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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
From Curate to Cardinal,
By
This review is from: The Cardinal (Hardcover)
In THE CARDINAL, Robinson tells the story of a young Irish-American priest on his journey from a naïve and slightly arrogant curate to his eventual promotion to cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. While often filled with the melodramatic elements that are common in these types of novels; THE CARDINAL makes an honest attempt to show what life was like for a Catholic priest in the 1st half of the 20th century. By examining aspects of a priest's spiritual and temporal life, Robinson creates a moving portrait of the difficult choices that are made by a man who chooses this life. Abortion, miracles, and the financial realities of poor and wealthy parishes are all dealt with in an evenhanded manner, but with a continued focus on the belief system of the Catholic faith. The book shows particular strength when it deals directly with the Catholic Church and its hierarchy; with an emphasis on how the church felt about its American brethren. The novel does slow down considerably when dealing with the protagonist's (Stephen Fermoyle) stereotypical Irish family and Fermoyle's crisis of faith when confronted with feelings for various women in his life. But the novel does provide an intriguing view of what a priest's life might be like in America between World War I and II.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An inspiring novel of a man of faith can teach us all.,
By Diane Duhig (diane_bodner@juno.com) (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Cardinal (Mass Market Paperback)
This novel traces the development of one man's vocation from young Roman Catholic priest in New England through his elevation as cardinal in the early part of this century. Along the way, he faces many moral dilemmas and heartbreaks: a turn-of-the century version of partial birth abortion which his physician brother-in-law refuses to perform (and suffers professionally for his moral stand); the question of condoning a "charity" in his diocese which seeks to promote contraception among his flock; ethnic rivalries between the Irish and the Italians, and later, Polish immigrants. The book creates unassuming yet heroic and noble family members whose faith is integral to their lives. What I remember most about this book, years later, is that every moral issue that the Cardinal had to face personally, was presented to him initially as a more abstract issue, giving him the opportunity to think and understand -- and prepare to resist -- a temptation which assailed him later on. While obviously we are not always so prepared in life, it is amazing for me to think about the times that I actually have had a similar opportunity to prepare for a moral crisis.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book.,
By Lee Ann,music lover "music lover" (Middletown, OH USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Cardinal (Mass Market Paperback)
I read this book year ago on the recommendation of a friend,and just bought a used copy at a booksale. Although slightly dated(Bear in mind that the copywrite is the early 50's),it is a well crafted story of faith. Its the type of book that you would like to see a sequel to(I know how much time it covers!) One word of advise.... If you have never seen the movie,don't! Just read the book. I understand that it periodically comes back into print. If you can latch on to a copy as I did,go for it!
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