The Bishop

The renowned Canadian author-poet's new novel is like a majestic oratorio, affecting one profoundly. Helwig subsumes reality and voluptuous imagery in the story of Anglo-Catholic Bishop Henry who is dying of a stroke. In his memory, Henry is a young minister in love with his wife Amelia who vanishes on assignment in Alaska. A chaplain during World War II, Henry then meets the man Amelia had an affair with, among other people who live again in the bishop's thoughts. They are as vivid to the reader as are Henry's devoted parishionershis secretary Rose, also a carpenter, creating things for him she knows he'll never use; a pitiful moron hiding out in the cathedral corners; and all the devoted flock bracing themselves for the inevitable. There is also the shaman Ishakak, drawn magically to Henry's side from the Arctic, to attend his old friend in need. The story, at once sorrowful and uplifting, will linger in readers' minds. (November 12)