Tara Cover

Genre

Historical Fiction

Audience

Christian Teen and Up

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2020

Themes

forgiveness, personal responsibility, the Trinity, early Church history, faith, obedience, paganism, cross cultural interplay

Reviewed by

Lisa Theus

Many people know the legends of St. Patrick. He chased the snakes out of Ireland, taught with the clover, and is the patron saint of wild parades (if one judges by his feast day). But only history knows Patricius Magonus Succatus, the man behind the legends.

John Desjarlais reintroduces this beloved saint with a mixture of historical research and imagination. The Light of Tara begins with Patricius as a somewhat rebellious and lazy teen. A band of raiders kidnap him from his native Britain, and he is enslaved by an Irish druid chieftain. Over the years, he becomes friends with the druid’s son, falls in love with the druid’s daughter, and reawakens his childhood Christian faith. When the chieftain leaves for a military campaign, Patricius escapes slavery. Rather than enjoy his freedom, he soon feels called by God to return to offer the freedom of salvation to the Irish. Even though the reader knows that Patricius will return, intrigue and mounting difficulties seem to block the way. Will he manage to make it to his childhood home? Will he be able to learn the teachings of the Church amid the heresies of Pelagius?

As a Classicist by training, I was delighted to see how The Light of Tara captures this period of history. It isn’t easy to look into the past and capture the period’s imperfections, virtues, beliefs, and concerns. John Desjarlais does an excellent job picturing the tensions of the various tribes as Rome fell.

In particular, Patricius comes alive to show the depth of God’s grace and Patricius’ willingness to rely on God in the face of his own uncertainty. He begins as a negligent and proud young man who transforms into a humble and honest servant of God. John Desjarlais effortlessly weaves in Biblical references and theological issues, such as the nature of the Trinity and the importance of sacramental formulas. It is daunting to put such discussions in the mouths of historical speakers, but Desjarlais manages to balance the depth of the subject with an ease of reading.

While the overall journey is enjoyable, there are some plot weaknesses. I was never invested in Patrick’s romance with his owner’s daughter, so it felt more like a footnote than a plot-driving force. I would also recommend this book for those high school age and up, not younger readers. Patricius begins the novel as an older teen, and his mindset and struggles could be a challenge for younger readers.

But otherwise, The Light of Tara has broad appeal for those who enjoy historical fiction. This book isn’t a moralizing tale. Non-Catholic Christians and non-believers curious about late Antiquity can enjoy the rich cast of characters, even if they don’t enjoy the underlying theology. I’d particularly recommend it as a great gift for Christian young adults—it has action, depth, and pacing that holds interest. With how popular this saint is, it could be an excellent companion for young Christians who may feel overwhelmed by secular culture. How did early Christians interact with non-Christian cultures? How did they fail, and how did they succeed? Can we be as willing as St. Patrick to change ourselves and trust where the Lord wants to lead us?

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

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.

I, Claudia By Lin Wilder

Will the extraordinary events lead the wife of Pontius Pilate, Claudia Procula, to the Son of God?

Julia’s Gifts by Ellen Gable

A story of love and God’s providence in times of war.

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?

Lance and the Veil by Kevin Rush

She was Christ’s comforter, he, his executioner. Can the two find love in each other’s arms?

McCracken and the Lost Oasis by Mark Adderley

A swashbuckling adventure into Catholic history and archeology.

The Phantom Phoenix

A humble phoenix rises from the ashes to clean up corrupt, 1920s Chicago in this thrilling superhero comic

A Distant Prospect by Annette Young

Lucy has been broken by the horrors of polio and the war for Irish Independence. Can Australia offer her a new life and a new home?

North Pacific: A Story of Life, Love, Suffering, and Grace by Michael Steffan

Joseph & Miku’s love was already illegal. Then WWII began. Now home, disabled, and questioning God’s love, he still searches for her.

The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas

Would you die for a flower? Would you kill for one? Providence, romance, and danger rule in this tense, heart-warming prison romance.

Night Prayer by Brother Bernard Seif, SMC, Ed.D., DNM

The Motto Suaviter Sed Fortiter (Gentle But Strong) informs this historical mystery novel about the founding of the Salesian spiritual family and its various branches.

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.

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

Someday by Corinna Turner

Ordinary schoolgirls face a terrible fate: abuse, forced marriages, and even death at the hands of Islamic extremists.

Murder in the Vatican by Ann Margaret Lewis

Sherlock Holmes teams up with Pope Leo XXIII to solve crimes in the Holy City.

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 Needle of Avocation by G.M. Baker

A match no one wants, except perhaps the groom. A mystery that could destroy everything.

From Afar by Roger Thomas

Three astronomers follow the stars in a search for order and meaning. An action adventure based on the three wise men of the Gospels.

Treason by Dena Hunt

When the Queen Elizabeth’s agents are sent to investigate a small town, Protestant & Catholic alike must work together to avert tragedy.

The Reluctant Queen: The Story of Esther by Lin Wilder

Chosen by Xerxes to be queen, chosen by God to be savior of His people: the story of Esther.