Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Sunday Salon: Review of Faith by Jennifer Haigh








Faith by Jennifer Haigh

About (from Harper Collins)When Sheila McGann sets out to redeem her disgraced brother, a once-beloved Catholic priest in suburban Boston, her quest will force her to confront cataclysmic truths about her fractured Irish-American family, her beliefs, and, ultimately, herself. 


My Thoughts:

Faith is one of the most powerful books that I have read in a long time. The author's writing is spellbinding.  She weaves a tale that, as a reader, you think that you know where she is going and then she turns the story around and takes you to places you didn't expect. I just finished the book and must say that it touched me on so many levels that it left me feeling as if I personally knew these characters, this family. The author tells the story mainly through the voice of the sister of the accused priest and how each member of the family handles the allegations as the story unfolds. There are discoveries uncovered, truths revealed and challenges to the core of their beliefs in religion, faith, family loyalty and love.  We have all read the headlines, stories told, secrets whispered and what we really don't know is the truth. Who are we to judge when we don't know the truth on both sides? This novel brilliantly explores these issues and will make you question your own self on how easy we can judge others, even our own family members.  Faith by Jennifer Haigh is a family drama that is well-crafted, thoughtful and infused with emotions, secrets, regrets, sadness, love and forgiveness. This book is a page turner, one that will touch you deeply and you will think about these characters and this family long after you turn the last page. 

Recommend: Absolutely! I've read only one other book by Jennifer Haigh, Mrs. Kimble. Ms. Haigh has perfected her writing with Faith and could easily be her best novel yet. This would be an excellent book for a book club discussion. There are so many themes and topics to discuss. There is a reading guide for Faith, here.  You can read and browse inside Faith, here. You can visit Jennifer Haigh's website, here


Listen to Jennifer Haigh talk about her novel Faith with Writer's Voice, here


Thanks to Harper Collins for sending me an advance copy of the book for review. 


Here is a book trailer to view for Faith by Jennifer Haigh:





7 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to this book. I hope I like it as much as everybody else does.

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  2. A friend of mine has told me I HAVE to read this one. It sounds thought provoking!

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  3. I cant wait to read this! I have this one on my shelf! Thanks for the great review!

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  4. I so agree! The book gives you something to think about and makes you feel like you're there watching. Thumbs up on the review.

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  5. I have heard many great reviews of this book. I will have to pick up a copy

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  6. I absolutely loved your review..you nailed it big time as to why I loved this one also!! I can't wait to read her other books!!

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  7. Bonnie, Excellent review, so well said! I'm so glad you liked it. My daughter and I both read it and it will be one of our favorite reads this summer, if not THE favorite!

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