As a long time reader of America magazine, I have been
familiar with the name of James Martin, SJ and his writings as they have
appeared in the Jesuit magazine over the years. I remember details of his life
as given there, struck by his call to the Jesuits and the readability of his
compositions. Although aware of his published works, I had not yet read one
until this year—and it was his first work of fiction—The Abbey. One of the
sisters received a copy from a friend and gave it to me to read.
A short novel with short chapters, it is strongly
Benedictine as the title suggests and when I began to read, I could barely put
it down. Although fictional biography seems a contradiction in terms, The Abbey’s
three main characters, Anne, Mark and Fr. Paul seem real people drawn to God
over time by the Benedictine influences of Sts. Philip and James Abby. I
especially appreciated the conversations between Anne and Fr. Paul in her
growing conversion to God after the tragic death of her 13 year old son. What
remained with me after finishing the book was the wisdom in conversation
thought, direction and example given by those associated with P & J Abbey.
The novel was not lacking in a bit of
humor as it treated the monastery “business”—jam making!
Read
The Abbey for enjoyment and understanding. This novel has led me to the well-known,
much longer work of Martin, Jesus, a Pilgrimage, in which I am now absorbed.
Sr. Andrea Collpy,
OSB
Dear Sister thank you for posting information about James Martin S.J. it sounds interesting -- a bridge for education through his work -- this was God's way from the first, and always. The best work of art (poetry, music, literature, images, sculpture) can do more than a thousand sermons. God bless from Paul
ReplyDeleteJames Martin is always good. I really enjoyed `My Life with the Saints' and already have a copy of `Jesus:a Pilgrimage' which I hope to read soon. Then `The Abbey'.
ReplyDeleteDear Sister Andrea, I was fortunate to read "The ABBEY" several months ago and found it hard to put the book down. Really an enjoyable piece of writing. I'm hoping that Fr. Martin might follow up the story in another book.
ReplyDeleteDear Sr. Andrea, I too am a fan of Fr. James Martin! His writing style is always insightful and down-to-earth. His book about his experiences in Africa, "This Our Exile," is also wonderful. Upon your recommendation, I hope to read "The Abbey" sometime soon! Thank you for your interesting book review. ~~Mary Margaret
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