The book follows the life of a middle aged priest, known as The Exorcist, who helped his Bishop cover up scandal within the church; sexual relationships with women, men and boys, alcoholism, drug abuse, etc... Finally, after 25 years of cleaning up the priesthood, Father MacAskill get's to settle in a parish in rural Nova Scotia, where he gets to deal with his own demons and temptations.

To be quite honest, I'm not sure. I think a person's religious beliefs are irrelevant to appreciating this book. It is for those who are willing to accept the humanity of the church and the fall of men. It is for those who like books that make you look at yourself and your life and ask questions.

The understanding this book provided me on what it is like to be religious and a religious authority figure. As a woman and an atheist, I'd never be a priest anyway, but it gave me some insight I never even knew I wanted.

The synopsis of the back led me to think this book would have been more controversial and scandalous in terms of plot, and I was all for that. Instead, it was a very delicate read, very gentle and full of understanding. It was a very human and real book, but I felt misled and a little let down.

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Created Apr 28, 2011 at 7:58pm • Submit your own review...