“Confessions” is an artfully written thriller from a true first person point of view. What you see is only what Father Jerome sees. The story only leads you to where Father Jerome goes, and what you think is true is only what Father Jerome believes has happened. This faithfulness to perspective is just one of the things I enjoyed immensely about Ryne Douglas Pearson’s work.
There is a spiritual struggle within this story that is laid out beautifully in the thoughts of Michael Jerome: a questioning of Canon Law, a questioning of faith, a questioning of belief and purpose. It’s a timeless puzzle for people of faith and one which most struggle with at some point in their lives. And it is this struggle that is skillfully woven into and works to its own conclusion as the mystery of his sister’s death unfolds. Father Michael Jerome is ever asking himself the same kinds of questions you might ask yourself in your most secret moments.
But there is also an emotional struggle going on amid this: with his family, with someone from his past, and within himself. He is trying to answer life’s “Who am I?” question, while answering the puzzling whodunit of his sister’s murder. It is a fascinating look into a troubled mind.
For me, the focus on self within this story really makes it unusual and an interesting. It makes it very difficult to put down, very easy to follow, and very, very interesting. The ending is stunning and unexpected, but once you read it, you will understand. I loved it.
No comments:
Post a Comment