The Bishop’s man – holy man? sinner? or just human?
Linden MacIntyre, perhaps best known as a television journalist,
co-host of The Fifth Estate, tackles the
timely but uncomfortable topic of sexual abuse of children by members of the
Catholic priesthood in his latest novel.
The story is told through the experiences of Father Duncan MacAskill,
with a serious examination of the theme, and the page-turning energy of a
thriller.
The book is set in the 1990s, but Father MacAskill’s reflections
cover his earlier years. In the 1970s,
he had been banished to do missionary work in Honduras to remove him from
Canada – because he had witnessed something he shouldn’t have seen and decided
to report it, against advice from the bishop.
Later, he becomes the bishop’s man – a troubleshooter skilled in
cleaning up any mess made by other priests, burying the potential scandals that
might prove to be embarrassing to the church.
But shortly after his arrival at his new parish in Cape Breton, a young man commits suicide, and Father
MacAskill feels indirectly responsible.
His efforts to find the truth put him in opposition to the
bishop. MacAskill does confront the
truth of his role in the church, as well as other problems from his past, both
in Canada and in Honduras.
Some people have commented that there is not enough
spirituality/religion in this book, but others have pointed out that the story
is more about people who have put too much faith in an institution, is an
examination of the human psyche, how our past shapes our choices and identity,
and less about the setting itself.
Linden MacIntyre is an investigative reporter who has aimed his
skills at this sensitive and disturbing topic.
This is not a book about redemption; it is a story of contrition.
Please join us at Barbara Frum on Tuesday, September 17, 7 to 8 pm
for our book club discussion of this controversial book, which won'the Giller
Prize for 2009. Call 416-395-5440 to register.
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