cover image Impossible Saints

Impossible Saints

Clarissa Harwood. Pegasus, $25.95 (352p) ISBN 978-1-68177-624-8

In this rich debut, Harwood questions whether two people following divergent paths can reconcile their beliefs, convictions, and societal obstructions to forge a life together. This concern haunts Lilia Brooke, who rejects her conservative upbringing to become a social progressive and leading advocate for the women’s vote in 1906 London. Paul Harris, her childhood friend, is an Anglican priest intent on becoming the youngest dean of a prominent cathedral. Reacquainted as adults, the two quickly develop romantic feelings for each other, but also realize the seemingly impossible task they would face in reconciling their differing worldviews and passions. When Lilia joins the militant wing of the suffragette movement, she puts her reputation and life at risk. Simultaneously, Paul’s ambitions and feelings for Lilia threaten to overwhelm his inner faith. As both careen toward self-destruction, they come together for a shared reckoning. Grounded in a wealth of research into the suffrage movement, the book will please readers who enjoy detailed historical recreations. With insight and sensitivity, Harwood explores century-old social mores and challenges that still echo loudly today. (Jan.)