Title: Faith
Author: Jennifer Haigh
First published May 10, 2011
322 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060755805 (ISBN10: 0060755806)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
In Jennifer Haigh’s Faith, Sheila McGann embarks on a mission to restore her brother’s reputation after he falls from grace as a beloved Catholic priest in suburban Boston. In her search for redemption, Sheila must confront her family’s fractured Irish-American heritage and her own beliefs, leading her to face difficult truths about herself.
Haigh’s vivid portrayal of fraying family ties and the challenges of faith and devotion make for a captivating read that will leave readers questioning their own beliefs.
About the Author
Jennifer Haigh is a well-known American author who has written several acclaimed novels and short stories. Her latest book, MERCY STREET, delves into the controversial topic of abortion rights and centers around Claudia Birch, a counselor at a women’s clinic in Boston that is facing opposition.
In her previous novel, HEAT AND LIGHT, Haigh explores the impact of fracking on a Pennsylvania town, which earned her recognition as one of the Best Books of 2016 by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR. She has also written FAITH, a story about a Boston priest accused of child molestation, and THE CONDITION, which follows the life of a woman diagnosed with Turner’s Syndrome.
Haigh’s debut novel, MRS. KIMBLE, won the PEN/Hemingway Award for first fiction, and her second novel, BAKER TOWERS, became a New York Times bestseller and won the PEN/L.
L. Winship Award for outstanding book by a New England author.
Her collection of short stories, NEWS FROM HEAVEN, received the Massachusetts Book Award and the PEN New England Award in Fiction. As a Guggenheim Foundation Fellow and a graduate of the prestigious Iowa Writer’s Workshop, she is a frequent contributor to The New York Times Book Review and has had her work published in eighteen languages.
Editoral Review
Faith by Jennifer Haigh is a stunning work of literary fiction that explores themes of family, religion, and identity in the context of the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal. Haigh is a critically acclaimed author known for her ability to craft complex characters and compelling narratives, and Faith is no exception.
The novel is set in a small Pennsylvania town that has been rocked by allegations of sexual abuse at the hands of the local Catholic priest. The story follows the Devlin family, whose patriarch is a devout Catholic and a close friend of the accused priest.
As the scandal unfolds and the family is forced to confront their own beliefs and loyalties, long-held secrets are revealed and relationships are tested. Haighs writing is both elegant and insightful, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature.
Through the perspectives of various characters, she explores the complex ethical and emotional ramifications of the scandal, as well as the broader cultural and societal factors that enabled it. One of the strengths of Faith is Haighs nuanced portrayal of her characters, particularly the members of the Devlin family.
Each of the family members is fleshed out with their own unique backstory and personality, lending a sense of richness and depth to the novel. The setting of the small town also adds to the novels atmosphere, as the close-knit community grapples with the scandal and its aftermath.
That said, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can drag, and some of the plot threads feel unresolved by the end of the novel.
Additionally, while Haighs writing is beautiful and lyrical, it can sometimes veer towards the overly detailed or descriptive, which may not be to every readers taste. Despite these minor drawbacks, Faith is a powerful work of fiction that sheds light on a difficult but important topic.
Haighs writing is both intelligent and compassionate, weaving together a complex story with skill and sensitivity. This novel is a must-read for fans of literary fiction, particularly those with an interest in family dynamics, religion, and social issues.
Overall, I would give Faith a strong recommendation, with a rating of four out of five stars. While it is not a perfect novel, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and it is an important work with much to offer readers.
