(Original Source) I’m not sure how to describe this book so I’ll just write a short review and let you read it yourself. Fatherless is the story of a parish priest and the families he ministers to during the 1980’s. In it the author touches on the issues of pornography, contraception, demonic possession, and unfaithfulness in a marriage. In addition Gail focuses on the issue some Catholics deal with, they search for the truth and it seems that their parish isn’t providing it as deep as they’d like. Gail doesn’t shy away from saying when one should and when shouldn’t receive Holy Communion. Although there are straight messages on each issue, the author fits them into the story so that they don’t feel pushed. I think that’s why I liked this book so much. Gail was willing to talk about things most people would like to ignore, the sins we push to the back of our minds and try to talk away, saying they don’t matter, everyone is doing them.
If you are looking for a book that will help you understand the Catholic Church of the 1980’s while still having an enjoyable read I recommend Fatherless. Though it’s over 500 pages it’s such an engaging read that I finished it in a day.
You can order Fatherless here.
