- First, the story is well put together. The book is thick (500 + pages), but frankly it reads alone. The writing is fluid, well-made translation. The characters are real, not caricatures. The father Elijah single-handedly embodies the soul of the one who seeks God. All believers will recognize themselves in the constant movements of his inner life.
- Above all, the novel raises the reader interested in the Catholic faith and the Catholic Church. Indeed, the author is an encyclopedic culture and he generously conveys knowledge on the matter, without ever falling into pedantry.
Two great interest may lead the reader to delve into this Roman: a better knowledge of the spiritual life, lived by lovers of God; gain a better understanding of how the Catholic Church views as a political state.
On the first point, it should be noted that the spiritual life of Father Elijah is described in this its most extraordinarily ordinary. Indeed, what he saw is what everyone can live if he is interested in God. The author has the merit of making available what some believe to be reserved for saints. In purely spiritual, reading this book can bring a lot.
On the 2nd item, Mr. O'Brien shows a very deep understanding of the Church as a political system. It accurately describes the different workings that compose it, and the forces of influence that may try to play different "church captains". Because even the Cardinals are human, subject to temptation, and the temptation of power is strong even in the Church. O'Brien, however, does not fall into the trap of Manichaeism: in his book, some cardinals are weak and struggling against the Pope, but others remain faithful to him; especially those it's all about temptation and weakness: the problem is the church of men, not the Church. Fair and realistic view of any political system ...
To read, and pay!
