Customer Reviews

Papal Reich

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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.

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.

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

This book is a well-researched masterpiece of historical fiction. Pereira skillfully brings to life a diverse cast of characters and weaves their disparate lives and circumstances together across time and place. The author deftly draws the characters together, building suspense page by page. The novel picks up speed and intensity until the gripping climax explodes off the final pages. Each individual's story is well-written and engaging, and although neither the Catholic church nor Nazi war criminals are typically topics I seek out, the plot easily sustained my interest. In particular, trying to anticipate the links among the various characters and subplots before they were revealed kept me focused throughout the book. Enjoy!

What an undertaking! I looked forward to picking it up each evening. It really made me think about allegiance and what the future holds.

With the Roman Catholic Church as a central character portrayed in a less than flattering light, Papal Reich begs an obvious comparison to Da Vinci Code. Like the latter, Papal Reich also possesses international sweep and plot complexity with many surprises leading to a satisfying denouement, but while Da Vinci Code excels at detectiving framed by historic and artistic clues, Papal Reich is superior in character development, with many of the principals that the reader cares about revealing unexpected dimensions. Pereira's work makes accurate reference to many Roman Catholic Church documents, historic facts, processes, and practices, and it should be clear to most any reader where fact end and fiction begins. In doing so, he avoids the controversy that has dogged Da Vinci Code, whose seeming misrepresentation of fact has offended many readers. In any case, most who liked that book should like Papal Reich as well.

The action occurs mostly in modern day and near future America, but the plot is anchored in World War II era events in Germany, where a cabal of three oddly matched Nazis are tasked to undermine efforts to hide and transport Jews to safety by infiltrating Catholic parishes in Germany. In league with a Papal official, the conspirators amass a fortune in assets that only one has access to. The main storyline is dedicated to the search for those characters and the ill-gotten fortune, but along the way, the paths of many other characters of interest cross.

It would be unfair to give away more detail, because there are many mysteries that unfold throughout. This is a cleverly written page turner. Enjoy.

The book was fast paced and well researched. Character development was convincing, and the plot credible. The possibility that even a portion of it could be true is chilling!!!! It made for a very good read and I would recommend it to anyone who would enjoy a historical thriller. This is one author whose career I will certainly be following!