1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic, February 6, 2006
This review is from: Such Is My Beloved (New Canadian Library) (Mass Market Paperback)
I first read this book in a Canadian Lit class in College. The class was made up of all women axcept for myself. I should say, relevent to this, that my background is in Social Work. I was taking this class mainly out of interest rather than requirement.
The novel I found took a while to work up. The lead charactor of the Catholic Priest was a positive one for me as I saw him as a figure who merely wanted to help people. He was altruistic to the core and really believed in what he was doing. In the end we find that his high state of conviction had gotten him into deep trouble with the people he was trying to help as well as the institution which he represented to the very core of its teachings.
I don't think this book was written to be criticism towards the Catholic Church or even to higher classes. The lawyer friend in the book was a very likable fellow and is balanced to the two prostitutes. I do however believe that this book is commenting on the small line between passion and obsession. MOst of the women in my class felt that the main charactor got what he had coming as he seemed a stalker like figure who took things too far. I interpreted it as a tragedy because we see the core of this mans beliefs and see what he is trying to do- merely to help others. This is not worong and he placed much effort inbto this plight. Total tragedy.
Read the book anyways. It is good stuff and maybe respond to this entry and tell me what you think. I have also heard some criticism on sexual uundertones. I don't really think that this was prevalent, but if that's what it takes you to get you to read this, well, I guess it has done the trick.
I want to add how beliebvable the settings are for this. It takes place in Montreal, but I think it is believable to be any city in Canada. I live in Calgary myself and see the Cecil tavern and hotel being the setting, or if you are in Medicine Hat, I think the Sin Bin relates. Try reading this book with that in mind.
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0 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
thought that it was very moving, April 1, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Such Is My Beloved (New Canadian Library) (Mass Market Paperback)
i felt very sorry for the priest and the grils the way societyshuned all of themm because they acted in a uncoth method.
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