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Priests -- Fiction Books
Best books
Marie Conway Oemler
Slippy McGee, Sometimes Known as the Butterfly Man
"Slippy McGee, Sometimes Known as the Butterfly Man" by Marie Conway Oemler is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a small town called Appleboro, South Carolina, and follows the experiences of Father Armand De Rancé, a Catholic priest, as he navigates his calling and the vibrant community around him. Central to the narrative is the character John Flint, also known as Slippy McGee, a noted burglar whose life takes a turn after a devastating accident. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the quaint town of Appleboro and its inhabitants through the eyes of Father De Rancé. His reflections on the town's traditions, as well as on the nature of his ministry and the people he serves, add depth to the setting. The opening portion reveals the arrival of John Flint, who is found severely injured near the railroad tracks. In the Parish House, Father De Rancé and the kind-hearted Dr. Westmoreland work to save Flint, resulting in the traumatic amputation of his leg. As Flint begins his recovery, we see glimpses of his past life, and the tensions between his criminal identity and the compassionate community that surrounds him, setting the stage for a transformative journey through pain, redemption, and the discovery of his true self.
Giovanni Visconti Venosta
Il curato d'Orobio : $b racconto
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Owen Wister
Padre Ignacio; Or, The Song of Temptation
"Padre Ignacio; Or, The Song of Temptation" by Owen Wister is a novel written in the late 19th century, specifically during a time when Western America was still being vividly captured in literature. The book grapples with themes of temptation, sacrifice, and the internal conflict between worldly desires and spiritual commitments. It follows the life of Padre Ignacio, a priest stationed at a California mission, who faces the lure of his past life when a young, charming musician named Gaston Villere visits the mission. The narrative revolves around Padre Ignacio's reflections on his life, his yearning for the cultural richness of his youth in Europe, and his duties to his parishioners. The arrival of Gaston stirs deep emotions within Ignacio, awakening his longing for the world he left behind. Their conversations touch on music, art, and the notion of contentment with simple living contrasted against the vibrant lure of worldly pleasures. Ultimately, the novel delves into themes of renunciation, as Ignacio grapples with the realization that pursuing fleeting joys can lead to spiritual turmoil. As tragedy strikes with Gaston's untimely death, Ignacio finds resolution through his connection to his teaching and the community he cherishes, illustrating the profound impact of personal sacrifice and the enduring search for peace.
Frank L. (Frank Lucius) Packard
The Sin That Was His
"The Sin That Was His" by Frank L. Packard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a Yukon mining camp and follows Arthur Leroy, known as "Three-Ace Artie," a polished yet enigmatic gambler, as he navigates the complex social dynamics of the camp. The plot centers around Artie's interactions with a naive newcomer known as the Kid, and dives deep into themes of ethics, redemption, and personal struggle against a rugged backdrop of winter. The opening of the novel introduces Three-Ace Artie, who is depicted as a well-dressed and skilled gambler in Ton-Nugget Camp. It quickly unfolds how the arrival of a young man, dubbed the Kid, disrupts the status quo, as he spends lavishly and easily attracts the attention of seasoned gamblers like Artie. The atmosphere thickens as Artie observes the Kid's reckless behavior while feeling a modicum of compassion. When Artie ultimately decides to intervene and offer the young man a second chance, tensions rise, resulting in a confrontation that may lead to dire consequences. Through these intricate character interactions and the vivid setting, Packard hints at deeper moral quandaries and personal transformations awaiting in the ensuing chapters.
Benito Pérez Galdós
Halma
"Halma" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around doña Catalina de Artal, a member of the Spanish aristocracy, who faces significant hardships following her marriage to the German diplomat, Conde de Halma-Lautenberg. The narrative explores themes of familial duty, love, suffering, and the clash between personal aspirations and societal expectations. The opening of "Halma" presents Catalina's intricate familial and marital background, detailing her noble lineage and the trials she endures as she marries against her family's wishes. After marrying the count, they experience a tumultuous life filled with poverty and illness, leading to emotional and physical struggles following her husband's demise. The narrative sets the stage for her complex relationships with her family, particularly her brothers, and hints at her desire to commit to a life dedicated to spirituality and altruism, even as societal pressure looms over her choices.
Benito Pérez Galdós
Nazarín
"Nazarín" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel published in May 1895. It follows Father Nazario Zaharín, a visionary priest who abandons his comfortable life in Madrid to wander the roads with two devoted disciples. Part Don Quixote and part Christ figure, Nazarín embodies an idealistic, utopian Christianity as he travels through the outskirts of southern Madrid. The novel explores themes of mysticism, poverty, and resistance to society, blurring the line between sainthood and madness.
Betsy Curtis
Rebuttal
"Rebuttal" by Betsy Curtis is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The book offers a counterpoint to Arthur C. Clarke's story "The Star," delving into themes of faith, purpose, and the concept of immortality through a scientific lens. It grapples with deep philosophical questions regarding existence and the divine, all set against a backdrop of space exploration and human experience. The story follows Father Niccolo Molina, a pathologist at St. Luke's Hospital, who is tasked with understanding the mysterious illness afflicting Father Phillip Burt, a member of the ill-fated Phoenix Nebula expedition. As they engage in a profound dialogue, Father Phillip reveals his existential crisis stemming from the crew's discovery that the universe operates without a discernible plan or divine presence. Through their conversation, Father Niccolo argues that human consciousness interacts with individual cells in a fundamentally significant way, suggesting that the essence of life persists beyond physical death. Ultimately, this philosophical exploration leads to a miraculous healing for Father Phillip, who emerges with a renewed sense of purpose and faith as he reconnects with his fellow crew members.
Hector France
The Grip of Desire: The Story of a Parish-Priest
"The Grip of Desire: The Story of a Parish-Priest" by Hector France is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative explores the inner life of a village priest, known as the Curé, as he grapples with the conflicts between his clerical obligations and his human desires. It dives into the themes of passion, temptation, and morality as the priest navigates his relationships within the parish, particularly in a village setting filled with young women whose presence and allure challenge his vows of chastity. The opening of the novel introduces the Curé of Althausen, a man of thirty who is respected for his teachings yet is suspected to harbor desires beneath his seemingly chaste exterior. He delivers sermons emphasizing love and practical morality to his congregation, which starkly contrasts with traditional religious tenets. As he interacts with the parishioners, he faces temptations, particularly from the lively and youthful women who bring color to his otherwise disciplined life. The beginning establishes a tension between his role as a spiritual leader and his reflections on life, nature, and unfulfilled desires, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of lust and longing that permeates the rest of the story.
C. C. MacApp
All That Earthly Remains
"All That Earthly Remains" by C. C. MacApp is a science fiction novel written during the early 1960s. The book intriguingly explores themes surrounding ancient civilizations, the intersection of science and spirituality, and impending disaster, as a group of characters navigates the aftermath of a mysterious nuclear explosion in a remote Andean region. The story centers around Dr. Luis Craig, a nuclear physicist, who is called to investigate the explosion that has uncovered ancient tunnels and is believed to possibly connect to extraterrestrial forces. The narrative follows Dr. Craig as he joins a diverse group, including a priest, a general, and an indigenous guide, embarking on an expedition to the explosion site. As they delve deeper into the tunnels, they encounter a glowing, intelligent entity that reveals connections to both biblical tales and potentially destructive technology. The exploration leads to philosophical confrontations about faith, power, and morality, especially illustrated through interactions between Craig and the priest, Brulieres. Ultimately, the group is faced with the implications of what they discover, blending elements of science fiction with existential reflections, culminating in a confrontation that tests their beliefs and the very nature of humanity.
Eleanor Gates
Good Night (Buenas Noches)
"Good Night (Buenas Noches)" by Eleanor Gates is a children's story illustrated by Arthur Rackham, likely written in the early 20th century. The book captures the lively interactions between various fowl, primarily focusing on a mischievous parrot named Loretta and her relationship with Padre Alonzo and a canary named Tony. The narrative intertwines themes of companionship, mischief, and the warmth of community life. The story unfolds in a vibrant garden setting, where Loretta the parrot causes trouble by plucking flowers and vying for attention from Tony, the canary. Padre Alonzo, a kind-hearted priest, often intervenes to protect Loretta from the strict Padre Anzar, who views her antics as disruptive. Throughout the book, the tale delves into the dynamics of life in the garden, illustrating the antics of the birds as they interact with each other and the priests who take care of them. Eventually, Loretta's mischief leads her into trouble with a cat named Tomasso, but her bravery and spirited nature shine through in her attempts to protect her friend Tony. The story concludes with a message of love and understanding, encapsulated in the tender relationship between the characters.
S. (Sabine) Baring-Gould
Pabo, the Priest: A Novel
"Pabo, the Priest: A Novel" by S. Baring-Gould is a historical fiction narrative written in the late 19th century. This novel is set against the backdrop of 12th-century Wales, where the conflict between the Norman invaders and the native Welsh is explored through the lenses of political intrigue, personal ambition, and the interplay of power and faith. The story revolves around characters such as King Henry, the beautiful Nest, and the determined Pabo, the Archpriest, who grapple with the consequences of the Norman domination and decisions that threaten their people’s fate. The opening of the novel introduces King Henry, who is in ill health and surrounded by advisors as he contemplates his political maneuvers, particularly relating to Wales. He summons Gerald de Windsor and his wife, Nest, a Welsh noblewoman, to discuss strategies for subjugating the native people. As the dialogue unfolds, it becomes clear that Nest is caught in a complex web of loyalty and betrayal, as she struggles with her identification with her people and her role as Gerald's wife. The tension heightens with the introduction of Gerald's desire for support against the Welsh and the pending appointment of a new bishop, which could spell disaster for the Welsh culture and their way of life. This section sets the stage for a rich exploration of themes such as power, identity, and resistance within the broader narrative.
Richard Aumerle Maher
The Shepherd of the North
"The Shepherd of the North" by Richard Aumerle Maher is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is centered around the character Bishop Joseph Winthrop of Alden as he embarks on a challenging journey through harsh winter landscapes, aimed at providing spiritual care in a remote community. The narrative explores themes of faith, community, personal sacrifice, and the impact of the past on present lives, particularly as the bishop interacts with the local characters he encounters, such as the brave French-Canadian Arsene LaComb and the struggling family of Tom Lansing. The opening of the book introduces us to the Bishop and his companion Arsene as they navigate through snowy terrain toward a village for a confirmation ceremony. Their journey is filled with challenges, including a harrowing tumble into the snow, which showcases camaraderie and courage amidst adversity. Upon reaching the Lansing household, they find Tom Lansing gravely injured, and his daughter Ruth desperately trying to revive him. The bishop quickly takes charge, applying his limited medical skills while wrestling with memories of his past. This opening portion sets a poignant tone for the narrative, promising a blend of human struggle, growth, and the intersection of faith and personal duty as seen through the eyes of the bishop and the characters around him.
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