Genre
Audience
11th grade and Up
Author’s Worldview
Catholic
Year Published
2011
Themes
Reviewed by
A.R.K. Watson
This novella is comprised of a collection of fictional letters sent by a man in England to his friend in Europe at the start of the 20th century. The first few letters mostly revolve around descriptions of Miss Magdalen Montague, for whom the writer carries a deep romantic admiration. But let’s be frank here: the writer is a stalker, and not the innocent, awkward kind. It is clear that he is the sort of rebellious person who takes pride in debauchery and irreverence, and who bears a superstitious level of animosity toward anything holy or pure.
His overblown grief and outrage when his object of obsession enters a Catholic convent is, therefore, difficult not to enjoy.
It will be clear to the Catholic reader that Magdalen’s prayers and intercession continue to haunt this man for the rest of his life. Just when his despair leads him to a state that hints at demonic oppression, he miraculously finds his way into the arms of the Church he once despised. The letters between him and his still stubbornly heretical friend become more spaced out as his conversion strains their friendship. Still, these letters trace the two men’s paths as they encounter one, then two, world wars. Much like in her novel, A Bloody Habit, Nicholson starts out making us laugh at her protagonists, but by the end we are instead moved to grief for their sufferings. The whole story is a beautiful meditation on the lies and temptations of modernity, and how we as Christians and Catholics encounter the world and keep faith when it feels as though the world is going to end. Reading this on the heels of a global pandemic was oddly comforting. If you need something short and entertaining to refill your cup with hope, this little novella is an excellent choice.
Having read her book, A Bloody Habit, I was already familiar with Nicholson’s talent for the tone and style of writing common in pre-20th century England, and I was not disappointed. If you are a fan of Victorian literature, Chesterton, or any of the Inklings, you will find this an enjoyable story, with prose on par with the quality of Lewis or Tolkien. Protestant Christian readers may find this just as beneficial if they have no aversion to loving descriptions of Mary. However, this is probably not the best book to give to a secular friend who hasn’t yet clued into the pitiable comedy of many modern heresies. But for Catholics, Nicholson is the very voice of ironic and cathartic humor.
Join Here for FREE to Never Miss a Deal
Find new favorites & Support Catholic Authors
Trapped in Time by Jerry J. Weis
Can a team of misfit teens save the day in this wholesome time-traveling romp?
The Fire of Eden (The Harwood Mysteries Book 3) by Antony Barone Kolenc
The mystery of a stolen treasure might hold the key to Xan’s discernment about whether God is calling him to the priesthood or to Lucy.
Elfling by Corinna Turner
Serapia Ravena is on a mission to find and keep her father, but he has transgressed a boundary that no creature has the right to cross. Only the mercy of God can resolve this tension.
Vassals of the Valley by Robin Sebolino
Travel to the Islands of the Philippines of the 16th century with a colorful former pirate who is sure to entertain you as he fights off invaders and explores various early settlements of Southeast Asia.
A Life Such As Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
A chance encounter with an amnesiac soldier leads Brigid to discover the realities of the Civil War.
Gevaudan Project
This fun monster story takes themes of God, man, and environmentalism to places deeper than any newsroom can go.
How the Dragon Awards Could Uplift Catholic Fiction
If you don’t like current state of mainstream publishing and wish there were more widely available alternatives, this is your chance to help make that a reality.
The King’s Prey by Susan Peek
When the king of Ireland goes insane, Princess Dymphna must embark on a harrowing journey to freedom.
Playing by Heart by Carmela Martino
In this historical drama, Emilia longs for a love as beautiful as her sonata, but the ambitions of her father put her and her sister in great danger. Winner of our 2018 Best of the Year Awards.
Breach! by Corinna Turner
Isaiah’s got a T-rex size problem, but this time, it’s not a dinosaur.
A Truly Raptor-ous Welcome by Corinna Turner
There’s no such thing as a normal day on a dino-farm. But can Darryl and Harry’s new city-slicker stepmom make it through the first day without fainting?
Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard
Aliens on pilgrimage from across the stars, throw the world’s delicate balance into chaos.
Outlaws of Ravenhurst, by Sr. M. Imelda Wallace, S.L.
The 10-year-old heir of a noble Scottish family must choose between his inheritance and his Catholic faith.
The Light of Tara by John Desjarlais
As the power of Rome crumbles, a teenage St. Patrick must decide between his home and sacrificing himself for those who had enslaved him.
Heaven’s Hunter By Marie C. Keiser
A man-hunt across space that forever changes both the criminal and the detective.
Wake of Malice by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson
Sent to investigate a series of murders in the Irish countryside, Hugh soon finds signs that someone is messing with old Celtic myths best left undisturbed.
The Singer not the Song by Audrey Erskine Lindop (AKA The Bandit and the Priest)
A priest and a bandit king face off for the fate of a small Mexican town in this thrilling western adventure.
Ad Limina by Cy Kellet
The Bishop of Mars faces intergalactic espionage on his journey from the frontier of space to the ancient halls of the Vatican.
By Violence Unavenged by Annette Young
A Catholic Historical Epic to Rival The Sound of Music.
Books to Pray With, March: For the New Martyrs
Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.
