The Long Fall

This is a truly amazing book and has had a profound impact on me. The characters are so excellently drawn and the changes are fascinating even when they are painful. It can not help but inspire you to draw closer to Jesus.

This novel is an extraordinary combination of story and theological treasure. Wilock leads the reader through the simplistic yet detailed life of a monastic monk in some time prior to contemporary times. She carefully explains the reasons for ritualistic and demanding life of the monastic community, and the relationships of brothers who all have unique callings in the community. Ms. Wilock offers morsels of tremendous depth woven seamlessly into the story. Her thought and writing of these segments are as sharply focused as C.S. Lewis. The author deals with the difficult subjects of illness, suffering, inescapable death, suicide, and euthenasia... just to name a few! An excellent read, and thought provoking for weeks to come.

This third book in Wilcock's series about life in a monastary is deeply moving. The story revolves around Father Peregrine and his relationship with Brother Thomas, his aide. It is an incredibly poignant portrayal of the struggle to cope with the degenerating physical and mental capacities of one we love deeply. Brother Thomas wrestles with God and his own faith as he watches his mentor and friend, once graceful, articulate, and impressive, disintegrate into an embarassing lump of humanity, stripped of dignity. Wilcock's ability to articulate the spiritual struggles of both men is unmatched, drawing the reader into the heart-wrenching questions we all ponder but are too afraid to face.This three part series is the BEST fiction I have ever read. It stirred me as deeply as Tozer and Spurgeon, but in the exciting form of a story I couldn't put down.