Rating: Summary: Insightful Review: Given 9/11, an international terrorist attack within the US is believable and almost expected. But this predates that horrible day, and captures some of the confusion such an event would mushroom.There are a broad range of characters in the book and they all have moderate substance to them. The author does a good job of portraying the sentiments of an "occupied" people. And, quite rightly, paints a dark picture of the ways, means and morality of British intelligence agencies. It also captures the ridiculous, irresponsible nature of bureaucracies and politicians when they are plunged into unfamiliar territory.
Rating: Summary: My favorite Demille bood Review: Have loved them all so far, but this is my favorite. I agree with an earlier review, make sure you get a copy with the map. It's hard to visualize the action without it.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Review: I am a big fan of NYPD and terrorist thrillers and this was one of my favorites. Except for a few accuracy probelms (NYPD's ESD intead of ESU and others) this was very entertaining.
Rating: Summary: Stupid, stupid, stupid. Review: I can't believe I wasted a week of my life reading this tripe. It reads like a mediocre made-for-TV movie, complete with campy dialogue and tired Irish stereotypes that will make you cringe. I enjoyed Gold Coast and thought I'd try some more of his work, but this will be the last DeMille novel I ever waste time on. Even if you're just looking for mindless summer beach reading, college-educated readers should try elsewhere. I should have known better. The decline in quality of popular novels is surely a sign of the approaching apocalypse.
Rating: Summary: My favorite Demille so far... Review: I have read numerous books by Demille, and have enjoyed each for its unique setting and storyline. However, Cathedral ranks as one of my favorite books I have ever read. One piece of advice... make sure that you have a version that has a map of St. Patrick's Cathedral in the front cover. I referred to it many times while reading the book. First time I have ever felt like I was actually there (in a book)... I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy fast paced intrigue.
Rating: Summary: Terrific high-paced story! Smart, funny, and possible... Review: I received this book from a co-worker after discussing our favorite authors. The basic plot grabbed by attention: St. Patrick's Cathredal is taken over by a renegade off-shot of the IRA on St. Patrick's Day. Extremely well written. Superb detail of the terrorist operations and the think-tank actions of the NYPD SWAT. I read this book much quicker than most, because it was so enjoyable. The author combines all of the elements of a great action drama. I look forward to his other works. I would love to see a movie...
Rating: Summary: Gripping! Review: I'm admittedly a diehard DeMille fan, but even if I weren't, CATHEDRAL would have made me one. The detail on the Cathedral was terrific, but the characters were positively gripping. As a writer, you read critically, so it's a special treat to get so involved in the story that you forget to read it as a writer. Ten pages in, I forgot even trying to analyze. This one is special.
Rating: Summary: Outstanding Review: I've read a number of books by DeMille. I've fouind them to be intelligent, well-written and highly entertaining. Cathedral, which describes an abortive attempt by some IRA defectors to blow up St Patrick's cathedral in New York, has deep resonance in view of the attack on the WTC. The plot was engaging and gripping. Flynn, the Irish protagonist was the perfect anti-hero. Indeed, I found myself longing for him and his band of conspirators to win - odd, as I spent a number of years fighting against the IRA in Ulster. Plots within plots, strings being pulled by unknown puppet-masters, the story drew me from page to page like a driven animal. I just had to find out what happened. The book was unputdownable! One thing i noticed (being English) is that Demille uses English forms of verb past tenses rather than American. Wonderful!! At last an author whose characters 'shone a light' rather than 'shined a light', who 'lit a cigarette' rather than 'lighted a cigarette'. I'd happily buy any book from this author.
Rating: Summary: A Bit Of A Struggle Through Review: If you can keep up with the descriptive details in this one, then you may really like it. This is nothing like some of Demille's other compelling novels (Plum Island, Lion's Game, Gold Coast) - in the sense that the focus seems to be on describing the cathedral in endless detail(which I gave up trying to keep up with). It was an interesting story, but I was anxious to get through it to start on his next book - I had to push through.
Rating: Summary: Oh Danny Boy. Oh . . . Review: Irish fanatics take over the symbol of Ireland in New York City, St. Patrick's Cathedral, to bring to the world's attention British oppression in Northern Ireland. Also at play is some of the more sinister elements of the British Secret Service, some members of whom would seek to permit the worst to happen in an effort to further their own goals in cracking down on Belfast. So like John LeCarre's image of "love your country, fear your government," virtually everyone has a hidden, perhaps evil agenda. But DeMille is a master storyteller and the descriptions are vivid, beautiful and frightening. His recreation of the Cathedral at night, with two terrorists playing Gaelic hymns on the organ and bells, is extraordinary. An excellent novel told of strife thousands of miles away brought to the five boroughs of New York. One point. It's one of DeMille's earlier works written in the early '80's. Readers might recollect some of the Catholic - Protestant tensions that are now gratefully dimminishing. Classic DeMille. Worth the effort.
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