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jmatkinson1's review
5.0
In the midst of the Salient in 1917, during a lull in the battle, a young Irish soldier is court-martialled for desertion. One of the officers on the panel is Herbert Moore who is so affected by this and other incidents in war that he enters orders. Soon after his death a strange woman and man come to the monastery and start asking questions. Father Anselm is left to piece together a story of courage, conviction and sacrifice.
This novel is made up of two narratives, the contemporary and the now. Without the extra detail which unrolls throughout the book the detective work would not stand up. Joseph Flanagan does not make his motives clear during trial and Herbert Moore takes his two shameful secrets to the grave.
Some reviewers have complained that this book does not develop the Father Anselm character. As a new reader to the series I look at it as being a complete work of fiction, not a part of a series. The story drags one in and plays on emotions - horror, sympathy, frustration all are felt. As First World War novels go, this is outstanding, as reading matter goes, it is superb.
This novel is made up of two narratives, the contemporary and the now. Without the extra detail which unrolls throughout the book the detective work would not stand up. Joseph Flanagan does not make his motives clear during trial and Herbert Moore takes his two shameful secrets to the grave.
Some reviewers have complained that this book does not develop the Father Anselm character. As a new reader to the series I look at it as being a complete work of fiction, not a part of a series. The story drags one in and plays on emotions - horror, sympathy, frustration all are felt. As First World War novels go, this is outstanding, as reading matter goes, it is superb.
untraveledworld's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ninachachu's review
4.0
A psychological mystery spanning much of the 20th century. Written well, with suspense, and great compassion for essentially flawed characters.
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