The Cardinal: A Novel

The story, plot and characters are well done in this novel. For anyone interested in the political dynamic within the Vatican, this book is all right, but not definitive. The pace for the book is good, but tends todrag in a few places. Overall, a very good book to read.

I Purchased my, Hardcover Copy, from, " Amazon ", in Very good Condition.. it happens to be my Very favorite book... Originally rcvd as a Gift in paperback while serving in Korea in Fall of '54... This is now the 4th copy I have owned, But the Very first in hardcover... It might be of Interest that I am not of the Catholic-faith, but I grew up in the 1930's and 40's knowing several Pals who were studying Latin to be altar-boys... I'd often go with them to the church and observe... Their Pastor was very good friends w/ my own, Congregational Pastor, here in Bedford... They were both former, U. S. Service Chaplains, during WWI.... I just enjoy the story of; " A-Church-I-Grew-up-knowing quite well, Now Very much Changed "..... Joe D. < yob 1930 >

This book is one of the finest books ever written in world history. It would be a crime not to read this truly magnificent jewel of a book. The authors ability to interweave theological musing, historical fiction, an psychological biography is the mark of great talent and shear brilliance.

I'm just going to say that if I had read this book as a younger man, I would have given the Priesthood serious thought. A great story about a man called to serve.

This is a really great book but the author digresses with much talk about the Vatican which adds very little to the actual story. If a good sized portion of this book was deleted it would bs an easy 5 star. Anyone who reads this book will know exactly what I'm driving at and will want to see the movie

Outstanding Book!!! It gave a really good view of what the Roman Catholic Church was years ago. It showed what a priest goes through. Any person who serves God goes through things. Same can be said for people in other professions. Of course, a movie based on a book doesn't follow a book completely--it deviates from it.

Print is so small, I have to strain to read it.

Arrived on-time and as described.

I discovered the book years ago and, having just found and read it again, I remain very moved by it. It clearly and honestly depicts (without unnecessary detail) the lifelong journey of a Catholic Priest to be faithful to the vows made at his Ordination and to the Teachings of the Church. The Author pulls no punches, uses no 'whitewash' as he chronicles Father Fermoyle's effort (at times struggle) to overcome the obstacles which anyone of us, Priest or Layman, faces in trying to cooperate with God's Grace. Fermoyle's responses to the challenges that life involves shows, not only his humanity but his recogntion that to live a virtuous life requires constant recourse to God's help. The Priesthood is not an automatic 'fix', guaranteeing perfection. He is compassionate to those who fall from Grace but, out of love for his flock, will never compromise/bend the Truth. This, at times, harrowing novel has a golden thread of hope running through it. Well worth reading!

i first read this book when i had just given birth to my first child. who was to be baptised a catholic. so, i was very interested. as a non-catholic, to read as much as i could, both fact and fiction, around the faith.it is a book which portrays a man who is very committed to becoming a priest, but has weaknesses and emotions like the rest of us mortals.my response to the journey was a mixed one of compassion, anger, irritation and at times a very antagonistic feeling towards such an unforgiving religion.re-reading 55 years on, i am viewing it with a combination of the same emotions but they are tempered by experience and tolerance.i am pleased that i took the opportunity to re-visit the book.

I wouldn't mind receiving my copy which I ordered and I am still waiting for it to arrive.However, this is a great read and I encourage anyone to read it. You won't be able to put it down and you'll have sleepness nights trying to finish it.

Have not finished this book as yet but interesting story about an ordinary man who becomes so important in the Catholic world. As I am not of that faith, can see the things which are the same & differ.

Brought this to replace an old copy that had fallen apart, and one for a friend, great price, was a little let down on the delivery