Here I am, submerged in uncertainty.
As a recent university graduate, Declan Murphy is looking for a fulfilling start to his career...
***
The Blurb
Growing up during the New Atheist movement, Declan Murphy never quite believed in the existence of a higher power. But when life throws him a series of challenges, his lack of an axis mundi has him latching on to the one vision that feels right: becoming a Catholic priest.
This emotional and thought-provoking story follows Declan as he navigates the conflicts between his personal beliefs and his family’s expectations.
Will he be able to reconcile this contradiction? And at what cost?
As Declan delves deeper into his journey, he will discover truths that will test his faith and his relationships. Will his quest to become a priest ultimately bring him closer to or farther from the truth?
And what of the biggest question of all? Why would an atheist ever want to become a priest?
My Review
This was such an interesting book to read.
The main character in this book, Declan is trying to ascertain exactly what he should do with his life. He has completed his degree and is undecided as to which direction life should now take him. I think many graduates will be able to identify with Declan, as will any of us who have ever been unsure of which way our lives are going.
I thought he was a fascinating character. This novel is extremely character focused, and therefore we are able to follow Declan's contemplation's fully. The author totally inhabits his character, and this elevated the novel significantly.
This is a very considered novel with each sentence being thought through thoroughly. It moves at a slow pace as all of Declan's thoughts and feelings are poured onto the page. To a degree, the reader is able to walk alongside him and experience his life and thoughts with him.
There are other characters in the book too. Declan's family and their priest added a great deal to the story. In fact, so did the other characters. His parents reaction when Declan claims in his teenage years that he thinks he is an Atheist was how I could imagine any Catholic parents might react. In addition, their reaction, particularly his father, when he later declares that he wants to become a priest was fascinating to read.
I enjoyed reading this very much. It is much slower than my usual reading fare but the pacing was totally appropriate for the book and worked well. This is a book to read and absorb. It is not to be rushed through, and this made for an enjoyable reading experience. I really liked Declan's character, and I felt the author has done a great job with this book. I highly recommend it.
Book Details
ISBN: 978 1990336836
Publisher: Chicken House Press
Formats: e-book and paperback
No. of Pages: 347 (paperback)
Purchase Details
Blackwell's - free delivery within the UK
About the Author
Nick Perry is a classic combination of schoolteacher and writer from Port Moody, B.C. His work has appeared in publications from Canada to Iceland and the first excerpt of Breaking Water was published in Blank Spaces Magazine. He lives his life as if he's already on television.
You can also find Nick at:
(book and media courtesy of the publisher)
(all opinions are my own)
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