9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing and too Unrealistic, October 27, 2007
I've been a fan of Father Andrew M. Greeley since I picked up a worn and well-read copy of The Cardinal Sins more than 20 years ago. I always enjoyed how Father Greeley was able to mix religion and good storytelling to make interestng novels that weren't overly preachy. There was a time when I eagerly awaited the next Greeley novel, mostly the novels written between 1985 and 1990 (Love Song, Angel Fire, Angels of September, Virgin and Martyr, and several of the Blackie Ryan novels), and I even enjoyed the Nuala Anne McGrail books, as well, but with each successive novel Father Greeley's plots just became too unrealistic -- even for fiction. This novel, is a prime example of that. Oh, sure, there's an important message in there about politics in today's America and the intrusion of religion into that mess, but the novel itself is just to unreal. The events that happen to the liberal candidate in this novel are like something out of bad episode of 24. I had hoped for better.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A little hard to swallow at times, January 9, 2007
This review is from: The Senator and the Priest (Hardcover)
I have read every Greeley and look forward to his books and usually order them in advance as I did this one. I do not share his political views and it has never been a problem as I go into each one knowingly. We agree to disagree and that is fine. I just appreciate his beautiful writing style and the family and heritage saga's.
He even prefaced this story by saying that if the views were Republican no one would complain. That is true. Yet, if I read a Republican story that was so "In your face" I would be just as disconcerted.I was forewarned, but Greeley addict that I am, I had to purchase and read in two days. The story will not disappoint really as it continues so many relationships that readers have come to know and love. I just felt that in this one his Democratic views were being shoved down my throat,condescending and mean. Maybe it because I am from California and he hit on so many immigration issues that are so different from Chicago. I will continue to order in advance anything that Father Greeley writes. He is wonderful. I donate all my hard covers to my local library and I know they will appreciate getting this hard copy so quickly!
Can't wait for Irish Linen
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting novel with everything from scandal, intrigue, politics, true love, and the Catholic Church, December 14, 2006
This review is from: The Senator and the Priest (Hardcover)
While he was growing up, Tommy Moran --- an Irish Catholic from the West Side of Chicago --- was in his older brother Tony's shadow, and that was fine. With sedate, older parents who were often in their own world, a big brother was a handy thing to have. Besides, who doesn't look up to their elder siblings during childhood? The rub came, however, when Tommy began to move out of the shadow and into his own light.
From the start, Tony, now Father Anthony in adulthood, disapproves of Tommy's choice of a wife. But why object to a woman who is beautiful, talented and educated as well as Irish Catholic? When Tommy decides to run for the Senate, that's a problem as well. As far as anyone can tell, little brother cannot make a choice that pleases big brother, and a flurry of heart-wrenching criticism and outspoken recrimination is always forthcoming.
With the exception of his relationship with his brother, Tommy couldn't be happier. He has a beautiful, redheaded wife named Mary Margaret whom he loves dearly, three beautiful daughters (Mary Rose, Mary Ann and Mary Therese) and a flourishing legal practice. Life is good.
But when Tommy makes the decision to run for the Senate, opposition comes from every corner. His own brother speaks out against him, and his opponent runs a nasty campaign that seems almost certain to sink the little known lawyer, who is saddled with the nickname Mr. Mom. While it was a decision made in the best interests of the family so Mary Margaret could pursue her own rising legal career, will the voters see it that way, or will Tommy become a laughingstock?
Violence also becomes a part of the campaign, and one begins to wonder just how far Tommy's opponent will go to ensure a win that will allow him to hold his already-established seat in the Senate. Political dirty tricks abound in this book and escalate to include life-threatening events.
Tommy has to decide for himself, as all politicians must, whether to take the moral high ground or allow himself to be tempted and drawn into the perks and immorality that are made available to anyone in American politics today. He wrestles not only with his high ideals but also with his own moral convictions.
THE SENATOR AND THE PRIEST is interesting not just because of scandal and family rivalry, both of which are enough to keep one reading, but also for the issues it tackles. Such topics as immigration policies, campaign finance and negative political ads are timely and in the news today.
I also enjoyed the alternating viewpoint of the novel --- all first person but transitioning from Tommy to Mary Margaret and back again. This story is one of scandal, intrigue, politics in America, the Catholic Church and true love. There is not a dull moment in THE SENATOR AND THE PRIEST!
--- Reviewed by Amie Taylor
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