Acts of Faith [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio Cassette]

Segal (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1992

Segal presents a drama of three people--the son of a rabbi, his Orthodox sister, and a troubled youth whose discovery of God leads him to the priesthood.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Dismally predictable, humorless and heavy-handed, Segal's latest melodramatic tale (after Doctors ) is potboiling at its most banal. Daniel Luria is the heir apparent to the Brooklyn-based Silczer dynasty of rabbis. After Timothy Hogan (an "orphan" with two living parents) breaks the Lurias' window, Rabbi Luria hires him to turn out the lights on Sabbath nights. When the rabbi sees his daughter Deborah and Timothy poised for a forbidden embrace, he banishes Deborah to Jerusalem. Timothy, a rising star en route to Catholic priesthood, eventually encounters Deborah on her kibbutz; they consummate their relationship, despite Timothy's vows of celibacy. Meanwhile, in rabbinical school, Daniel finds doubt as well as lust in his heart; his lover leaves him, but not without some hot stock tips. A millionaire (if still unhappy), Daniel decides against religious life, to his father's profound discontent. Timothy encounters liberation theology in Brazil, has an epiphany, turns his back on Church hierarchy and acknowledges love. Daniel, who has rejoined his faith on less Orthodox terms, meets the woman of his dreams, and also finds he can follow in his father's footsteps. Segal makes even the interesting details and dilemmas of religious lives seem superficial. 250,000 first printing; $150,000 ad/promo .
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

They met as children, innocents from two different worlds. And from that moment their lives were fated to be forever entwined.

Timothy : Abandoned at birth, he finds a home--and a dazzling career--within the Catholic Church. But the vows he takes cannot protect him from one soul-igniting passion.

Daniel : The scholarly son of a great rabbi, he is destined to follow in his father's footsteps. And destined to break his father's heart.

Deborah : She was raised to be docile and dutiful--the perfect rabbi's wife--but love will lead her to rebellion. And into world's the patriarch would never dare imagine.

Reaching across more than a quarter of a century, from the tough streets of Brooklyn to ultramodern Brasilia to an Israeli kibbutz, and radiating the splendor of two holy cities, Rome and Jerusalem, here is Erich Segal's most provocative and ambitious novel to date--the unforgettable story of three extraordinary lives...and one forbidden love. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio; abridged edition edition (April 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671760130
• ISBN-13: 978-0671760137
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,692,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not Very Original But Rather Enjoyable, September 18, 2004

By 

Timothy Kearney (Haverhill, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acts of Faith (Paperback)

A few weeks ago I was looking for an old book and stumbled across ACTS OF FAITH. It was a book that I read years ago, but perused it again. Even those who love the book will have to admit it is a canned, predictable story. Timothy is a stereotypical Irish potential urchin who later becomes a priest. As a youth he comes into contact with a Hassidic Jewish family. He befriends the son who is about the same age and falls in love with a young woman in the family named Deborah. Tim and Deborah are separated, meet one day and engage in a passionate moment that surprise: results in a pregnancy. Many years later, Tim meets his love child. Meanwhile Daniel, who is expected to follow in his father's footsteps as a Rabbi, but discovers he has to do so in his own way. Very Neil Diamond JAZZ SINGER, if you ask me.

The first time I read the book, I could not put it down. Yes I knew what would happen. What else could be expected from the writer who penned LOVE STORY which contains what may be the gaggiest line in the English language "love means never having to say you're sorry?" Well, just as LOVE STORY had something that compelled readers and moviegoers alike, ACTS OF FAITH does too. Segal knows his Catholicism and his male lead character of Timothy Hogan is not cliché. Deborah, the female lead character has her complexities as well. The characters are so compelling they move the plot, and somehow it all becomes believable. The characters do struggle with life, love, family conflict and faith, issues we all deal with in one way or another.

This is the perfect "waste time" book. It is just taxing enough for a vacation. It is easy enough to read on a hectic subway train or bus while commuting to work. It can make a sick day from work a bit easier to take. It's just an enjoyable read-nothing all that sophisticated but certainly not a waste of time.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I loved it!, June 14, 2000

By 

Racheli Flam (Israel) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acts of Faith (Paperback)

Even though I sort of expected what would happen in some parts of the book, other parts were sooo surprising that I was just blown away... I really liked this book especially becuase I am Jewish and Segal's portrayal of Judaism was very accurate. The insight I recieved to other religions was great. I loved it and reccomend it highly...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific!, January 28, 2000

By 

Yuliya (Rochester, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acts of Faith (Paperback)

Hi, everybody! Wow, this book was one of those inspiring ones. History, traditions, love, courage, will -- all seen through the prizm of communication of children with parents. FAITH is different for everyone. Erich Seagal let readers see how different people imagine faith. Even those who do not believe in any POWER(s), unconsciously act by faith and with faith. Very delightful book.