Customer Reviews

The Minstrel Boy

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I suppose the title for this novel came from the Irish ballad regarding the minstel boy who goes into battle. In fact, as with many of A.J. Cronin's tales, the story begins with a lad, but the real focus of the story is on the man who grew from that boyhood. In my opinion, the novel is the unfolding story of an adult discerning the meaning of one's unique life, adapting to circumstances, and altering faith within the journey.

I did not find this to be one of the best works of Cronin. I wonder if he was re-writing the tale if he would not refocus the plot. Men who struggle within the Catholic priesthood is almost common in contemporary literature. The beginning chapters of the story, however, were among the most inviting in the text. Exploring his relationship with his friend, his feelings especially, would have been a fine novel in itself. While "the minstrel boy's" youthful pal is involved in later chapters, we observe from a distance the meaning of their friendship. In fact, for most of the story the reader is forced to be one who observes, as contrasted with one who cares. In THE GREEN YEARS of THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM, for example, enough is revealed about the main characters to know them in a three-dimensional way, and to care about them as believable characters in the world of fiction. It is my experience that this does not happen in THE MINSTREL BOY. For this reason I chose to review this book without even using the name of the main character.

What is it like to be human under certain conditions? For me the response to that question is the stuff of good literature. This book is pleasant enough, in its own way, but hardly good literature; and a disappointing tale from an author who has produced exceptionally fine works of art. For Cronin disciples this is a must-read because it reveals how fine are many of this other tomes. For the ordinary reader looking for a story that sheds significant light on what it means to be human under certain conditions, I would urge you to look to Morris West, Jon Hassler, or even Andrew Greeley -- especially if interested in the challenges of relationship-life within the priesthood.

This novel needs some tempo, beat, melody and acoustics.

THOMAS PATRICK HULL,
Chicago