Papal Reich [Paperback]

Arun Pereira (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2003

His voice was soft, yet strong. A hypnotic silence enveloped the room."Alliedversus Axis powers. Capitalism versus communism. They were the conflicts ofthe twentieth century. Today it is religion against religion.Look around you: conflicts in Eastern Europe, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, and the Far East. Muslims versus Christians. Christians versus Catholics. Jews versus Muslims. Christians versus Jews. Hindus versus Muslims.A dramatically different world awaits us. A world based on religious loyalty, not national patriotism. We saw a glimpse of it in 2001, in Afghanistan. Among Al Queada and the Taliban were American, British, and French citizens fighting for religion, against their own countries.In the new world order, religious loyalty will best national patriotism. The nations of today will be nondescript parts of regional trade blocs tomorrow. With open borders, people will traverse the world at will, searching for economic betterment, tethered only to theirreligions. Global power will shift from nations to religions."His voice was a whisper now."Prepare for a new superpower."Comments from readers:"--riveting--a thought-provoking, sophisticated thriller.""--part expos, part history lesson--compelling.""--well-researched--superbly plotted--a stunning climax."www.papalreich.com

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Revelations in a 1998 U.S. State Department Report linking Vatican officials with German Nazis during World War II form the basis of this provocative novel. The intricately plotted story traces the rise of the next Pope, drawing on various intriguing facts, including:

Key Nazi officials were fascinated with the Jesuits (Hitler referred to Heinrich Himmler as "our Ignatius of Loyola"; Himmler made arrangements to use Jesuit methods to train the elite SS).

To this day, the Vatican refuses to open fully its World War II archives to help identify Nazi war criminals in spite of pleas from Jewish organizations such as B’nai B’rith.

After the War, the U.S. government overlooked war crimes to gain the services of Nazi scientists who would otherwise have likely helped the communist cause (the so-called "Operation Overcast").

Despite the rhetoric, the U.S. government’s record in deporting Nazi criminals in the 25 years following the War was dismal: one deportation. Further, in the 50s, only five war criminals were brought to trial—of which three were Jews, accused of abusing their own in Nazi camps.

About the Author

Arun Pereira, Ph.D. is Associate Professor at the John Cook School of Business, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri.

Product Details

• Paperback: 680 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (September 19, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0759699496
• ISBN-13: 978-0759699496
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,395,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Tale for Thinking People, October 21, 2002

By 

"masidopa" (Eureka, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Papal Reich (Paperback)

I didn't know what to expect from this book by a new author. But once I began Papal Reich, I found that I couldn't put it down. Each time I thought I had figured out the plot, there was a twist or a turn that compelled me to keep turning those pages! Although this is a work of fiction, the tale is nightmarishly plausible due to Pereira's careful interweaving of historical facts. The author's painstaking research and documentation provide interesting and thought-provoking information about the Nazi regime and Catholicism that is, in itself, worth the read! But, the value of this book goes well beyond a history lesson and a good story. Pereira provided this reader with much to think about regarding her own willingness to 'go along with' the leadership and influences of established institutions, which of course are headed by human beings whose passions and egos and motives can be less than pure. To me, the book encourages intelligent people to question everything in order to find the Truth that protects the essence of what institutions are supposed to stand for. This is perhaps something that cannot be underestimated in today's world.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spellbinding!, October 9, 2002

By 

Francis Paiva (Nashville, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Papal Reich (Paperback)

Rather a unique blend of fact and fiction against the backdrop of the papacy, Nazi Germany and post World War II intrigues. The glitter of Da Vinci's colorful Swiss Guards compells admiration-but there are disturbing shadows in the murky corners of the magnificent splendors of the Vatican. Hold your breath as you move from one awful surprise to another incredible revelation.
Altogether a spellbinding story.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Papal Fiction, April 18, 2005

By 

Manish Bhandari (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Papal Reich (Paperback)

As the world prepares to annoint a new pope, this work suddenly becomes topical. The author shows a close understanding of history and expands it into the realm of fiction effectively. This interesting ying-yang between history and fiction keeps the reader tied all through the book and at the end gives a feel of having experienced the journey all through.

While the selection of pope has always been behind closed doors, the book raises a suspicion that we all hope is pure fiction. Or is it?

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

MB