Title: At the Feet of Angels
Author: Vernon Bargainer
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-0595005772
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 246
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent
Hollywood Book Reviews
At the Feet of Angels is a compelling and inspirational novel. Vernon Bargainer has written a novel that will resonate with readers.
At the Feet of Angels tells the story of Jenny, a girl who is taken from her mother by her uncle and ends up living with a couple, Sheila and Bryan Holdershaw. Though they make an attempt to make Jenny feel welcome at first, the Holdershaws don’t have Jenny’s best interests at heart. Bryan is distant towards Jenny, and Sheila acts violently towards her as well. Jenny’s only escape from her pain is her friendship with her neighbor, Billy. Jenny’s friendship with Billy and bond with angels that she sees impacts her life in ways she never imagined.
Jenny is a sympathetic protagonist who readers will root for as they read the novel. Her constant longing for her mother will be felt acutely by readers. She also is a resilient girl who finds strength through her tribulations through her faith in angels. Jenny also finds refuge in her yard by sitting under and old tree that comforts her in her times of need.
Sheila and Bryan are antagonists who are complex characters in At the Feet of Angels. Even though they’re cruel to Jenny, their emotional issues show they’re in pain as well. Sheila’s alcoholism and mental illness causes her to be abusive to Jenny, but her own problems show how she needs to be healed.
Brian is a great supportive character who is an inspiration to Jenny. His guidance and care for Jenny is a respite for her through her separation from her mother. Brian is a character who helps Jenny keep her faith despite her pain.
Bargainer’s writing is very impactful and emotional, especially about angels and spirituality. He writes eloquently about the bond between a child and her mother, no matter how long they’re separated. The twist ending in At the Feet of Angels will also greatly surprise readers.
At the Feet of Angels would be best for readers who like spiritual books about angels, like Angel’s Walking by Karen Kingsbury and Many Waters by Madeleine L’Engle. Bargainer’s writing may be too scary for younger children and may be best for readers 12 and older. Adult readers will also find many insights from this novel.
At the Feet of Angels is a novel that will take readers on an eventful and thoughtful journey. Bargainer has written a book that will greatly impact readers.