ISBN: 0-7887-009905 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com Amazon.com
The mystery becomes secondary in this skilled, but frustrating soul-searching by the protagonist.
Reviewed by David on February 27, 2005
Genre: Mystery (Art)
Synopsis: Father McMahon, a catholic priest in a low-rent area of New York City, witnesses the last minutes of a man dying of a knife wound. The subsequent investigation by both the police and the fascinated priest is made more difficult by the man's successful attempt to hide his identity. As Father McMahon pieces together the life of the victim, he explores the motivations of people touched by the anonymous man. But the exploration brings up the doubts and passions of McMahon's own life.
Full Review: The people in this tale, including the protagonist priest, the lovers of the murder victim, the witnesses and suspects, are described in vivid, three-dimensional detail.
There are also moments of beauty, courage, affection. However, most of the emotions are the ones of doubt, fear, and ultimately futility. The overall balance swings toward frustration, and the result is a book, that for all of its skill, seems aimless and unsatisfying.
Overall: 4.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 5;
Copyright date 1969, Recorded Books, 1994, Audio cassette, 5 Cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-009905 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com Amazon.com