Books & Reviews
The Speaker’s Wife
Part Westminster satire, part lament for the Church of England.
The Rev Tom Ross’s quiet and semi-alcoholic life as chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons is shattered when an evangelical church gives sanctuary to a white youth chased by the police for making an anti-Islamic protest.
Politicians rage about the Church of England giving a safe haven to a dangerous criminal and Islamists surround the church building, furious at the boy’s insult.
Meanwhile, charismatic atheist Augustus Dymock demands that the Church sell hundreds of its under-used places of worship. Ross finds himself caught in a world of bribes, violence and political spin.
‘The Speaker’s Wife’ mixes Westminster intrigue with searching depictions of an England which has neglected its beliefs. Deft satire is mixed with moving passages about the human condition and even a fairytale love story.
Reviews
Quentin Letts is best known to readers of this newspaper as its theatre critic and Parliamentary sketch writer. His knowledge of Westminster and appreciation of drama are put to good use in this debut novel – Daily Mail…Read More…
Despite its title and setting in and around the Palace of Westminster, this rollicking debut novel from journalist and political sketch writer Quentin Letts is less a political satire than a love song written to the grand old Church of England – The Guardian…Read More…
Witty, outspoken, fierce and extremely knowledgeable about politicians – Country Life
Rollicking debut novel … a love song written to the grand old Church of England … What gives the novel its gusto is the sheer delight it finds in its own stereotypes – Chris Bryant, The Guardian
Where to Buy
For all books sales pleasecontact Rossiter Books: