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historynerd04's review
5.0
Much like the stained glass windows that it is about, this book is a beautiful work of art.
(The fact that I live in Denver, where Ms. Smith also lives and where this book takes place, is neither here nor there. Honest. I wasn't at all beside myself whenever I read place names that I knew more than quite well. Not beside myself in the least.)
While I am not Catholic, I found this book to still be very accessible -- despite it being of a heavily Catholic persuasion. I am, however, an Episcopalian by way of a Baptist/Evangelical/eventual Lutheran background (don't ask...) and the church I was not only confirmed in, married in, but also attend is just down the street from the Catholic Cathedral that inspired this book.
Again. Not at all biased. In the least.
The characters of Nora and Father Vin and, yes, even Puccini are so tightly drawn that I felt like I was an unseen observer - a complete voyeur verging on a Peeping Tom, on every page of the book. I'm sure this sounds all various shades of cheesy and trite but it was like I was right smackdab in the middle of all the action myself.
While written in 3rd person omniscient (perhaps much like the Ultimate Boss of Father Vin), it was predominately written to explain Nora's point of view. We get little glimpses of what Father Vin is thinking and feeling (and praying to his Ultimate Boss) via little prayers that are interspersed throughout the book.
Likewise, both characters are flawed. Very flawed. One is suffering from PTSD and the other is a not-so-recovering alcoholic. Perhaps, because of these very human weaknesses and very human flaws, these 2 characters find each other.
Ultimately, this book is about grace. And free will. And redemption.
A fantastic read and an especially fantastic read during the Lenten Season.
Highly, highly recommended.
~~ Victoria of Shelfish Behavior
(The fact that I live in Denver, where Ms. Smith also lives and where this book takes place, is neither here nor there. Honest. I wasn't at all beside myself whenever I read place names that I knew more than quite well. Not beside myself in the least.)
While I am not Catholic, I found this book to still be very accessible -- despite it being of a heavily Catholic persuasion. I am, however, an Episcopalian by way of a Baptist/Evangelical/eventual Lutheran background (don't ask...) and the church I was not only confirmed in, married in, but also attend is just down the street from the Catholic Cathedral that inspired this book.
Again. Not at all biased. In the least.
The characters of Nora and Father Vin and, yes, even Puccini are so tightly drawn that I felt like I was an unseen observer - a complete voyeur verging on a Peeping Tom, on every page of the book. I'm sure this sounds all various shades of cheesy and trite but it was like I was right smackdab in the middle of all the action myself.
While written in 3rd person omniscient (perhaps much like the Ultimate Boss of Father Vin), it was predominately written to explain Nora's point of view. We get little glimpses of what Father Vin is thinking and feeling (and praying to his Ultimate Boss) via little prayers that are interspersed throughout the book.
Likewise, both characters are flawed. Very flawed. One is suffering from PTSD and the other is a not-so-recovering alcoholic. Perhaps, because of these very human weaknesses and very human flaws, these 2 characters find each other.
Ultimately, this book is about grace. And free will. And redemption.
A fantastic read and an especially fantastic read during the Lenten Season.
Highly, highly recommended.
~~ Victoria of Shelfish Behavior
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