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Summary: A book of great depth
Review: I've read a lot of Christian fiction, and Father Elijah has some of the finest writing of this kind that I've ever seen. He is a humble man whose vulnerability to self doubt strikes a chord in many of us who question too much. Then again, his holiness shines through, particularly in some of his dialogues with nonbelievers. The conversion of the evil old man who at first tested him in every way then finally called him for his deathbed confession was, for me, the highlight of the entire book. This book holds a strong message; at the same time, it offers much more than theology--it is also great literature. I thought the ending was superb. It begs for a sequel....let's all hope one is forthcoming! Father Elijah is too good a character to not follow through with his further battles with the antichrist as one of the two witnesses from Revelation.
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Summary: Coming to a movie screen near you...
Review: What a page turner this one is. A priest is called out of seclusion at a monastery by the Pope (a thinly disguised Pope John Paul II) for a spiritual mission. The book follows his re-entry into a world that has strayed far from the one he abandoned when he entered the monastery. The Count Smokerev section of the book is like a novelette within the novel and tells an unforgettable, beautiful story of sin and mercy and redemption. This book is an apocalypse. Not the apocalypse, but a fictional apocalypse. The ending in some ways is a little bit unsatisfactory in that the story is so compelling you want it to keep going on and on. A brilliant piece of fiction.
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Summary: Read and Pray
Review: People's fascination concerning the theology of the End Times has, over the past 2,000 years of Christianity, produced some powerful and, at the same time, empty works. Father Elijah is a powerful read, gripping with insight and concepts worthy of consideration. Can anyone read this book and not see parallels to our modern times? Have we not become attracted to Antichrists? The fiction presented through the humble Father Elijah, the aging Pontiff, and charismatic Euro-President all provide depth to an interesting story that should compell the reader to ponder and then pray for our future.
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Summary: an Apocalypse?
Review: I have just completed reading Father Elijah and I find myself among a minority. Although I think the book is well written and has a very good plot, I do not feel the book is as good as it is acclaimed to be. Many times I found myself reading about Faith that is described in perfect theological accuracy, but with something missing. For example, conversations like most of the ones contained in the book don't happen. And, for Father Elijah to be the spiritual force that he is yet not recognize an angel who has been sent to assist him, I find hard to accept. This book is a long one, and its ending leaves you with no conclusion. However, I am sure God is using this book as a tool to reach many, to teach some who might have never known.
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Summary: Father Elijah: An Apocalypse
Review: This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. The story was fast-paced and moved forward in a logical and exciting manner. When it ended all I could hope for was a sequel. It was very realistic given today's bent toward moral relativism, new age nonsense, and the 'it takes a village' mentality. I highly recommend this book to everyone, independent of their religious preference.
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Summary: Dostoyevsky would be proud!
Review: This is really the kind of book that the literate Christian has been looking for; far better than the fluffy Left Behind pabulum that pervades the Christian market. This book is far more than an apocalyptic thriller; it's an exploration of philosophy, theology, the problem of evil and suffering, with good historical perspective and psychological insight. Far more satisfying than anything published by LaHaye and Jenkins.
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Summary: An amazing and frightening tale.
Review: This book deserves placement in the pantheon of such great religious works as "The Shoes of the Fisherman." It is at the same time an utterly devastating commentary on modern times and a rousing defense of Catholic orthodoxy. When I bought it, I was in the middle of another book at the time, so I thought I would read the first chapter to get a feel for the prose style. I never put it down. O'Brien draws you in and never lets go. I guarantee you will feel emotionally drained after completing "Father Elijah." Those who have felt an uneasiness about the decline of religion in contemporary times, or those wishing to understand the philosophical roots of Catholicism are advised to get this fine book.
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Summary: Praise from a Protestant
Review: A deeply enjoyable, thought-provoking book. Insightful, simply-written, intelligent. At times disturbing. You will likely regard this as among the best fiction books in your library. If not quite "literature," Father Elijah is a world beyond popular novels. Steeped in Catholic thought and orthodoxy, the tale helped me, a Protestant evangelical Christian, better understand my Catholic friends. This book unfailingly exalts Christ. Bravo, Mr. O'Brien.
Rating:
Summary: WOW!!!
Review: I am a fifteen year-old Catholic, and I found Father Elijah a very refreshing break from common novels. The realism of the characters and the events chilled me to the bone. I have read many other Christian novels that tend to rant, but Michael O'Brien manages to weave his point, using words to their full power and context. He does not rely on flippant conversation and useless details. A book that made me renew my faith, I found that it doesn't skip around the issues, but greets them head on. Overall, It was an amazing book, worthy of reading and re-reading.
Rating:
Summary: I'm still trembling...
Review: O'brien manages to write a book unlike any other I have ever read. Fueled by a profound faith in orthodoxy, he paints the modern culture wars in a blazing light. I began hesitantly, afraid that it was another consrvative with a chip on his shoulder, but O'brien is far from limited in his faith; rather, his characters pulsate with the same love for beauty as dostoevski's Brothers, with that wry wit of Chesterton's most developed characters, and with the relentless faith of so many martyrs. His vision of our times may seem incredible, but what gives the novel life and voice is that it is so absolutely tied to reality; the all-encompassing tolerance of the president disguising a distinctly intolerant and damning view of the Church, the daggers in so many men's eyes, the dismissal of natural law in favor of a doctored humanism, the violence of the anti-population movement-- all resound as terribly telling signs of our times. Aside from the remarkable sense of telos and faith, O'brien's work is astoundingly literary, with textured hints at Tolkien, Chesterton, Dante, Dickens, St. John of the Cross, Dostoevski, and even Teilhard de Chardin. It is a wonderful novel.
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