Customer Reviews

The Senator and the Priest

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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

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

I've read many of Greeley's novels and generally have liked them despite the usual weaknesses in character development. This one magnifies the problems greatly. There is no change in the people in the story until the rather phony death bed repentance on the part of the priest-brother. The author's understanding of politics is trite, and his subplot of the attempted seduction of his hero by the female aide is absurd. Father Greeley should stick to what he does very well - sociological analysis of the American Catholic Church.

This is by far the most painful book I have ever read. As a fan of Father Greeley's previuosly published works I am astounded this book was even allowed to go to press. Father Greeley forewarns the reader that his political views might cause controversy. I appreciated the warning. However, even though Greeley and I are on different ends of the political spectrum his views were the least annoying thing about this book. Nothing in this book seemed remotely plausable to actually occuring. It frightens me to think that this kind of thinking occurs in the United States. The idea of a liberal Democrat U.S. Senator and his relationship with his ultra conservative priest brother is a brilliant plot. Unfortuntately, Father Greeley never allows the plot to materialize. I found it sad that a man of the cloth would paint such a bleak portrait of a priest. The book revolves around politics. American politics, family politics and church politics all take a role in the novel. The family politics between the Senator Tommy Moran and his brother Father Moran might be realistic but seemed contrived do to the one dimensional fashion of their interaction. The church political storylines take a backseat but were the only believable aspect of the entire book. Now onto the American politics portion of the story. The hero, Tommy Moran is perfect. His family is perfect. During the senatorial campaign Greeley ups the ante on every page. First, the family station wagon is blown up in front of the house, then an assasination attempt and finally someone throws human waste onto the eldest child. The family takes this in stride and does not let anything deter them. As admirable as it is the scenarios presented are just too much. All of the girls are called Mary something. Every Republican is a lazy millionaire. The only people who have any redeeming value to humanity are named Moran and registered Democrats. Those two little tidbits got old very quick. Nothing in this book could be deemed realistic. Senator Moran has to repel the advances of an attractive staffer. That was believable. However, the way she went on trying to seduce him was laughable. The thing that truly bothered me was that a one term senator would move so quickly up the leadership ladder. Greeley has produced some wonderful works. My favorite being White Smoke. This time Greeley falls short of what is expected of him.

The plot has potential, and I was caught up at first in the characters, the genial character who is without political guile and succeeds by being the anti-politician, his spectacular wife, etc. But the villians are too
one dimensional and the heroes are too predictable. There is one character who might provide potential for the hero to go astray, or at least do some critcal thinking instead of adolescent fantasizing, but she evaporates without any real critical plot development. Way too simplistic.

I have read most of Greeleys' books. They have all been enjoyable but this one really topped them all. Since I am Irish and from the Chicago area, I always picture myself in his stories. You don't have to be Irish, Catholic or from Chicago but everyone and everything can be pictured in your minds eye. He brings in history along with recent events
which really add to the story.

Unlike the other reviewers, this is my first Andrew Greeley novel. I was interested in the concept but disappointed in the novel. Father Greeley writes well and has an exceptionally interesting premise for the story. The conflict between brothers, one a liberal politician and one a conservative priest sounded very promising. Unfortunately the book founders because all the characters are one diminsional. A family too good to be true and seemingly without conflict. A perfect wife and marriage, helpful,and wonderful in laws who never require anything. Duh. The conflict between brothers is presented well but goes nowhere. And the ending is quite unsatisfying and robs us of the resolution of the conflict between brothers who love one another but fail to communicate and respect each other. I have read Father Greeley's articles and enjoyed them but he would be better served to write fewer novels and spend more time developing living, breathing characters instead of unbelievable stereotypes.

Idealized, yes -- but not so farfetched as to be unbelievable. Greeley's latest is a call to political civility, and a return to true "liberal" values. I found this book refreshing and extremely readable.

All of the 'good guys,' from Moran to his wife, children, staff and supporters are likeable, witty and wise. And while the 'enemy' factions are a bit overdrawn, I'd be willing to bet that Greeley's representation of the machinations of current politics is not far off the mark.

I found the ending to be a bit contrived, and actually the most unbelievable part of the book, but as Greeley constantly teaches us, there is no limit to what a loving God can accomplish!

Andrew Greeley is still in top form. The plot is interesting and fast moving. He brings loved characters from past novels into the story. Any fan of Andrew Greeley will enjoy this latest book.