Customer Reviews

Father Elijah: An Apocalypse

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm not much of a reader. I'm not even a Catholic. But I read this book (and Sophia House) cover to cover in just a few days, I really couldn't put it down. When I did put it down to go to work, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I think what does it for me is that this book isn't easy. This is hard to explain for me. But I think that what really turns me off of Christianity is that there is so much: 'this is the way ,PERIOD' no ifs or buts. But the characters in these stories have strong doubts, and very challenging questions.
I think in the end the book doesn't leave you with an answer, but with inspiration.

I these days of the Left Behind series literary fiasco, it is refreshing to read a book that is not only theologically thoughtful, but extrememly well written and fascinating. There is an odd but effective mixture of horror mixed with remarkably deep Christian meaning in addition to adept social commentary. Anyone who takes Christianity seriously and who has a certain amount of introspection (which the Left Behind series does NOT appeal to) will love this series.

A warning to my fellow protestants: this book is unabashedly Catholic. If you are uncomfortable with minor Mary veneration and a greater focus on relics, you may sometimes be annoyed. However, given the reality of history, this is an accurate reflection on a Catholic approach to Christianity. Moreover, it does not fail at being Christocentric.

Read and enjoy!

Fr. Elijah is an awesome book that is captivating, exciting, real, and faithful to the teachings of the Magesterium of the Church. It's inspiring to see the humanness of priests and a real life example of how we are supposed to live out our Catholic faith here on earth.

I recieved this book for Christmas, and although I am only about half-way through, I can not tell you how impressed I am with this book. Not only is it beautifully written, but it is spiritually up-lifting. I keep forgetting that Father Elijah isn't real! One becomes very attached to the main characters. I recommend this book to everyone, whole-heartedly. This is among those books that forever touch a person.

I have just finished this book, and I have to say I have never been as shaken and moved in my soul by a novel. I found myself examining my life, my conscience. I prayed, cried, and read the Scriptures. I couldn't stop reading it, yet I had to pause because of the incredible avalanche of emotion filling my mind and heart. Actually, the feeling was beyond emotion, it was something so basic, so private and at the same time I felt so connected to each other soul living and dead. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, you have to read it yourself and experience it. I will re-read it many times. It comforted me and challenged me and terrified me, but brought me great peace.

O'Brien has outdone himself with Father Elijah! I was moved by his characters and their plights. He effectively shows the daily inner struggle of the human soul. His "fiction" is much more believable than the nightly news! Bravo!

The book is indeed, as one reviewer called it, inspiring. While 600 pages long it can be read quickly, the narrative moving without delay through the sequence of events. Some excellent and thought-provoking dialogues especially between Fr. Elijah and the old man Smokrev.

On the negative side, chapter 14 seemed to ramble quite a bit but this is only a minor criticism. Over all, 4.75 stars.

If you have read other Michael O'Brien works and not Father Elijah, you missed his best to date! Inspired.

Fr Elijah is a terrific book, so full of action and suspense and meetings with "great" and the humble. If you enjoy contemplating good and evil, where our world is going, you almost have to love this book. WAY better than those "Left Behind" novels!!!!

Personally, I think this is great to read after reading the series with Strangers and Sojourners, Eclipse of the Sun, and Plague Journal.

Among the finest books I've ever read, "Father Elijah" is singularly entertaining and thought provoking. I was struck, in particular, by Michael O'Brien's erudition -- this novel is at least on par with even the most sophisticated theological works; indeed, arguably superior.

Any negatives? Not really. As with any exceptionally long book, the author sometimes loses track of his narrative, and there's an occasional editing or writing lapse. Hardly worth mentioning.

Highly recommended, particularly in these pre-apocalyptic times.