The American Tragedy Trilogy – ‘Fatherless’, ‘Motherless’ and ‘Childless’, by Brian J. Gail, Emmaus Road Publishing, $29.95 each.
In beginning this review there are really only two words I can use: simply breathtaking! This is the first Catholic trilogy of novels I have read in a long time. Gail’s trilogy is both a riveting narrative as well as unashamedly Catholic. Further to this, it is absolutely plausible.
This trilogy is set over a number of decades in the 20th and 21st centuries, starting a little while after the changes brought in to the Catholic Church through the Second Vatican Council. ‘Fatherless’ deals with the crises brought about by these changes in areas of faith, life and community as the Church is divided by politics and confusion. We are introduced to a small group of parishioners and their assistant pastor as they try to live out the Catholic faith despite overwhelming problems such as marital infidelity, unethical business practices and bipolar disorders.
‘Motherless’ is set around 20 years later, the same characters appear but are older and facing new challenges in their personal and professional lives. And it is in ‘Motherless’ that we discover the ‘Life Sciences Revolution’ who’s aim is called Genesis II: where man creates man in his own image.
The final novel in the trilogy novel is set in the not too distant future where legislation is making it harder and harder to practice the Catholic faith. The ‘Life Sciences Revolution’ is in full swing. Abortion is rampant and there’s a push for an end to natural human reproduction altogether and replace it with artificial reproduction if at all necessary. What follows will test everyone as their morals, finances and families are all threatened. And all the while our Catholic heroes band together to get ready for what will be the end of the world as we know it.
I read ‘Childless’ first, as I was reviewing it for another publication, but on its quality alone I obtained copies of the first two novels in this trilogy. I was enthralled by the motives of the ‘Life Sciences Revolution’ and watched as scenes unfolded in courtrooms, laboratories and presbyteries in this apocalyptic trilogy. The characters were real, flaws and all, and the heroes were humble and prayerful yet determined and resourceful. These were Catholics like you and me who received Sacraments regularly but still made mistakes, some of which had horrendous consequences. Of course, the devil makes a few appearances and I must admit that those chapters were pretty chilling.
This was truly riveting content and yet, as I mentioned before, it was so plausible that I couldn’t shake the feeling that this novel was somewhat prophetic. Gail is on to something.
This trilogy is a must for all Catholics aged 15 years and over (some content would be too confronting for those any younger than 15). The novels are paced well and are, to use the cliché absolute page turners. However, at the same time there is so much Theology and doctrine contained within the pages that you will enrich your own faith. With plaudits from people like Archbishop Charles Chaput, Fr Benedict Groeschel, Christopher West and many more this is an excellent investment for your faith.
Honestly, this is a trilogy that all Catholics should read.
Originally posted 2014-04-01 03:13:05.