Comments on: The Sacrament: A Novel

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 17:22:46 +0000

In reply to susan. Interesting! I need to listen to that. I'm with you about not wanting to hear more, but this is very subtle. It's much more about the power dynamic and the nun- her secret. It was incredibly evocative- I felt emotionally chilled throughout.

By: susan

susan — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:50:28 +0000

Yeah I heard the author speak about this novel on the New York Times book review podcast. (I think Dec. 27 episode). Not sure I can read another on the Church and abuse … but I’m curious about his writing … and that setting and cover are compelling.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 21:20:55 +0000

In reply to Laila. The subject matter is heavy, but definitely not news or surprising. It's a very subtle book.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 21:18:50 +0000

In reply to Susie | Novel Visits. That's the odd thing- it wasn't intense. It was written with such reserve that it's as if it the entire story was encased in ice. At the same time, you can't help but be drawn in and to have an emotional response. Also, the ending is not dark, but touching.

By: Laila

Laila — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 23:38:30 +0000

Lovely review! Sounds a bit on the heavy side for me, especially in winter, but also sounds compelling and thoughtful.

By: Susie | Novel Visits

Susie | Novel Visits — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 13:58:08 +0000

You’ve done it again, finding a book I’d not heard of before. This one sounds really intense and like one you might have to be in just the right sort of frame of mind to read.