseen Things Above'. One of the joys of these two later books is to find people from the earlier novels popping up in them, along with the new characters I have come to know and love. These two later novels are funnier than the early ones, very different in style and tone, and yet as much concerned with spiritual things.
They have been compared by many reviewers to the Barchester novels of Anthony Trollope, so while waiting for the next Catherine Fox I decided to renew my acquaintance with the former writer.
I can see the likeness, in the use of the omniscient authorial voice, the humour, the intricate depiction of the workings of the contemporary Church of England; but Catherine Fox's characters are on the whole more compassionately, even kindly drawn: there are no thoroughly evil people on the lines of the oily Obadiah Slope, with the possible exception of Veronica the troubled university chaplain (I rather hope she pops up again some time!). When people behave badly, a satisfying justice is almost always tempered with mercy. As an Anglican myself, it's good to find that today's Church of England comes over rather better than the Victorian version, though some of the divisions are still very much with us. Fox's clergy, even if sometimes wistfully hoping for higher things, are never motivated (as Trollope's almost always are) by worldly ambition and the hope of a good income; and there's a much greater sense of a deep seriousness beneath the humour of these books.
I don't know how far these novels will appeal to readers without any experience of church matters — I've recommended them to all my friends, but so far none of my non-churchy friends have taken the bait.
But for myself I am longing to read the next in the series.
They have been compared by many reviewers to the Barchester novels of Anthony Trollope, so while waiting for the next Catherine Fox I decided to renew my acquaintance with the former writer.
I can see the likeness, in the use of the omniscient authorial voice, the humour, the intricate depiction of the workings of the contemporary Church of England; but Catherine Fox's characters are on the whole more compassionately, even kindly drawn: there are no thoroughly evil people on the lines of the oily Obadiah Slope, with the possible exception of Veronica the troubled university chaplain (I rather hope she pops up again some time!). When people behave badly, a satisfying justice is almost always tempered with mercy. As an Anglican myself, it's good to find that today's Church of England comes over rather better than the Victorian version, though some of the divisions are still very much with us. Fox's clergy, even if sometimes wistfully hoping for higher things, are never motivated (as Trollope's almost always are) by worldly ambition and the hope of a good income; and there's a much greater sense of a deep seriousness beneath the humour of these books.
I don't know how far these novels will appeal to readers without any experience of church matters — I've recommended them to all my friends, but so far none of my non-churchy friends have taken the bait.
But for myself I am longing to read the next in the series.
March 26, 2018
This didn't engage me as much as the first book in the series. The novel felt hastily done and as though we were only being told half the story or a summarised version of the story. A few times I looked back, convinced I must have missed an event that was being referred to as having happened, but no, important plot points were just delivered in summary, in past tense. Despite apparent liberal credentials, the telos of the plot was towards the bolstering of convention and not upsetting any ecclesiastical applecarts. The image of the Church as an elderly, bewildered and well-meaning victim of marginalised people's impetuous demands to live life on their own terms did not sit well with me.
January 19, 2016
More from Lindchester and the surrounding towns and villages. Our favorite characters are back, and there are even a few new people to meet. Father Wendy has a new walking companion, Pedro.
Ex-Bishop Paul Henderson makes the briefest of visits. There is a new villain, as well as an appearance of the muck-raking journalist from the first book.
I wish it was possible to visit Lindchester and meet my favorite members of the Close and surroundings. I could drink with Matt and Jane, take a nice walk with Wendy, and hear the divine voice of that disgraceful Freddie May.
Ex-Bishop Paul Henderson makes the briefest of visits. There is a new villain, as well as an appearance of the muck-raking journalist from the first book.
I wish it was possible to visit Lindchester and meet my favorite members of the Close and surroundings. I could drink with Matt and Jane, take a nice walk with Wendy, and hear the divine voice of that disgraceful Freddie May.
September 29, 2015
Having read Acts and Omissions I was keen to find out what happened next and I wasn't disappointed. Moral dilemmas abound as we follow the clergy of Lindchester through the church year.
F words abound, but they are apt and I wasn't offended. I got lost among the large crowd of characters, which the dramatis personae at the front didn't really help me out with. But the main characters are so human and recognisable that this didn't matter.
F words abound, but they are apt and I wasn't offended. I got lost among the large crowd of characters, which the dramatis personae at the front didn't really help me out with. But the main characters are so human and recognisable that this didn't matter.
July 14, 2015
Excellent but large cast of characters required concentration .
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews