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
Hologram by Walker Larson
Aaron is the only one who can see through the holograms.
House of War by Carlos Carrasco
With the government on the verge of outlawing Christianity, a group of Catholics launch a new Crusade.
From the Shadows by Jacqueline Brown
In a broken world, Bria tries to unite a family even as she struggles to keep hope alive.
A Truly Clawful Christmas By Corinna Turner
Father Benedict must learn to embrace the adrenaline rush if he’s going to survive being a rural priest living alongside dinosaurs.
My Brother’s Keeper by Bill Kassel
What if you were Jesus’ protective older brother? Could you navigate the courts of Rome & Jerusalem to save him?
Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon By Corinna TurnerÂ
A human-sheep hybrid’s friendships with a friendly vampire and a very angsty house-wolf are tested in this story that explores nature versus nurture.Â
The Poppy and The Rose by Ashlee Cowles
While abroad in England, Taylor discovers a mystery linking her to an heiress and passenger aboard The Titanic.
Worth Dying For By Marie C. Keiser
In the shady corporate-ruled galaxy, a man can acknowledge no god. Yet having nothing worth dying for frightens Mark more than death itself.
Shadow in the Dark by Antony Barone Kolenc
An immersive mystery and an amateur sleuth set in the walls of a 12th century English monastery
McCracken and the Lost Oasis by Mark Adderley
A swashbuckling adventure into Catholic history and archeology.
Nowhither by John C. Wright
Ilya Muromets fights off a dozens of tempting sirens and finally grows into the man he needs to be to defeat the Dark Tower.
Gifts Visible and Invisible
If you are looking for a cozy read to get into the Christmas cheer, this collection has it all.
The Glaston Secret by Donal Anthony Foley
Can three modern teens and a little black dog rescue a group of fleeing refugees in Nazi-occupied France?
Strange Matter by Brian Niemeier
Ready for the end of the world, battle mechs, and body swaps? This collection of short stories has it all.
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.
Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol.2) By, Philip Kosloski and Michael Lavoy
Can one map be the key to stopping the Viking Invasion?
The Christbearer – Exploring the Connection Between the Mandalorian and Christian Saints
Was the Mandalorian divinely inspired? A little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6)
Somewhither by John C. Wright An Unwhithering Realm
What if the Multi-verse were not a theory to disprove God? What if he created it, and all humanity must unite to fight the powers of Babel?
The Rescue Sisters Series Adventures by Karina Fabian
Kickass Catholic Nuns in Space- what more do you need?!
By Violence Unavenged by Annette Young
A Catholic Historical Epic to Rival The Sound of Music.



