This is by far the most painful book I have ever read. As a fan of Father Greeley's previuosly published works I am astounded this book was even allowed to go to press. Father Greeley forewarns the reader that his political views might cause controversy. I appreciated the warning. However, even though Greeley and I are on different ends of the political spectrum his views were the least annoying thing about this book. Nothing in this book seemed remotely plausable to actually occuring. It frightens me to think that this kind of thinking occurs in the United States. The idea of a liberal Democrat U.S. Senator and his relationship with his ultra conservative priest brother is a brilliant plot. Unfortuntately, Father Greeley never allows the plot to materialize. I found it sad that a man of the cloth would paint such a bleak portrait of a priest. The book revolves around politics. American politics, family politics and church politics all take a role in the novel. The family politics between the Senator Tommy Moran and his brother Father Moran might be realistic but seemed contrived do to the one dimensional fashion of their interaction. The church political storylines take a backseat but were the only believable aspect of the entire book. Now onto the American politics portion of the story. The hero, Tommy Moran is perfect. His family is perfect. During the senatorial campaign Greeley ups the ante on every page. First, the family station wagon is blown up in front of the house, then an assasination attempt and finally someone throws human waste onto the eldest child. The family takes this in stride and does not let anything deter them. As admirable as it is the scenarios presented are just too much. All of the girls are called Mary something. Every Republican is a lazy millionaire. The only people who have any redeeming value to humanity are named Moran and registered Democrats. Those two little tidbits got old very quick. Nothing in this book could be deemed realistic. Senator Moran has to repel the advances of an attractive staffer. That was believable. However, the way she went on trying to seduce him was laughable. The thing that truly bothered me was that a one term senator would move so quickly up the leadership ladder. Greeley has produced some wonderful works. My favorite being White Smoke. This time Greeley falls short of what is expected of him.

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