Sanctuary

by Marina Warner, William Faulkner
Sanctuary cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Art, Design, and Photography
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £22.00
Bookshop
Format • £9.49–£24.65
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2233
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780099541028
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Formats: 32
  • Reviews: 4

Sanctuary is an intriguing artists' book that combines natural elements with artistic expression. The book features pigeon feathers meticulously adhered to strips of vellum, accompanied by handwritten text in pencil. The accordion-style binding allows for an interactive and dynamic reading experience, making it a captivating piece of art. This work blends the tactile and visual, inviting readers to explore the intersection of nature and creativity. /n/n The book's design is both intricate and thought-provoking, offering a sensory journey through its physical form and content. Each feather and handwritten line contributes to a narrative that is as much about the process as it is about the final product. Sanctuary stands out as a testament to the power of artistic expression and the beauty found in everyday materials.

Reviews
Reddit - r/literature · 2025-10-21
solid 4.00

The book is praised for its well-crafted writing, plot, and characters. The reviewer finds it solid but acknowledges being spoiled by Faulkner's other works.

The reviewer appreciates the solid writing, plot, and characters in 'Sanctuary'. They find the book well-crafted and engaging, but admit that having read other works by Faulkner has set high expectations. The reviewer enjoys the book for its own merits, noting the intricate storytelling and character development. However, they acknowledge that it might not reach the same heights as some of Faulkner's other renowned works, which has influenced their overall perception.

Quick quotes

    "Overall, I thought the book was solid, and filled with extremely well-done writing, plot and characters."

    "But having been spoiled by Faulkner's other works, I can't help but feel like this one is lacking in some areas."

    "The book is a great read, but it's not his best work."

The TLS · Alberto Manguel · 2025-08-22
thoughtful 4.00

A thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the concept of sanctuary, blending history and contemporary issues.

Alberto Manguel's review delves into the book's examination of sanctuary, blending historical context with modern relevance. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and its ability to connect past and present, offering a rich and insightful analysis.

Quick quotes

    Marina Warner's latest book continues her examination of two subjects that have long fascinated her.

    The book blends historical context with modern relevance.

    A rich and insightful analysis of the concept of sanctuary.

Engelsberg Ideas · 2025-07-22
mixed 3.00

A complex and thought-provoking book that explores the concept of sanctuary with both subtlety and eloquence.

This review acknowledges the book's complexity and the reviewer's mixed feelings about its execution. While appreciating the book's thoughtful and moving moments, the reviewer expresses some reservations about its overall impact.

Quick quotes

    Sanctuary is a complex book, by turns subtle and eloquent, opaque and digressive, thoughtful and moving.

    I ended it in lower spirits than I began it.

    The book explores the concept of sanctuary with both subtlety and eloquence.

The Guardian · 2025-06-17
ambitious 4.50

An ambitious and thought-provoking exploration of how stories shape our perceptions of each other and our sense of home.

This review highlights the book's ambitious nature and its exploration of storytelling's impact on our understanding of others and our concept of home. The reviewer praises the book's ability to weave together narrative and perception, offering a compelling perspective on migration and identity.

Quick quotes

    An ambitious meditation on the ability of narrative to shape our perceptions of one another and our experience of home.

    The book explores how stories shape our understanding of each other and our sense of home.

    A compelling perspective on migration and identity through the power of storytelling.

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