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Summary: A great suspense story with theological depth!
Review: Father Elijah is an accomplished piece of narrative writing. The author does a superb job of crafting the inner spiritual life of a contemporary priest/monk who is fully engaged in the great theological and moral issues of the 20th century. For all Christians (not only Roman Catholics) the narrative is a convincing portrayal of what it is like to live through a period of profound theological confusion, danger and apostasy. The crises created by modern Romanticism linked with philosophical monism are presented in a riveting suspense format. O'Brien helps us to see that these crises did not end with the fall of Nazism in WWII but rather have become endemic in the culture of Western Europe, Russian and the United States. And makes bid to extend its grip to the rest of the world. Described by some as the 'Culture of Narcissism', O'Brien details its inherently totalitarian character. This story has made me a fan of Michael O'Brien and his fresh perspective on our times. He enters a pantheon of writers--including Flannery O'Connor, Walker Percy, and G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis--from whom I have derived literary pleasure and spiritual sustenance. My wife was enthralled with Father Elijah and she commends it to everyone she speaks to! Jim Woods
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Summary: Best Apocalypse Novel I've Ever Read
Review: I'll be honest. Apocalyptic literature has not been my number one interest. Much of what I've read in this genre has seemed to be unbelievable; relying overmuch on the "fantastic". "Father Elijah" is different. Very different. Item: The author has a good grasp on the apocalyptic books of Scripture -- better, even, than many "Bible Christians". Item: The author has a good grasp on the inner workings of the Church. Item: The author has a good grasp of current events. Because of this, he is able to posit believable scenarios. Item: The author has an excellent grasp of the human heart and soul; what it means to serve God; what it means to live in obedience; and what it means to be a priest. Item: Finally, the author has an excellent grasp of God's overwhelming desire for the redemption of all His creation -- and the free will to choose to accept -- or deny -- the redemptive offering. "Father Elijah" is a must read. I give it my hearty endorsement.
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Summary: Sets a new standard for apocalyptic literature
Review: I these days of the Left Behind series literary fiasco, it is refreshing to read a book that is not only theologically thoughtful, but extrememly well written and fascinating. There is an odd but effective mixture of horror mixed with remarkably deep Christian meaning in addition to adept social commentary. Anyone who takes Christianity seriously and who has a certain amount of introspection (which the Left Behind series does NOT appeal to) will love this series.
A warning to my fellow protestants: this book is unabashedly Catholic. If you are uncomfortable with minor Mary veneration and a greater focus on relics, you may sometimes be annoyed. However, given the reality of history, this is an accurate reflection on a Catholic approach to Christianity. Moreover, it does not fail at being Christocentric.
Read and enjoy!
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Summary: A wonderful yet disappointing novel
Review: I have read Father Elijah three times. It is a good novel with moments of greatness: the chapter entitled "Count Smokerev's Confession" is worthy of comparison to Dostoevsky. It is a novel that "moves" the reader, both through its thriller-like pace and its sympathetically drawn characters. Unfortunately, the novel is also tragically flawed. Much of the dialogue is bland and conventional, the stuff of dime-store fiction. At other times, the writing is irritatingly didactic. One often has the impression that the characters, instead of speaking from the heart, are reciting passages from Crisis. (And I write this as an orthodox Catholic who is a devotee of Crisis). These flaws are all the more deeply felt, when contrasted with the truly profound aspects of the novel, principally its portrayal of a man of God undergoing the most excruciating temptations of both spirit and flesh. Father Elijah is a character whose interior struggle speaks to all men and women, not only Catholics. One wishes that O'Brien had cut altogether from his story certain characters and even entire chapters, for instance, the irrelevant and distracting subplot concerning the persecuted priest/journalist. Such diversions (where O'Brien's didacticism is at its worst) cannot rob the novel of its great moments; however, those great moments make such diversions all the more annoying. With a bit of merciless editing, Father Elijah could have attained the status of a classic.
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Summary: Don't think about it, just get it and read
Review: Father Elijah is perhaps my favorite book in apocalyptic literature. The world needs great Catholic writers like O'Brien to influence society and shed some Light on a dark and depressed globe. The Catholic undertone is remarkable. One may think this book has the main character of Father Elijah, but he is really merely an instrument of Christ. I grew in faith and respect for the Papacy and priests in general. This book even increased my prayer life and made me a pumped up Catholic ready to take on the world. It gave insight to the spiritual realm which needs to be known these days. This book is great for the faithful and for anybody who wants to see the power of prayer through a fiction novel. The EUCHARIST is life.
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Summary: A chilling geopolitical thriller.
Review: Scary stuff on a subject which is more truth than fiction. Also recommended in this genre: "Keys of This Blood" by Malachi Martin. Probably the best novel of its type. Much of what was written by this brilliant and controversial priest-author has come to pass.
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Summary: totally catholic and totally awesome
Review: Fr. Elijah is an awesome book that is captivating, exciting, real, and faithful to the teachings of the Magesterium of the Church. It's inspiring to see the humanness of priests and a real life example of how we are supposed to live out our Catholic faith here on earth.
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Summary: One of the most profound books I have read
Review: I recieved this book for Christmas, and although I am only about half-way through, I can not tell you how impressed I am with this book. Not only is it beautifully written, but it is spiritually up-lifting. I keep forgetting that Father Elijah isn't real! One becomes very attached to the main characters. I recommend this book to everyone, whole-heartedly. This is among those books that forever touch a person.
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Summary: Spiritual Epiphany
Review: I have just finished this book, and I have to say I have never been as shaken and moved in my soul by a novel. I found myself examining my life, my conscience. I prayed, cried, and read the Scriptures. I couldn't stop reading it, yet I had to pause because of the incredible avalanche of emotion filling my mind and heart. Actually, the feeling was beyond emotion, it was something so basic, so private and at the same time I felt so connected to each other soul living and dead. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, you have to read it yourself and experience it. I will re-read it many times. It comforted me and challenged me and terrified me, but brought me great peace.
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Summary: Truly inspired work!
Review: O'Brien has outdone himself with Father Elijah! I was moved by his characters and their plights. He effectively shows the daily inner struggle of the human soul. His "fiction" is much more believable than the nightly news! Bravo!
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