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Father Elijah: An Apocalypse [Paperback]

Michael O'Brien
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (138 customer reviews)

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Book Description

November 1, 1997
Michael O'Brien presents a thrilling apocalyptic novel about the condition of the Roman Catholic Church at the end of time. It explores the state of the modern world, and the strengths and weaknesses of the contemporary religious scene, by taking his central character, Father Elijah Schafer, a Carmelite priest, on a secret mission for the Vatican which embroils him in a series of crises and subterfuges affecting the ultimate destiny of the Church.

Father Elijah is a convert from Judaism, a survivor of the Holocaust, a man once powerful in Israel. For twenty years he has been "buried in the dark night of Carmel" on the mountain of the prophet Elijah. The Pope and the Cardinal Secretary of State call him out of obscurity and give him a task of the highest sensitivity: to penetrate into the inner circles of a man whom they believe may be the Antichrist. Their purpose: to call the Man of Sin to repentance, and thus to postpone the great tribulation long enough to preach the Gospel to the whole world.

In this richly textured tale, Father Elijah crosses Europe and the Middle East, moves through the echelons of world power, meets saints and sinners, presidents, judges, mystics, embattled Catholic journalists, faithful priests and a conspiracy of traitors within the very House of God. This is an apocalypse in the old literary sense, but one that was written in the light of Christian revelation.


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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I've read thousands of books, and this is one of the great ones. I hope tens of thousands read it, and are shaken as I have been. It's a novel that grips one like a thriller -- indeed it is a thriller, but also something far deeper. There are love and friendship, interwoven with drama, but what it is essentially is faith, faith in the Christ." ---Sheldon Vanauken, Author, A Severe Mercy

"Father Elijah is that rare thing, a great novel which is also a testimony to orthodox Catholicism. But it is more even than this. Basing himself squarely on Scripture and human experience, O'Brien has produced a prophetic work and a manual of spiritual warfare. This compelling masterpiece will stretch your imagination in the right direction. Read it and pray." ---Stratford Caldecott, Centre for Faith and Culture, Oxford

"I guarantee you that once you take up this book you will not put it down until the end of the world. Here is a meaty page-turner with the pace of a thriller, beautifully written, and that something more that turns entertainment into literature." ---Ralph McInerny, Author, Fr. Dowling Mysteries

Product Details

  • Paperback: 597 pages
  • Publisher: Ignatius Press (November 1, 1997)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0898706904
  • ISBN-13: 978-0898706901
  • Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 1.5 x 8.7 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (138 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,161 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Reading this book has been a spiritual experience for me. Daniel C. Harlow  |  21 reviewers made a similar statement
It is a story where good is constantly trying to overcome evil. Verna M. Sheehan  |  9 reviewers made a similar statement
The events portrayed in the story are very credible and as "modern" as if it were written today. Elkgrove West  |  8 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
93 of 95 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Sets a new standard for apocalyptic literature February 6, 2004
Format:Paperback
I these days of the Left Behind series literary fiasco, it is refreshing to read a book that is not only theologically thoughtful, but extrememly well written and fascinating. There is an odd but effective mixture of horror mixed with remarkably deep Christian meaning in addition to adept social commentary. Anyone who takes Christianity seriously and who has a certain amount of introspection (which the Left Behind series does NOT appeal to) will love this series.

A warning to my fellow protestants: this book is unabashedly Catholic. If you are uncomfortable with minor Mary veneration and a greater focus on relics, you may sometimes be annoyed. However, given the reality of history, this is an accurate reflection on a Catholic approach to Christianity. Moreover, it does not fail at being Christocentric.

Read and enjoy!

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59 of 60 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Apocalypse Novel I've Ever Read June 15, 2000
Format:Paperback
I'll be honest. Apocalyptic literature has not been my number one interest. Much of what I've read in this genre has seemed to be unbelievable; relying overmuch on the "fantastic". "Father Elijah" is different. Very different.

Item: The author has a good grasp on the apocalyptic books of Scripture -- better, even, than many "Bible Christians".

Item: The author has a good grasp on the inner workings of the Church.

Item: The author has a good grasp of current events. Because of this, he is able to posit believable scenarios.

Item: The author has an excellent grasp of the human heart and soul; what it means to serve God; what it means to live in obedience; and what it means to be a priest.

Item: Finally, the author has an excellent grasp of God's overwhelming desire for the redemption of all His creation -- and the free will to choose to accept -- or deny -- the redemptive offering.

"Father Elijah" is a must read. I give it my hearty endorsement.

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55 of 56 people found the following review helpful
By Dr.
Format:Paperback
While I am not a Catholic, I can recognize great literature when I read it. I read this book and now I'm well into the whole series. The author offers great characters, solid plots, powerful descriptions of the real struggle between good and evil. It is a sad commentary that the fictional Left Behind series has done so well and few people know about this far better series. I suppose that as long as comic books out sell great books then this will happen, but I call for all lovers of fine literature to push the fluff stuff aside, put down the shallow and empty Left Behind hype and read some real literature!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars couldn't stop reading
i admired the author's boldness in discussing ideas that may not be "politically correct". I liked the way he was able to build a story and characters around his beliefs. Read more
Published 9 days ago by mary c. egger
5.0 out of 5 stars Makes Dan Brown look like a rank amateur
Michael O'Brien writes circles around Dan Brown, and provides a much more fair and balanced presentation of the Catholic Church and actual historical facts.
Published 13 days ago by Catherine Alexander
3.0 out of 5 stars Prescient
For awhile into the 600 page narrative I was ranking "Father Elijah" as one of the greatest books I have read, up there with Benedict's "Jesus of Nazareth, Part II". Read more
Published 19 days ago by James F. Day
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've ever read
Michael D. O'Brien writes literature of the highest quality. I've read "Fr. Elijah" numerous times, and each time there is some new insight, some new description that I... Read more
Published 29 days ago by Roberta Salamone
5.0 out of 5 stars A Modern Classic
I devoured this book. I couldn't put it down. 600 pages in a week (that's pretty remarkable for me).
This is a modern classic, I believe. Read more
Published 1 month ago by David Napier
4.0 out of 5 stars Father Elijah by Michael D. O'Brien
This is not a feel good book. It is an easy read. It tells the story of good vs evil through the main character, Father Elijah. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Riley1
5.0 out of 5 stars Father Elijah
I was told the book was great but I was blown away. One of the best books I've ever read abd believe me, I've read thousands. Thank you for quick delivery. Nina LaQuino
Published 1 month ago by Nina LaQuino
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most powerful books ever written
This is O'Brien's masterpiece; the artist and author creates an amazing portrait of the fight between good and evil in a Church not too different from the real one (c. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ralph Osgood
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous book!
Father Elijah is well worth reading if you enjoy apocalyptic literature. This book was well researched and is well written.
Published 4 months ago by Sharon B. Winslow
4.0 out of 5 stars A New Fan
This is the first Michael O'Brien book I've purchased and read. I'm a definite fan!

A great story that really has it all: faith, tragedy, temptation, and quite a thrill... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Elizabeth B.
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