Monday, June 13, 2011

Review: The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker


The last thing Renee Gilmore remembers is being rescued by a pair of unknown arms after her drug-dealer boyfriend attempts to murder her. She wakes up in a beautiful glass house surrounded by doctors and the man that saved her life, Lamont Myers. Lamont offers her protection, if she abides by his rules. Among these; she must not leave the house, making her the bird in his gilded cage.

Danny Hansen is a Bosnian immigrant who came to America to escape the bloodshed of his country and the memories of his own involvement. cont'd


I've heard great things around the blogging/reviewing community about Ted Dekker and considering his connection with Canada, I was curious if I, too, would like his writing. From the get-go, The Priest's Graveyard is exciting. A priest that, in essence, acts (violently) as a conscience for the greater good of human kind? Interesting concept to say the least.

I was shocked with some of the content as I had thought, for some reason, that Dekker is a Christian author. I'm not sure if this is actually true or not, but I can see how a case could be made either way. Danny's actions are unimaginable, from a certain view point. But, then the author gives you a glimpse of the other side of things, and you start to see how he can justify what he does. I think this is where Dekker's writing stood out the most for me.

It was an engrossing tale, filled with suspense, especially as it neared the end. I had no idea which way things were going to go, and then it got worse, if that was even possible, considering all that had led up to the climax of the book. I liked that it also highlighted the issues faced in Danny's home country of Bosnia. I'm not a big news reader, allowing me to feel out of touch at times, so this was an eye opener for me.

All in all, this book was fantastic. It made me question things, like who would/could be vindicated or who, if anyone, has the right to pass judgement on people. It is a thinking reader's book about morality and culpability. What a ride!

3 comments:

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

Oh wow. sounds like a real thinker. I've not heard of this book until now. Thanks Jackie.

Anonymous said...

I think he is considered to be a Christian fiction author, I've read one of his books and didn't think so either! still I think he's a pretty good writer. I am going to look into this one :) great review, btw.

Jackie said...

@Melissa - You know, this was a book that was filled with action, then you get to the end and think, "Wait a minute! This book really got me thinking..." It was a great combination.

@Karoline - Thanks! I think for me it was the dark themes that were surprising. I equate Christian Fiction with more obvious spiritual references and maybe lighter in tone. Dekker definitely writes in a way that keeps you reading, regardless :-)

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