|
"All of Michael O'Brien's novels
are in a sense 'historical,' even those often regarded as 'prophetic.'
Theophilos, set long ago in the first century and meticulously researched,
is finely textured, lush and convincing in its depiction of the rich
embroglio of Mediterranean culture in the time of the apostles. The
epistolary prose is hauntingly provocative, often lyrical, compelling in
its characterization of the events reported in Luke and Acts as they might
be considered from a learned gentile's point of view. This is a beautiful
book."
---David Lyle Jeffrey
Distinguished Professor of Literature and the Humanities
Baylor University
"O'Brien again takes up the theme
of the truth of revelation before an unbelieving generation. This novel
searches the soul of our time through the eyes of St. Luke and Theophilos
and those they encountered, including the Lord Himself. O'Brien brings to
life the wonder that filled the soul of Luke."
---James V. Schall, SJ
Professor of Political Philosophy, Georgetown University
"An arresting work. Totally
credible both historically and psychologically. There's not a single false
note in this music. Do you want to get into a time machine and actually
live in the first century world? Then read this book!"
--- Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., Boston
College Author
The Philosophy of Tolkien
|
|
None Available
(Note: For a review to be posted on
www.greatcatholicfiction.com,
it must have at least 40% and 5 people identify the review as "helpful.")
|
|
|
A Journey of Discovery and Hope
***** 'Theophilos' by Michael O'Brien
is a fictional depiction of the lives of St. Luke (author of the Gospel
bearing his name as well as the Acts of the Apostles) and the individual
to whom he addressed these writings, Theophilos. O'Brien establishes
Theophilos as a dear uncle who had the responsibility of raising the young
"Loukas" from the age of twelve. The book is written primarily in first
person from the perspective of Theophilos--a physician steeped in the
belief system of the Greek Gods though who still is more effectively an
agnostic--who has now become quite disturbed by his nephew's sudden belief
in the cult of "the Christos"---The Way of Jesus Christ. The book is a
"present" narrative (mostly in 65 A.D.) with a collection of letters,
journal entries, and examinations (interviews) woven into it, along with
many reminiscences of the childhood years of not only St. Luke, but Jesus
of Nazareth.
I think the first question that most O'Brien fans would ask is, "How does
Theophilos measure up to the `Children of the Last Days' series?" To this,
I would say that it is more a change of venue than a change of pace. The
familiar elements of the author's craft: well-developed multi-dimensional
characters, poetic dialogue (both interior and spoken), and
thought-provoking scenarios--are not only intact, but I would even suggest
further honed. The second question is, "Is 'Theophilos' more the
high-action, overtly Catholic/Theological thriller (the likes of 'Fr.
Elijah' or 'Plague Journal')... or is it more the evenly-paced, thoughtful
novel--rich in Catholic philosophy though more subtle in its presentation
(the likes of 'A Cry of Stone')?" I would honestly say this book bridges
the gap between the two, with a slight lean towards the latter, yet full
of intriguing happenings as we traverse a familiar historical landscape
where peripheral biblical "acquaintances" are given depth and personality
in very compelling and believable ways.
The historical research is so meticulous, the cultural understanding so
cohesive, and the biblical exegesis so sound, that this story becomes more
than just plausible; the reader could easily be led to believe that the
author had a profound mystical experience of the lives of Theophilos and
St. Luke. The change of time period permits O'Brien to delve more deeply
into the mystery of the human person, exploring interior realities that
transcend culture and time yet which are no doubt influenced by both in
how they are manifest. One example is when the adolescent Loukas
approaches Theophilos, wrestling with the idea of cutting his hair (he has
left it long in emulation of the ancient Greek philosophers). The boy
wonders if this act would dilute his "Greekness". In a beautiful exchange
between the two, his uncle agrees that, though a man's exterior and
interior should "be as one", this is only in the "essentials" (his
character, actions, and words), not necessarily in the "accidentals"
(physical appearance). An astute Catholic can draw from this exchange not
only a reflection on the common--if not universal--experience of
adolescent angst (NOT rebellion), but also an even more profound
reflection on our understanding of the Eucharist.
Once again, Michael O'Brien has created a masterpiece that I believe
affirms his place as one of the top fiction writers of our time. At this
point, I find that there are two realities which I lament: first, that
Ignatius Press is not the large powerhouse publisher with the marketing
machine to get this book in front of more people, and second, that it will
most likely be at least a year before I will have the joy of reading a new
Michael O'Brien novel.
-Corban Storm
(from
www.greatcatholicfiction.com)
|
|
|