Emy's Book Blog

Firstly, I have great respect for Cathy Glass as a foster carer, especially as it's something I've considered doing myself when I'm older. What comes across in her prose is how much she really cares about the children who come to live under her roof, and I love that about her.

The Night the Angels Came is about a young boy, Michael, who comes to stay with Cathy because his father, Patrick, is dying of cancer. Michael's mother also died when he was very young, so his father is all he has left. Meanwhile, Cathy is still recovering from her husband, John, leaving her for another woman, and is struggling through the divorce process. What follows is a touching story that allows both Michael and Cathy to heal.

The prose is not technically brilliant: you won't find any dazzling metaphors or sparkling adjectives here. It is plain, clear words - just words. The story is strong enough that it carries itself without the need for authorial brilliance. Because of the simple nature of the text, it is quite a quick read, but is by no means any less of a book for it. The chapters are also quite short, making it easy to dip in and out of, especially when you don't have much time.

The story, of course, is a true story. But, even if it were not true, it would still be heart-wrenching. I found myself crying several times, even having to put the book down at one point.

The Night the Angels Came is not one of your run-of-the-mill 'true story' books. It is written from the point of view of Cathy herself, a foster carer, and really offers a unique perspective of what foster care is truly like: its highs, its lows and, most importantly, its emotional rewards. If you are thinking of taking that step and registering as a foster carer, I'd recommend you read at least one of her books, just for some insight.

I found Cathy easy to relate to and it never seemed as though she was deliberately depriving me of information, as is sometimes the case with first person narratives. I really trust her as a narrator, and I think that's important in a book.

The last thing I have to say to anyone deciding what to read next: Give Cathy Glass a try. You might be surprised at what you find.