Customer Reviews

All Saints

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I had the pleasure of hearing Callanan read a few passages from his excellent new book a few weeks ago at KGB Bar in NYC. He was on the bill with two other authors -- one of whom just had his book favorably reviewed on the front page of the NYT Book Review -- and honestly Callanan blew both of his fellow writers out of the water. I started reading All Saints when I got home from the reading that night and never stopped. My sister has a copy and was so engrossed by the book that she completely missed her subway stop while reading it. Since I went to Catholic school, I suppose the book had particular relevance for me, but the central themes of the book are truly universal -- love, longing, aging, faith, how our experiences and memories shape us over time, etc. Callanan's narrator shares her hard-earned wisdom with us in a voice that is both genuine and genuinely funny. I thoroughly enjoyed "All Saints," even more than I did Callanan's outstanding first novel, "The Cloud Atlas."

Met Emily Hamilton-thrice divorced, reasonably taut, menopausal teacher of religion in a California Catholic high school perched just by the sands. Enter a trio of students-Edgar, the scenic man-boy exploring his options; Paul, the sensitive scholar who longs for acceptance and Cecily, the "good" girl who pines for Edgar. Or is it Paul?

Mr. Callanan weaves these characters into a rich stew of hormones, regrets, and true tragedy. Emily's past is strewn with rash decisions-a teenage pregnancy, a 24hr. "starter" marriage, remarks that are meant to be clever and leave a trail of hurt. And her future is not going much better...

While you might get perturbed by Emily and her decisions throughout the story, you do want to find out what happens to her when all is said and done. Rather like a long-time friend who takes life's shortcuts but would give you the shirt off her back. And Father Martin, the Catholic priest who plays a significant part in Emily's life, is a joy. Would that we all know a character like that in our lives.

All Saints is a very interesting novel about one woman's struggle with faith and what she identifies as the failures she's made throughout her life. Although much of the novel centers on Emily Hamilton, the complicated situation she finds herself in with several of her students, and the consequences of those actions (or lack of actions), the parts I enjoyed most dealt with her relationship with Martin, a priest teaching at the school who she has a very close connection with, and her explorations of her faith and her relationship to God.

I find religion fascinating - especially Christanity. I was raised Roman Catholic but have never felt it call to me. Despite that, I have always been interested in Christanity from a more objective, intellectual perspective and this novel gave me the opportunity to explore it in a new way. I found Emily's struggle between believing (or wanting to believe) and her critical view point on many aspects of her faith to be especially moving and interesting. Additionally, I liked that the religious figures in the novel, (Martin, the other priests, and a few nuns) were not stereotypical holy men and woman who glorify everything about their religion but rather had some of the cynicism and intellectual practicality that I think is essential in this modern world and for a true understanding of religon. It lends a level of depth to the idea of God and faith that I think makes it more powerful than a traditional and righteous view of Christianity. (I hope that makes sense!)

Finally, the focus on the saints and the humor that Emily's character brings to almost the novel was great. Even in her darkest moments, she is not so far gone as to miss the humor in the situation or to be able to put her troubles into perspective. That being said, it is in many ways heartbreaking to see what she has made of her life and to know that it could have been different.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed this novel but I only gave it four stars because I think there were a few areas where I was left unsatisfied. In the beginning of the novel, the reader learns about a transformative event in Emily's life but there is a big gap between where it leaves off and where her marriages begin. I also felt like although her ex-husbands seemed to play an important role in her life, those experiences weren't as fully explored/developed as they might have been. Lastly, some of what went on with the students could have used more development as well, particularly with Edgar. I don't want to give anything away but I was somewhat confused about what exactly went on between them - this may have been intentional, however.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and very quick read. I had picked up Cloud Atlas at one point but never read it. Perhaps I will now that I find I really like Liam Callanan's writing and storytelling ability.

I loved the bleak-yet-teeming landscape of Liam Callanan's Cloud Atlas. Now he's succeeded in following his own tough act with All Saints. Teen angst, religious mystery, secrets, desire: what's not to be engrossed by? His particular triumph in this case is the sustained voice and character of Emily Hamilton, whom I looked forward to spending time with every time I opened the book (which was not that many times, since it was hard to put down).

I connected to this book in a way that surprised me. Life is short; we keep people distant to protect ourselves. The lesson in the book- keeping them distant is how we really hurt ourselves. A great read!

Now fifty years old Emily Hamilton reflects back on her life especially since she left home thirty-four years ago. Named for three saints and a should-have been saint, Emily has been married three times and divorced three thrice. Thus her marital record makes her résumé to teach church history at a California Catholic high school seem off kilter and her irreverence towards the "Saints and Sinners" of the past makes her popular amongst the present students.

However, in her tenth year at the school, Emily feels lonely and guilty when she kisses handsome student Edgar Mandeville as she desires much more but knows that a teacher-student relationship is rightfully taboo. She wants to help a confused Paul, but is not sure how to reach him as his issues involve sexual preference. Finally she fears that reticent Cecily has made her a role model, which means she adulates a failure whose life is filled with hurt and loneliness. Finally there is her department chairman Father Martin Dimanche whose intellectual debates keep her alive and though she wants more, he is a priest even as both are realistic about sinning and godly forgiveness.

ALL SAINTS is an interesting character study that stars an intelligent woman reflecting back on what she deems the failure of her life. Her personal emotional crisis is caused by the convergence of three students raising different emotional needs inside her. Though there is little action and perhaps too many sidebars sob subplots, Emily is a realist especially about herself, her school, her church, and her God so that readers obtain a deep look at a unique perspective of not achieving one's life goals.

Harriet Klausner

This is a book that is difficult to put down. The story is told within the context of biblical history and modern Orange County, CA, an unusual combination. The author uses engaging humor to develop the adult characters and wonderfully captures the awkwardness of the personal growth of the teenage characters as they absorb life lessons. The story followed many unexpected paths that intrigued and provoked thought. Forty people at my company gathered to read the book and the author was kind enough to join us for a discussion. The author is as engaging as the book itself.

Liam Callanan's sophomore effort, ALL SAINTS, is one of the most notable books that I have read in some time. What makes this novel truly great is Callanan's masterful storytelling, his ability to tackle a controversial topic, and most notably, his and Emily's desire to sort out one's Catholic life in the midst of conflict. I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable summer read or just an extraordinary literary experience.

I enjoyed every minute spent with this character. She is someone you'd like to be you friend. I laughed (a lot) and cried (a little). I am not a religious person, but found all the references to saints fascinating.

I LOVED this book! So many interesting, real, flawed characters. My mind is still racing, as I'm remembering little details from the beginning of the book and putting them in their right places now that I know the whole story. Very, very well written. I didn't want the book to end!