Thy Brother's Wife

This is typical Greeley -- animated, engaging, Catholic, inspiring. It is a quick read, very enjoyable and carries a typical Greeley message of hope and inspiration. I enjoy his works because they elevate the spirit above the banality of our human existence. For Catholics it should be uplifting; for non-Catholics is may be encouraging and cause for thinking in a non-threatening, enjoyable way. His novels carry a central theme of the Catholic imagination.

Paul and Sean Cronin, sons of Michael Cronin, a self made millionaire, have their futures mapped out for them by their father when only young boys-Paul is destined for politics and a future presidency and Sean is to be a priest and then Cardinal.Norah Riley, daughter of a friend of Michael is brought into the house when she is orphaned as a child and is destined to be the future wife of Paul.Sean rises through the ranks of the clergy, still protesting his religious doubts and is even more uncertain after a brief affair with Norah. Paul also reises through the ranks in politics with help from money and criminal connections. It's a story of power struggles, conscience struggles, lust and ambition-in the church as well as in the government.

Those familiar with Greeley's books know Cardinal Cronin well. This is the story of his family and his rise to the Cardinal's hat. This is a typical Greeley book, full of intrigue, action, mystery and church lore. Wonderful story told by a master.

Being the first book that I have read by Andrew Greenley, this is a must read. Greenleys character Father Sean is really a mans man, who trails thru life with loving one woman brings him closer to his God. Of course Greeley brings out that the Church is always there with its corruption and old ways that need to change. I found this to be delightful book that needed just a little more personal interaction between man and woman on the spirital and sexual level. Definately a must have, and I for one will pick up another book by Rev. Greeley to enjoy another jounry down the path of dark secrets of the Catholic faith. A. L. Wood