A Christmas Wedding

A Christmas Wedding Andrew Greeley In a Greeley story, usually the romantic part of a novel is mostly about the chase, once married, the couple, while not carefree, lives happily. For example, in a typical Nuala Anne McGrail story the Coynes have problems but they work on them together. In Christmas Wedding the focus is much more on the difficulties of marriage, the strife between man and woman, and the progress toward a more serene and loving partnership. All of their friends and family accepted that Charles (Chucky) O'Malley and Rosemarie Clancy would fall in love and marry. Most people saw this when Chucky was but a puerile boy. Somehow these two seemed made for each other. Eventually they married while students at the University of Chicago. The struggles the O'Malleys face are serious. They struggle, among themselves and their loved ones, with: abuse of alcohol, rules of the Catholic Church, child abuse, and threats of scandal. At the same time they grapple with deciding upon a career and beginning to raise a family. The narrative of Charles and Rosemarie's life reveals a marriage that is often archetypal, but always interesting. The manner of Chuck's stumbling ways leads to some humorous situations. This is a fine story of family life. The O'Malleys, although called the "crazy O'Malleys by those who know them, are an open, accepting, and fun family. They are "crazy" because they are often able to set aside their inhibitions, reach out to other people, and entertain those they encounter. I recommend this novel because of its open view of family life. I like Greeley's ability to portray marriage and family life as a beautiful state in life. Greeley sees marriage as truly Christian and sacramental.

I had read all the other books in the Chuck and Rosemarie series, but not this one. It made several things clear that had been puzzling me in the saga. It is a typical Greeley book, and if you like his style, you'll like this book.

Second Springtime was my first initian into Greeley's novels and the Saga of Chucky O'Malley. Thus, I was inticed to return to the beginning of the Saga with Younger Than Springtime. I couldn't wait to read Christmas Wedding to find out what happened between Chucky and Rosemarie. I personally think it is the best of the the Saga as it highlights the magnaminous character of the hero Chucky in taking on Rosemarie for his wife, an enormous risk with explosive reactions. I think this book of Greeley's illustrates the true committment in a loving relationship for "better or for worse" in the truest sense of the vows. Once a couple really live this commitment they can then enjoy the fruits of a true lasting love that Greeley follows up in September Song. A definite read for those involved in a lasting relationship!

Any one who has read Fr. Andrew Greeley before will not be disappointed. This is a beautiful love story not only about romance but relationships as well. The characters pull you into the story and you can not wait to turn the next page to see what happens to them. Well done!

I want to be adopted by the Catholic Chicago O'Malley's - a big warm-hearted, supportive, forgiving family. Charles Cronin O'Malley is called "Chucky Ducky" by Rosemary, the love of his life, and they were practically raised in the same house, following the death of her mother. She is his best buddy and confidante, and their marriage seems inevitable to everyone around them, except Chucky himself. When he finally realizes how important Rosemary is to him, he is swept along into the planning for a Christmas wedding when they are still in college, but he continues to doubt the wisdom of the marriage right up until they enter the church. Rosemary, normally gregarious and optimistic, is sometimes haunted by memories from her past, and falls into bouts of despair and drinking. Just before the marriage, she admits to Chuck that her father sometimes molested and raped her, and her mother did nothing to defend her. Chuck thinks he can cure her by loving her and providing the stability and warmth that she never received as a child. She is Chuck's confidante, coach and agent, and encourages his photographic career. He eventually becomes a famous, world-traveling photographer, but there are many stormy, tense periods during their marriage, and they gradually drift apart. Set in the early 1950's throughout the 1960's, the book gives a fascinating and probably accurate picture of the choices facing women in terms of career, family-planning and their place in society. The ending also sets you up for the sequel, and I'm looking forward to hearing more from the O'Malley clan.