Vicar's Diary Book

Echoes of Jan Karon's Mitford chronicles and James Herriot's homespun stories abound in A Vicar's Diary, a charming tale of a new cleric getting to know his rural Yorkshire parish in the 1960s, by second-generation cleric and author David Wilbourne. David is an unlikely candidate for priesthood, with a lingering aversion to churches and a propensity to become entangled in the doings of his little flock. Weddings, births, and the rhythm of life in a small community home to interesting characters provide the often poignant and sometimes comical vignettes in the book. There's plenty of humor--as when bats upset the Holy Week services or David celebrates communion in the TV room of the Eastwith old people's home--juxtaposed with tender scenes of David christening the gypsy babies or keeping vigil with June Goodmanham after a premature delivery. When the vicar becomes increasingly fascinated with the schoolteacher, Rebecca Weighton, the result is predictable, but welcome. There are no upsetting revelations or villainous characters here, just lovable folks and a mellow, feel-good trip for the reader. --Cindy CrosbyRead More