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A Christmas Message
In the spirit of the season, New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry presents readers with the gift of another holiday mystery, taking them to the Holy Land for an intriguing and miraculous journey of discovery.
The year is 1900, and Victor Narraway is giving his wife, Vespasia, an unforgettable Christmas present--a trip to Jerusalem. Vespasia is enchanted by the exotic landscape of Palestine, and charmed by a fellow traveler the Narraways meet at their hotel in Jaffa. But when the man is murdered over a torn piece of ancient parchment he was taking to Jerusalem, Victor and Vespasia risk their lives to finish his mission and deliver the puzzling document to its home. Pursued by a shadowy figure with evil intent, they embark on a dangerous yet ultimately enlightening pilgrimage to the holy city, where the mysterious message on the parchment may finally be revealed.
Rich in suspense and wonder, A Christmas Message is at once a breathtaking adventure story and a poignant meditation on faith and spirituality.
Praise for A Christmas Message
"A strangely intriguing mystery handled neatly by the wonderfully capable Victor [Narraway] and [his new wife, Lady] Vespasia."--Library Journal
Praise for the Christmas novels of Anne Perry
"Perry's Victorian-era holiday mysteries [are] an annual treat."--The Wall Street Journal
A Christmas Escape
"Rivals the classic murder mysteries of Dame Agatha Christie . . . The suspense is built up so well."--Bookreporter
A New York Christmas
"A thoroughly enjoyable mystery set against the wonderful historical backdrop of 1904 New York City at Christmastime."--Library Journal (starred review)
A Christmas Hope
"Very much recommended . . . a wonderful story." --Historical Novel Review
A Christmas Garland
"In Anne Perry's gifted hands, the puzzle plays out brilliantly."--Greensboro News & Record
A Christmas Homecoming
"Could have been devised by Agatha Christie . . . [Perry is] a modern master." --Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The year is 1900, and Victor Narraway is giving his wife, Vespasia, an unforgettable Christmas present--a trip to Jerusalem. Vespasia is enchanted by the exotic landscape of Palestine, and charmed by a fellow traveler the Narraways meet at their hotel in Jaffa. But when the man is murdered over a torn piece of ancient parchment he was taking to Jerusalem, Victor and Vespasia risk their lives to finish his mission and deliver the puzzling document to its home. Pursued by a shadowy figure with evil intent, they embark on a dangerous yet ultimately enlightening pilgrimage to the holy city, where the mysterious message on the parchment may finally be revealed.
Rich in suspense and wonder, A Christmas Message is at once a breathtaking adventure story and a poignant meditation on faith and spirituality.
Praise for A Christmas Message
"A strangely intriguing mystery handled neatly by the wonderfully capable Victor [Narraway] and [his new wife, Lady] Vespasia."--Library Journal
Praise for the Christmas novels of Anne Perry
"Perry's Victorian-era holiday mysteries [are] an annual treat."--The Wall Street Journal
A Christmas Escape
"Rivals the classic murder mysteries of Dame Agatha Christie . . . The suspense is built up so well."--Bookreporter
A New York Christmas
"A thoroughly enjoyable mystery set against the wonderful historical backdrop of 1904 New York City at Christmastime."--Library Journal (starred review)
A Christmas Hope
"Very much recommended . . . a wonderful story." --Historical Novel Review
A Christmas Garland
"In Anne Perry's gifted hands, the puzzle plays out brilliantly."--Greensboro News & Record
A Christmas Homecoming
"Could have been devised by Agatha Christie . . . [Perry is] a modern master." --Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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First published November 1, 2016
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About the author
Anne Perry
365 books3,387 followersAnne Perry, born Juliet Hulme in England, lived in Scotland most of her life after serving five years in prison for murder (in New Zealand). A beloved mystery authoress, she is best known for her Thomas Pitt and William Monk series.
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
February 10, 2017
Aw, Jeeze, this was just awful, and the plot was as tenuous as the point, which has escaped me. Something about the true meaning of Christmas, I'm guessing. But there were endless mental musings again as opposed to real dialogue, a dreadful mishmash of philosophical, religious, spiritual, mystical speculating and pondering, villains whose identities and motivations are unclear or never explained, and the same can be said for the "good guys" in this one. And then near the end, there is the most insane and impossible meeting up by chance with the one person on the one street in the city of Jerusalem ((which had never been visited by the main characters), that supposedly held the last piece of the puzzle they were trying to solve. And finally, as is typical of Perry, an abrupt and unsatisfying ending. At least in that sense it matched the beginning and the middle. Not even two of my favorite characters, Vespasia and Narraway could save A Christmas Message. MY message--just skip this one.
January 4, 2017
My first Anne Perry is one of her Christmas releases, more of a novella really, with a very seasonal theme treated seriously, for adults to ponder large questions while watching her characters do the same, while also trying to elude evil. And all happens during a couple's planned Christmas visit to Jerusalem at the turn of the 20th century.
I did find this a thought-provoking read, albeit not expecting quite what I found. I do enjoy books that evoke philosophical and spiritual thinking. Others who have read Perry's earlier Christmas releases may be more familiar with this format. If you approach this simply as a mystery, I believe you will be disappointed. If you are looking for something a bit deeper, this may well be for you.
probably 3.5*
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I did find this a thought-provoking read, albeit not expecting quite what I found. I do enjoy books that evoke philosophical and spiritual thinking. Others who have read Perry's earlier Christmas releases may be more familiar with this format. If you approach this simply as a mystery, I believe you will be disappointed. If you are looking for something a bit deeper, this may well be for you.
probably 3.5*
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 4, 2016
The Christmas Stories series has long been a holiday staple for me. Each year I wait with anticipation which minor character from the author's other Victorian mystery series will get their turn to do a spot of detection over the Christmas holidays. Knowing that A Christmas Message was to be a jaunt with Lady Vespasia and her new husband Victor Narraway made this story hold some extra charm for me.
The story begins with Vespasia and Victor stopped over in Joppa on their journey to Jerusalem with the holiday trip being Victor's gift to Vespasia. They are a winter romance and only married for two years now, but along this journey, they are learning each other in ways that they hadn't know before. With their destination as Jerusalem for Christmas, Vespasia can't help but wonder about Victor's religious beliefs and also analyzes her own thoughts.
Another guest of their lodgings is murdered, but before his death, he managed to slip a final written request and a mysterious message written in a foreign language to Victor. They are requested to deliver the message to the House of Bread on the Via Dolorossa on Christmas Eve. The danger inherent in delivering a murdered man's message does not prevent them both from determining that they wish to fulfill the request. Their journey up to Jerusalem is fraught with mishap and threat, but also with the growing realization that their journey is spiritual and not just physical.
Alright, I am of two minds about this book. While I was glad to have this time with Vespasia and Victor and witness their tender love, mutual respect, and closeness, I was also bewildered about what I got in this story. I don't mind stories that are infused with religious thought and theory, but I do mind when it's not in a book or series known for being inspirational fiction. It felt like a bait and switch somewhat.
I also found that ending abrupt, confusing, and dissatisfying. It just stops after the big scene and doesn't offer a denouement that will close out the story properly. I mean the danger is over and they got some answers, but there is no wrap-up.
So, this was more a philosophical and religious story with a side of suspense and character development. If you can adjust to that, then you'll do alright since it was a decent story with a pair of favorite characters from the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins with Vespasia and Victor stopped over in Joppa on their journey to Jerusalem with the holiday trip being Victor's gift to Vespasia. They are a winter romance and only married for two years now, but along this journey, they are learning each other in ways that they hadn't know before. With their destination as Jerusalem for Christmas, Vespasia can't help but wonder about Victor's religious beliefs and also analyzes her own thoughts.
Another guest of their lodgings is murdered, but before his death, he managed to slip a final written request and a mysterious message written in a foreign language to Victor. They are requested to deliver the message to the House of Bread on the Via Dolorossa on Christmas Eve. The danger inherent in delivering a murdered man's message does not prevent them both from determining that they wish to fulfill the request. Their journey up to Jerusalem is fraught with mishap and threat, but also with the growing realization that their journey is spiritual and not just physical.
Alright, I am of two minds about this book. While I was glad to have this time with Vespasia and Victor and witness their tender love, mutual respect, and closeness, I was also bewildered about what I got in this story. I don't mind stories that are infused with religious thought and theory, but I do mind when it's not in a book or series known for being inspirational fiction. It felt like a bait and switch somewhat.
I also found that ending abrupt, confusing, and dissatisfying. It just stops after the big scene and doesn't offer a denouement that will close out the story properly. I mean the danger is over and they got some answers, but there is no wrap-up.
So, this was more a philosophical and religious story with a side of suspense and character development. If you can adjust to that, then you'll do alright since it was a decent story with a pair of favorite characters from the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
This is one of Anne Perry's Christmas mystery novellas that I usually enjoy. This one, however, is just preposterous. Victor Narroway & his wife, Charlotte Pitt's Aunt Vespasia have gone to Palestine with the goal of spending Christmas in Jerusalem. But, of course, in Jaffa, they meet a mysterious man who ends up being killed, apparently for the piece of paper that he secrets to Narroway just before his murder.
Victor & Vespasia must travel to Jerusalem and deliver the paper to a bakery where, hopefully it will be matched up with the two other missing people to make a whole message. Presumably because they have nothing better to do, they set off, running into another person who amazingly has the second part of the puzzle.
Unfortunately they also run into "The Watcher", a shadowy figure that obviously symbolizes evil. What then follows is a chase, a fight, and much religious hocus pocus as the mystery is solved & good triumphs over evil. Unfortunately good story telling doesn't triumph over muddled writing. This is four hours of my life I'll never get back.
Victor & Vespasia must travel to Jerusalem and deliver the paper to a bakery where, hopefully it will be matched up with the two other missing people to make a whole message. Presumably because they have nothing better to do, they set off, running into another person who amazingly has the second part of the puzzle.
Unfortunately they also run into "The Watcher", a shadowy figure that obviously symbolizes evil. What then follows is a chase, a fight, and much religious hocus pocus as the mystery is solved & good triumphs over evil. Unfortunately good story telling doesn't triumph over muddled writing. This is four hours of my life I'll never get back.
December 29, 2020
When I pick up a Christmas book, I want it to capture some form of the feel of Christmas. This attempted to but ignored the real message, substituting one of “all religions are good if sincere” etc etc. The second half of the book was like a dream-sequence, travel in the desert, rich sheik, and so on.
Normally I like Vespasia’s stories, but this one didn’t measure up.
Normally I like Vespasia’s stories, but this one didn’t measure up.
November 2, 2016
An illuminating Christmas mystery!
On the surface of this Christmas mystery, Victor Narraway and his wife Lady Vespasia (two of my favourite Perry characters) travel to Jerusalem for Christmas. En route, at their hotel in Jaffa, they run across an interesting older gentleman who hands them a parchment to deliver in Jerusalem just before he is killed by a mysterious figure "The Watcher". The story morphs into a Dali like journey of deserts and death, faith defined and refined, and deepening spiritual mysteries.
Following the theme of the wise men seeking truth and wonderment as they track the star that lead them to Bethlehem, Narraway and Vespasia embark on a similar journey, followed by the dark watcher. Along the way they are joined by another.
Three pieces of parchment, and the truth for all mankind, are part of this journey.
Narraway and Vespasia are confronted by their own beliefs and the gradual refining of them.
A simple story of intrigue that cloaks hidden inner meanings of the mystical and faith surrounding the Christmas message and all that followed.
A very different story from what I expected, challenging and thought provoking, reflecting much of Perry's own faith base.
The title sums up the depth and breadth of what this story contains. I found it a fascinating treatise on the Christian message.
I was struck that it is Narraway, ex head of Special Branch and Lady Vespasia, a force in her own right, both mature people, with years of the ability and shrewdness, including being able to mark the difference between the false and the genuine, who are the chosen to encounter this very different journey.
Who is the watcher, what is the stick he carries, seemingly he's supernatural at times and yet able to be injured. What is he watching for?
A mystery on many levels with faint echoes of Dan Brown.
I found this story stuck with me long after reading.
A NetGalley ARC
On the surface of this Christmas mystery, Victor Narraway and his wife Lady Vespasia (two of my favourite Perry characters) travel to Jerusalem for Christmas. En route, at their hotel in Jaffa, they run across an interesting older gentleman who hands them a parchment to deliver in Jerusalem just before he is killed by a mysterious figure "The Watcher". The story morphs into a Dali like journey of deserts and death, faith defined and refined, and deepening spiritual mysteries.
Following the theme of the wise men seeking truth and wonderment as they track the star that lead them to Bethlehem, Narraway and Vespasia embark on a similar journey, followed by the dark watcher. Along the way they are joined by another.
Three pieces of parchment, and the truth for all mankind, are part of this journey.
Narraway and Vespasia are confronted by their own beliefs and the gradual refining of them.
A simple story of intrigue that cloaks hidden inner meanings of the mystical and faith surrounding the Christmas message and all that followed.
A very different story from what I expected, challenging and thought provoking, reflecting much of Perry's own faith base.
The title sums up the depth and breadth of what this story contains. I found it a fascinating treatise on the Christian message.
I was struck that it is Narraway, ex head of Special Branch and Lady Vespasia, a force in her own right, both mature people, with years of the ability and shrewdness, including being able to mark the difference between the false and the genuine, who are the chosen to encounter this very different journey.
Who is the watcher, what is the stick he carries, seemingly he's supernatural at times and yet able to be injured. What is he watching for?
A mystery on many levels with faint echoes of Dan Brown.
I found this story stuck with me long after reading.
A NetGalley ARC
December 3, 2017
I have enjoyed many of Anne Perry's Christmas stories. I don't watch Hallmark movies, but I do like to read a few light stories during the holidays and Anne Perry's are usually perfect for this. She is a good writer but sadly this effort to transcend religion while honoring Christmas was just a little too weird for me.
August 4, 2016
"A Christmas Message" is a suspense novel set in 1900 in Palestine. A man is murdered in Jaffa, where our hero and heroine are staying briefly before taking a train to Jerusalem. They discover that he slipped them an ancient document in a foreign language and asked them to deliver it to a shop on the Via Dolorosa on Christmas Eve. They set out for the train, and the killer is after them.
Then the story gets really surreal. I kept expecting the heroine to wake up and discover it was all a dream. The descriptions of the people and the landscape seemed based more on symbolism than reality. The 39 mile trip from Jaffa to Jerusalem came across as a long, dark journey across a flat desert (even though they started out in daylight, Jerusalem is in the hill country, etc.). Almost everyone they met were inhuman beings (or at least not normal human beings) who spoke cryptically or philosophically. Not what I was expecting.
So the story turns out to be a spiritual journey. They concluded that we need to follow our inner guiding vision (the true "star of Bethlehem") and you should love God whatever way you wish, shouldn't condemn people who follow another religion as everyone will get the eternity promised by his religion, and all you need to do to gain God's forgiveness is forgive others.
There were no sex scenes. There was a very minor amount of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Then the story gets really surreal. I kept expecting the heroine to wake up and discover it was all a dream. The descriptions of the people and the landscape seemed based more on symbolism than reality. The 39 mile trip from Jaffa to Jerusalem came across as a long, dark journey across a flat desert (even though they started out in daylight, Jerusalem is in the hill country, etc.). Almost everyone they met were inhuman beings (or at least not normal human beings) who spoke cryptically or philosophically. Not what I was expecting.
So the story turns out to be a spiritual journey. They concluded that we need to follow our inner guiding vision (the true "star of Bethlehem") and you should love God whatever way you wish, shouldn't condemn people who follow another religion as everyone will get the eternity promised by his religion, and all you need to do to gain God's forgiveness is forgive others.
There were no sex scenes. There was a very minor amount of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 12, 2016
This was just pure tortuous reading! I struggled and struggled through this book, what a waste of time!
There was a basic story line, but you could not follow it, it made no sense at times! I had to let it go around page 80! There are too many great books to enjoy to read and this is definitely not one of them!
There was a basic story line, but you could not follow it, it made no sense at times! I had to let it go around page 80! There are too many great books to enjoy to read and this is definitely not one of them!
December 26, 2018
Enjoyable Christmas novella. This one seemed to ponder some deeper issues than others in the series but I enjoyed Narraway and Vespasia's trip to Jerusalem.
September 19, 2016
You don't need to have read the other books in the Thomas Pitt series to enjoy this one, and although you may have some idea what to expect from Anne Perry's Christmas novellas, this mystery is a little different.
Vespasia and Victor Narraway have travelled to Jerusalem for Christmas, the city at the heart of conflict and religion for centuries. A chance meeting with an elderly astronomer leads to a very pleasant shared evening, shattered later by a brutal murder.
As Vespasia and Victor embark on their quest, it becomes more than just a duty; the mystery goes deeper than just solving the murder, becoming both a spiritual pilgrimage and celebration of life. (This is not a Christian mystery, despite the setting and content: God's grace is entirely absent.)
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Vespasia and Victor Narraway have travelled to Jerusalem for Christmas, the city at the heart of conflict and religion for centuries. A chance meeting with an elderly astronomer leads to a very pleasant shared evening, shattered later by a brutal murder.
As Vespasia and Victor embark on their quest, it becomes more than just a duty; the mystery goes deeper than just solving the murder, becoming both a spiritual pilgrimage and celebration of life. (This is not a Christian mystery, despite the setting and content: God's grace is entirely absent.)
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2023
Ugh. I wish I didn't have this weird compulsion to finish a novel even if I hate it, because this was one of the worst things I've read! It sounded interesting, and maybe to people who have read other Perry novels and know the characters, they would like this, but it was utterly terrible for me.
The pacing... so slow, then super interesting fight scene, then so slow that a glacier could have passed by. The inner dialogue and recounting of facts or thoughts already given was too much. And I guess I didn't think this would be as religious as it was. The ending was just... I can't even describe how nonsensical it was. Just a big No from me.
The pacing... so slow, then super interesting fight scene, then so slow that a glacier could have passed by. The inner dialogue and recounting of facts or thoughts already given was too much. And I guess I didn't think this would be as religious as it was. The ending was just... I can't even describe how nonsensical it was. Just a big No from me.
January 6, 2017
Boring and confusing.
December 30, 2019
Believe me I was being generous giving it two stars even with Vespia and Victor in it. The story was just too discombobulating with a very unfinished ending. Bah humbug Anne Perry on this one.
October 31, 2023
I was never so happy in my life to here: “this is the end of……”
Skip this Christmas book, it is soooo boring.
Skip this Christmas book, it is soooo boring.
December 19, 2023
A very intersting story to read at Christmas time. Set in Jersualem it draws the reader into a mystery that includes Scripture, details of the first Christmas and many intriguing characters. It is one of a series of Christmas stories by Anne Perry and I look forward to reading more of them in future holiday seasons.
October 20, 2016
A Christmas Message (Christmas Stories#14) by Anne Perry was not at all like I thought it would be, but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy it. Sometimes I find myself picking up a story to read and starting it before I read the book description relying only on the title. You can find some awesome surprises that way. That was the case with this book.
This novella begins in 1900, two days before Christmas in Palestine. Victor Narraway has given his wife Vespasia an unforgettable trip to Jerusalem as a Christmas present. Jerusalem, even in 1900, was a city held sacred by Jews, Muslims and Christians alike as the birthplace of their religions, and a center of conflict for thousands of years. It is also the destination of thousands of the faithful on pilgrimage.
Victor and Vespasia meet an old man, an astronomer, at their hotel in Jaffa. Enjoying a dinner with him, Vespasia senses a man watching the old man, but the old man seems to not care. Later that evening, Victor and Vespasia find him murdered in his hotel room. Victor then discovers a small parchment folded within his pocket, left there by the old astronomer. The old man asks Victor and Vespasia to finish the mission he was on and deliver the parchment to Jerusalem by Christmas Eve. They embark on a mysterious journey, pursued by a dark and evil figure, that becomes their own pilgrimage to the Holy City.
This book made much more sense when I realized that it is an allegory for the three wise men reaching Bethlehem. The name Victor and Vespasia give to the old astronomer is Balthazar, one of the wise men who carried myrrh to the infant Jesus. The destination Victor and Vespasia were given to deliver the parchment to is the House of Bread on the Via Dolorosa, symbolically, bread is life. Also in Hebrew, Bethlehem is Beit Lechem and means the house of bread. And there is the consistent theme throughout the book of following the stars.
They also end their journey in the upper room. The Upper Room was where the disciples met after they had seen the risen Jesus. The trip for Victor and Vespasia eventually turns into their own pilgrimage of faith as they discover the depths of their faith and each other’s.
There is much more symbolism written into this story if you take the time to think about it as you read. It is both hidden and up in your face. The underlying message is that our time here on Earth is a path towards an eternity of our own choosing, either a path of love and forgiveness or a path of hate and darkness. Each religion, despite their own rituals and spectacles, are based on love and forgiveness. Through this all mankind may find peace for eternity despite religious differences.
Sometimes this book was a little difficult to follow. Some of the people seemed almost unreal adding to the feeling of mystery. Even though the language used in this book may seem a little pretentious, I think it added to the feeling of the time period in which this book takes place. I enjoyed this book as being something entirely unexpected with a message that is as good at Easter, Yom Kippur, Ramadan, or Christmas. Take time to read it and think about it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine.
This novella begins in 1900, two days before Christmas in Palestine. Victor Narraway has given his wife Vespasia an unforgettable trip to Jerusalem as a Christmas present. Jerusalem, even in 1900, was a city held sacred by Jews, Muslims and Christians alike as the birthplace of their religions, and a center of conflict for thousands of years. It is also the destination of thousands of the faithful on pilgrimage.
Victor and Vespasia meet an old man, an astronomer, at their hotel in Jaffa. Enjoying a dinner with him, Vespasia senses a man watching the old man, but the old man seems to not care. Later that evening, Victor and Vespasia find him murdered in his hotel room. Victor then discovers a small parchment folded within his pocket, left there by the old astronomer. The old man asks Victor and Vespasia to finish the mission he was on and deliver the parchment to Jerusalem by Christmas Eve. They embark on a mysterious journey, pursued by a dark and evil figure, that becomes their own pilgrimage to the Holy City.
This book made much more sense when I realized that it is an allegory for the three wise men reaching Bethlehem. The name Victor and Vespasia give to the old astronomer is Balthazar, one of the wise men who carried myrrh to the infant Jesus. The destination Victor and Vespasia were given to deliver the parchment to is the House of Bread on the Via Dolorosa, symbolically, bread is life. Also in Hebrew, Bethlehem is Beit Lechem and means the house of bread. And there is the consistent theme throughout the book of following the stars.
They also end their journey in the upper room. The Upper Room was where the disciples met after they had seen the risen Jesus. The trip for Victor and Vespasia eventually turns into their own pilgrimage of faith as they discover the depths of their faith and each other’s.
There is much more symbolism written into this story if you take the time to think about it as you read. It is both hidden and up in your face. The underlying message is that our time here on Earth is a path towards an eternity of our own choosing, either a path of love and forgiveness or a path of hate and darkness. Each religion, despite their own rituals and spectacles, are based on love and forgiveness. Through this all mankind may find peace for eternity despite religious differences.
Sometimes this book was a little difficult to follow. Some of the people seemed almost unreal adding to the feeling of mystery. Even though the language used in this book may seem a little pretentious, I think it added to the feeling of the time period in which this book takes place. I enjoyed this book as being something entirely unexpected with a message that is as good at Easter, Yom Kippur, Ramadan, or Christmas. Take time to read it and think about it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine.
December 26, 2018
Mlle Alice, pouvez-vous nous raconter votre rencontre avec Un Noël à Jérusalem ?
"Je ne rate jamais au grand jamais un Anne Perry de Noël. Celui-ci en plus est centré sur l'un des meilleurs personnages de la saga Pitt : Lady Vespasia Narraway !"
Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"Victor Narraway a décidé d'offrir à sa femme un Noël à Jérusalem. Au cours de leur périple, ils font la connaissance d'un homme sage, qui sera retrouvé mort le lendemain, non sans leur avoir confié la mission d'une vie."
Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous ?
"Ces petits opus d'Anne Perry sont très souvent critiqués, j'avoue moi-même que je ne les ai pas tous aimés, mais je les défends toujours bec et ongles en insistant tout de même sur le fait qu'il faut les réserver aux inconditionnels des séries de l'auteur. En effet, l'intérêt réside toujours plus dans la découverte d'une nouvelle facette de l'un ou l'autre de ses personnages que dans l'enquête à proprement parler. Pour ce qui est de celui-ci, je dois bien admettre pourtant, à contre-coeur, qu'il est réellement mauvais. Le sujet n'est autre qu'une quête spirituelle, voire religieuse et nous ne sommes plus du tout dans le réalisme, bien au contraire. Comprenez-moi bien, je n'ai rien contre la spiritualité et je suis croyante, ce n'est donc absolument pas le sujet qui me dérange mais franchement ce livre ne rime à rien. On nage dans les métaphores sans queue ni tête, rien n'a vraiment de sens ou d'intérêt, on se demande même si les personnages ne rêvent pas. Quand la minute après avoir risquée de se faire tuer, Vespasia perd son ami de vue parce qu'elle admirait les étoiles, j'ai commencé à me dire que l'auteur planait complètement."
Et comment cela s'est-il fini ?
"Franchement, ce livre est une énorme déception. Le sujet aurait pu me plaire mais c'est tellement bateau et mal amené que je n'en retiendrai absolument rien, même pas une jolie citation spirituelle..."
http://booksaremywonderland.hautetfor...
"Je ne rate jamais au grand jamais un Anne Perry de Noël. Celui-ci en plus est centré sur l'un des meilleurs personnages de la saga Pitt : Lady Vespasia Narraway !"
Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"Victor Narraway a décidé d'offrir à sa femme un Noël à Jérusalem. Au cours de leur périple, ils font la connaissance d'un homme sage, qui sera retrouvé mort le lendemain, non sans leur avoir confié la mission d'une vie."
Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous ?
"Ces petits opus d'Anne Perry sont très souvent critiqués, j'avoue moi-même que je ne les ai pas tous aimés, mais je les défends toujours bec et ongles en insistant tout de même sur le fait qu'il faut les réserver aux inconditionnels des séries de l'auteur. En effet, l'intérêt réside toujours plus dans la découverte d'une nouvelle facette de l'un ou l'autre de ses personnages que dans l'enquête à proprement parler. Pour ce qui est de celui-ci, je dois bien admettre pourtant, à contre-coeur, qu'il est réellement mauvais. Le sujet n'est autre qu'une quête spirituelle, voire religieuse et nous ne sommes plus du tout dans le réalisme, bien au contraire. Comprenez-moi bien, je n'ai rien contre la spiritualité et je suis croyante, ce n'est donc absolument pas le sujet qui me dérange mais franchement ce livre ne rime à rien. On nage dans les métaphores sans queue ni tête, rien n'a vraiment de sens ou d'intérêt, on se demande même si les personnages ne rêvent pas. Quand la minute après avoir risquée de se faire tuer, Vespasia perd son ami de vue parce qu'elle admirait les étoiles, j'ai commencé à me dire que l'auteur planait complètement."
Et comment cela s'est-il fini ?
"Franchement, ce livre est une énorme déception. Le sujet aurait pu me plaire mais c'est tellement bateau et mal amené que je n'en retiendrai absolument rien, même pas une jolie citation spirituelle..."
http://booksaremywonderland.hautetfor...
November 17, 2016
I usually enjoy Anne Perry's Christmas novellas, as each one takes a lesser character (or two) from her other mysteries and inserts them into their own mystery. Up until now, they have always been well written and provide a little more insight into the character than the longer mysteries, and there is always a satisfactory conclusion. That is not the case with this book.
This book, however, does not live up to her usual standards, in my opinion. Vespasia and Victor Narraway are on a journey to the Middle East for Christmas 1900. In Jaffa, they have dinner with a mysterious man only to find him murdered the next day and Victor in possession of a peculiar piece of parchment and a note which directs him to deliver the parchment to Jerusalem by Christmas Eve. The two set out by train from Jaffa and encounter more mysterious strangers en route, as well as meeting with not one but two malfunctions of the train. Once they make it to Jerusalem, two more pieces of parchment appear and are all delivered to the same location to three religious men, one Catholic, one Orthodox, and one Protestant.
I believe this was intended to be a deeply philosophical novella which would lead to reflections on the message of Christmas and the meaning of life. However, I found it to be meandering and confusing; many of the sentences left me scratching my head as to what was being said, either due to poor writing or poor editing. This book will not get a second reading from me as many of her Christmas books have.
This book, however, does not live up to her usual standards, in my opinion. Vespasia and Victor Narraway are on a journey to the Middle East for Christmas 1900. In Jaffa, they have dinner with a mysterious man only to find him murdered the next day and Victor in possession of a peculiar piece of parchment and a note which directs him to deliver the parchment to Jerusalem by Christmas Eve. The two set out by train from Jaffa and encounter more mysterious strangers en route, as well as meeting with not one but two malfunctions of the train. Once they make it to Jerusalem, two more pieces of parchment appear and are all delivered to the same location to three religious men, one Catholic, one Orthodox, and one Protestant.
I believe this was intended to be a deeply philosophical novella which would lead to reflections on the message of Christmas and the meaning of life. However, I found it to be meandering and confusing; many of the sentences left me scratching my head as to what was being said, either due to poor writing or poor editing. This book will not get a second reading from me as many of her Christmas books have.
December 26, 2021
Anne Perry’s 14th Christmas Novella is a bit different than the usual fare. This is definitely more of a mystery and an adventure with newlyweds Victor and Vespasia Narraway. Narraway takes Lady Vespasia on a surprise trip to the Holy Land at Christmas and while in their hotel in Jaffa, they meet a charming stranger whom Vespasia becomes quite close to. The next morning, he is found murdered and the couple realize he has left them with a special clue that they must deliver to Jerusalem by Christmas Eve. This begins an exciting race through the desert to reach the City in time. Along the way, they are stalked by an evil figure and also meet a few friends. They reach their destination with a very surprising solution to the mystery and a strengthening of their love for one another.
This novella takes quite a theological turn with its premise and storyline. This is something I’m not used too from Anne Perry. It’s an intriguing concept. The plot itself is actually very good. I really enjoyed the story. Where I became lost or disenchanted was in all the theorizing and conversational bits between Narraway and some of the characters. There were these long rambling dialogues where Narraway is trying to get answers to what is happening and the answers are more confusing than the questions. The character of Benedict and his role in the story just really left me at a loss, so that lost the fifth star on this one. Otherwise, as always, superbly written and crafted, a nice revisitation of old characters and overall a beautiful Christmas tale.
This novella takes quite a theological turn with its premise and storyline. This is something I’m not used too from Anne Perry. It’s an intriguing concept. The plot itself is actually very good. I really enjoyed the story. Where I became lost or disenchanted was in all the theorizing and conversational bits between Narraway and some of the characters. There were these long rambling dialogues where Narraway is trying to get answers to what is happening and the answers are more confusing than the questions. The character of Benedict and his role in the story just really left me at a loss, so that lost the fifth star on this one. Otherwise, as always, superbly written and crafted, a nice revisitation of old characters and overall a beautiful Christmas tale.
February 5, 2017
Dang it. My review got entered as progress comments, not as the book review.
This book was truly awful. The Christmas novellas in this series have been 3 stars reads at best (and Perry has gotten awfully preachy), but this one took the cake. Confusing metaphysical gibberish.
I think this series has jumped the shark.
This book was truly awful. The Christmas novellas in this series have been 3 stars reads at best (and Perry has gotten awfully preachy), but this one took the cake. Confusing metaphysical gibberish.
I think this series has jumped the shark.
October 21, 2016
eARC: Netgalley
I waited a few days after reading this to allow time for my impression to change. It didn't. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get past the impression that it was pushing a Unitarian viewpoint. Just be aware of that if you choose to read this book.
I waited a few days after reading this to allow time for my impression to change. It didn't. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get past the impression that it was pushing a Unitarian viewpoint. Just be aware of that if you choose to read this book.
November 28, 2017
I found this book fascinating. I loved the main characters, Victor Narraway and his wife, Vespasia. I had read about Lady Vespasia before, but she is older now. They are on their way to Jerusalem for a Christmas visit and circumstances throw them into a series of dangerous adventures trying to deliver a message for a man they met. After his untimely death, they determine that they must fulfill his last wish.
December 3, 2022
Interesting written novella about true meaning around Christmas-Love -
January 15, 2023
Certes pas mon préféré car un peu tiré par les cheveux
February 11, 2019
A Spiritual Book
Very interesting story line, good character development.. It is both a mystery and spiritual book. It challenge my beliefs and faith. And reinforced my beliefs in the healing power of LOVE.
Very interesting story line, good character development.. It is both a mystery and spiritual book. It challenge my beliefs and faith. And reinforced my beliefs in the healing power of LOVE.
December 21, 2022
This is the best yet. The symbolism and allegory are wonderful. An insidious tension and sinister sense of evil pervade the amazing adventure in the Holy Land.
December 9, 2016
First Sentence: Vespasia stood at the long, open window of her hotel bedroom and gazed across the rooftops of the city toward the western sky.
Lady Vespasia and her new husband, Victor Narraway, are traveling to the Holy Land for Christmas. At their hotel in Jaffa, an elderly man is murdered over an ancient piece of torn parchment. Vespasia and Narraway feel compelled to finish his mission and deliver the piece to Jerusalem. On their journey, they meet someone with a second piece of the document and are threatened by a shadowy figure. Can they complete their journey and reunite the pieces of the document?
There is so much for one to admire about Perry’s writing, but most of all, it is her ability to make one think—“How much is any place seen through the lens of one’s imagination, colored by the dreams one has of it and of the events that have happened there?” She is one writer where I find myself notating a huge number of passages—“One should be growing, changing, learning forever. Ideas in the mind were like the blood in the veins. The heart that does not beat is dying.”
Vespasia is one of those characters one would love to know, or even better, to be, in real life. She has an intellect, independence, and strength that is remarkable and admirable—“Because to be alive is risk; to care is to be vulnerable. The only safety there is lies in doing your best, being the bravest and most generous you can.” It is nice to learn more of her history.
“The Christmas Message” may be one of Perry’s weakest in terms of plot, but is still worth reading for the considerations it inspires in the reader.
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE (HIST-Vespasia and Narraway- Holy Land – 1900) - Okay
Perry, Anne – 14th Christmas Novelette
Ballentine Books, Nov 2016
Lady Vespasia and her new husband, Victor Narraway, are traveling to the Holy Land for Christmas. At their hotel in Jaffa, an elderly man is murdered over an ancient piece of torn parchment. Vespasia and Narraway feel compelled to finish his mission and deliver the piece to Jerusalem. On their journey, they meet someone with a second piece of the document and are threatened by a shadowy figure. Can they complete their journey and reunite the pieces of the document?
There is so much for one to admire about Perry’s writing, but most of all, it is her ability to make one think—“How much is any place seen through the lens of one’s imagination, colored by the dreams one has of it and of the events that have happened there?” She is one writer where I find myself notating a huge number of passages—“One should be growing, changing, learning forever. Ideas in the mind were like the blood in the veins. The heart that does not beat is dying.”
Vespasia is one of those characters one would love to know, or even better, to be, in real life. She has an intellect, independence, and strength that is remarkable and admirable—“Because to be alive is risk; to care is to be vulnerable. The only safety there is lies in doing your best, being the bravest and most generous you can.” It is nice to learn more of her history.
“The Christmas Message” may be one of Perry’s weakest in terms of plot, but is still worth reading for the considerations it inspires in the reader.
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE (HIST-Vespasia and Narraway- Holy Land – 1900) - Okay
Perry, Anne – 14th Christmas Novelette
Ballentine Books, Nov 2016
November 23, 2016
I want to say first that I love Anne Perry as an author. Then I want to say I just was not crazy about this Christmas Book.. It was a murder mystery that takes place in Jerusalem. They meet a nice man in their hotel, and later find him dying. He asked that they get the message to The House of Bread. I was excited to spend time with Victor Narroway, and Lady Vespasia, as husband, and wife, but this story felt forced, and confusing at times. They face lots of life threatening danger, and still go on the journey. The journey jumps back from a physical one, to a spiritual one. They discuss God, and the Christmas story, and the reasons behind the star, and gifts...Then it was back to the murder. what it wasn't, was a Christmas experience. The tale ends abruptly, with no neat tie up, and left me no happier for reading it. I love when she does a holiday manner party murder, with a Christmas theme going on..This drug out, and was not a bit jolly, or meaningful. Any religion will do to get you to your creator, does not coincide with my faith, so I felt it was a just a book about accepting all faiths...not what I thought I was expecting to read...2.5. stars...
November 11, 2016
Every year I look forward to Anne Perry's little Christmas novellas, and this year especially because it was centred around two of my favourite characters - Great Aunt Vespasia and her new husband Victor Narraway. If anyone has read the wonderful Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series, you will recognize these names. This one is set in the Holy Land. Narraway has given his wife the Christmas gift of a trip to Jerusalem. Both are thrilled to be there, but it isn't long before they are dragged into a dangerous world of watchers and people who want to harm them. They have been entrusted to take a piece of very old parchment to a bakery in Jerusalem, and there are many dangerous people who want to stop the piece from making it there. The premise of the story sounds good, but I think the topic is far too complex to fit properly into the limited pages of a novella. And so many of those limited pages are filled with religious musings. Unfortunately I have to give this little book 3 out of 5 stars - totally contrary to my other review of this author's impressive backlist.
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