Acts of Faith

Rating:
Summary: Not Very Original But Rather Enjoyable
Review: A few weeks ago I was looking for an old book and stumbled across ACTS OF FAITH. It was a book that I read years ago, but perused it again. Even those who love the book will have to admit it is a canned, predictable story. Timothy is a stereotypical Irish potential urchin who later becomes a priest. As a youth he comes into contact with a Hassidic Jewish family. He befriends the son who is about the same age and falls in love with a young woman in the family named Deborah. Tim and Deborah are separated, meet one day and engage in a passionate moment that surprise: results in a pregnancy. Many years later, Tim meets his love child. Meanwhile Daniel, who is expected to follow in his father's footsteps as a Rabbi, but discovers he has to do so in his own way. Very Neil Diamond JAZZ SINGER, if you ask me.

The first time I read the book, I could not put it down. Yes I knew what would happen. What else could be expected from the writer who penned LOVE STORY which contains what may be the gaggiest line in the English language "love means never having to say you're sorry?" Well, just as LOVE STORY had something that compelled readers and moviegoers alike, ACTS OF FAITH does too. Segal knows his Catholicism and his male lead character of Timothy Hogan is not cliché. Deborah, the female lead character has her complexities as well. The characters are so compelling they move the plot, and somehow it all becomes believable. The characters do struggle with life, love, family conflict and faith, issues we all deal with in one way or another.

This is the perfect "waste time" book. It is just taxing enough for a vacation. It is easy enough to read on a hectic subway train or bus while commuting to work. It can make a sick day from work a bit easier to take. It's just an enjoyable read-nothing all that sophisticated but certainly not a waste of time.


Rating:
Summary: Predictable
Review: All of the characters appear to be stereotypical, and the plot is predictable, after the first 50 pages. It was a good read never the less, but not a very good novel.

Rating:
Summary: Predictable
Review: All of the characters appear to be stereotypical, and the plot is predictable, after the first 50 pages. It was a good read never the less, but not a very good novel.

Rating:
Summary: religion exploited for titilation
Review: As Mr. Seagal is a romance novelist and not a theologian, he knows that a truly affective romance must be set against a backdrop of stern, forbidding tradition. In the modern era, however, it has become increasingly difficult to write such a romance-- all the taboos have already been broken. So Mr. Seagal has been forced to resort to organized, orthodox religion-- one of the few institutions that modern sensualism has not yet suceeded in desecrating-- as a backdrop for his novel. I cannot speak for Seagal's knowledge of Roman Catholocism, but I get the impression from reading his descriptions of traditional Judaism that his research was limited to "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Portnoy's Complaint." His two lovers are too good; and their "dilemma" is too uncomplicated-- probably because Seagal's understanding of their respective faiths is limitted to the knowledge that neither is allowed to have sex with whomever they please--- God Forbid! ! The story is too touchy-feely, too black and white, too 90's. (I am a seventeen year old girl)

Rating:
Summary: A poor synthesis of greater works
Review: Erich Segal's "Love Story" was decent enough; his "The Class" was tolerable, on a light reading level. But this book is really, really unfortunate. I can see where the author lifts plot elements and themes (e.g., "The Orthodox Jew Raised to Be a Rabbi But Who Turns to a Forbidden Field" and "Forbidden Love Between a Catholic Priest and A Really, REALLY Inappropriate Woman" ) from the much more talented authors Chaim Potok ("The Chosen") and Colleen McCullough ("The Thorn Birds")... among others. The characters in "Acts of Faith" are thinly sketched, and--as mentioned previously by the 17 year old reader from Brooklyn--their religion and the Taboos Inherent Within merely serve as a vehicle for Forbidden Love, A Turning Away From the Old Way, etc. etc. The other authors I mentioned took the time to develop their characters and direct them in such a way that you can believe that what happened in their lives...happened. I got no such feeling here, especially having read much better books along similar lines. If you want a more incisive view of Jewish Orthodoxy AND better character/plot development, read Potok (and I also suggest Herman Wouk and Leon Uris, though they tend to write more about secular Jews). Forbidden love involving Catholics/Catholic priests? Look up Ms. McCullough. But don't waste your time here.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: Even though I sort of expected what would happen in some parts of the book, other parts were sooo surprising that I was just blown away... I really liked this book especially becuase I am Jewish and Segal's portrayal of Judaism was very accurate. The insight I recieved to other religions was great. I loved it and reccomend it highly...

Rating:
Summary: ENVIRONMENT DIFFERS.......
Review: Except that of author's mastery over the language and his interestto explore the facts & places connected with the novel, nothing specialabout to say. Events are turned up, as expected. Sometimes, just to fillpages, author is bound to bring out- deviating from story track of course-,some unwanted stuff. Say, Daniel fell in love with mariam ( How come!No good looking girls at places where he's gone), Timothy's meetingof hardt, etc.,. Author would have made the novel very simple conforming tothe truth of St. Paul. I.e. " IT IS BETTER TO MARRY THAN TO BURNWITH THE DESIRE OF LUST". One more thing. Being an Indian,the one more fact which is indigestible to me, is that of the seminariangoing to pros and Father having intercourse with woman. Of course,Timothy has come out from his priesthood. Still... you feel like asking"What's the use timothy, reading all the theologies in the world and gettingoff from it ?". Anyway, read it and see yourselves.

Rating:
Summary: You will finish the book
Review: Hi, everybody! Wow, this book was one of those inspiring ones. History, traditions, love, courage, will -- all seen through the prizm of communication of children with parents. FAITH is different for everyone. Erich Seagal let readers see how different people imagine faith. Even those who do not believe in any POWER(s), unconsciously act by faith and with faith. Very delightful book.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific!
Review: Hi, everybody! Wow, this book was one of those inspiring ones. History, traditions, love, courage, will -- all seen through the prizm of communication of children with parents. FAITH is different for everyone. Erich Seagal let readers see how different people imagine faith. Even those who do not believe in any POWER(s), unconsciously act by faith and with faith. Very delightful book.

Rating:
Summary: Segal's most absorbing novel
Review: I disliked the campiness of Love Story, was a bit bored by The Class, and was depressed by Oliver's Story. Only Love made me want to give this novel a chance, and I'm glad I did. This is a book I read over and over. Rarely, if ever, does one find both love and characters so pure at heart and by action. Finally, here is a romance where I understand what the protagonists love about each other. Daniel could have been left out of the story, though - I'm not sure why a character so incidental to the overall plot was given sections from his point of view.