Ultimate Prizes

Summary

A devoted family man walks a self-destructive path in this historical novel about the Church of England from the New York Times–bestselling author.

Setting and Main Character

1942. Neville Aysgarth is a priest enjoying a successful career in the Church of England. As an archdeacon, he is the right-hand man of the Bishop of Starbridge. He returns to a comfortable home at the end of each day, greeted by his loving wife and family—rewards won in the game of life—and Aysgarth looks forward to a rosy future.

Conflict

Then he meets Dido Tallent. Her celebrity, lifestyle, and powerful personality combine to enthrall him, but eventually he realizes—too late—that Tallent is no dream come true, his ultimate prize, but a nightmare.

Journey and Themes

Fighting to avoid a breakdown of his successful life, Aysgarth is led on a dramatic journey through his troubled past as he tries to find hope for the future.

Reviews

Thoughtful and thought-provoking. . . . Ultimate Prizes offers a look at both the sacred and profane aspects of religious life as it is lived on the front lines. —Chicago Tribune

I did not want to put this book down. . . . [Howatch] is a skilled storyteller who makes the reader wonder and care about her people. —The Washington Post Book World