Council: A Novel (Holy See Trilogy)

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Not to be read by believers! This has all the Harris pluses - suspense, excellent characterisation, first-class research, and a sort of sadness that another shibboleth is being shattered. If you have been educated in the Catholic system this work will upset you. Just remember those nuns were genuine anyway.

Really enjoyed this story. I did know anything about the electoral process in the Vatican to choose a new Pope. So I was really intrigued by this detail. But it became rather too much of a drama to sustain credibility. And the ending was the anti- climax, not the climax. A brilliant book well written, meticulously researched and compelling to read.

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A gentle story with a powerful meaning. I have always enjoyed reading about the papacy. It has much of the human intrigue you will find in any place. I enjoyed this book, it had me interested from the beginning. Having just finished Robert Harris' exceptional Cicero Trilogy finale, Dictator, I perhaps went in with high expectations here. I found this story to be pedestrian, uninteresting, where the late plot 'current affair' development and finale twist seemingly interjected in consideration of perhaps how dull the subject was. Each of these important plot factors are very late in the book; the first not foreshadowed, and like a square peg in a round hole; and the second a lazy type narrative twist that are typical of B-grade movies.

Not a terrible book; but poor in my opinion by Harris' standards - admittedly I had little interest in the topic; which however, was a drawcard, hoping that Robert Harris could make it compelling. See all 15 reviews. Would you like to see more reviews about this item? Reading this book, makes me want to change my life to be a better pastor and shepherd to my Church.

Aug 10, Laura rated it liked it. Pretty good read - 2nd in a trilogy. Not sure if I'll read 1 or 3, but who knows Jul 13, Joshua rated it it was ok. Nancy Hardy rated it it was amazing Oct 27, Dale Roberson rated it it was amazing Jun 11, Morales rated it really liked it Jul 14, Susan rated it liked it Dec 29, Ellen rated it really liked it Sep 06, John Murphy rated it it was amazing Mar 16, R Vaughan rated it it was amazing Jul 06, Vickie rated it really liked it May 04, Jamie Wilking rated it it was amazing Nov 11, William M Vance rated it did not like it Jun 23, Linda rated it really liked it May 15, Susan Peterson rated it liked it Aug 21, Gay Jennings rated it liked it Feb 22, Boyd rated it really liked it Aug 25, Brandon rated it it was amazing Apr 08, Juanita rated it it was amazing Oct 28, Sheila rated it it was amazing Oct 16, Bogdan rated it really liked it Jul 08, Sam Honeycutt rated it really liked it Mar 28, There are no discussion topics on this book yet.

Series: Holy See Trilogy

Greg Tobin is the author of several books on the Catholic Church. He was the editor of The Catholic Advocate, and during the April papal transition he appeared frequently on national radio and TV programs as an expert commentator on the popes and the papal election process. His books Selecting the Pope and Holy Father were widely used as authoritative resources on the subject and were quoted Greg Tobin is the author of several books on the Catholic Church. He lives in West Orange, NJ. He and many others in the college of Cardinals see it as an extremely difficult job — probably even worse than being President.

When the newspaper stories about his past start appearing and news of them leaks into the Conclave, despite the fact that they are supposed to be secreted from the outside world until the new pope is chosen, Mulrennan confesses the truths of his past life as best he can to the Conclave. In fact, another candidate appears almost out of nowhere who seems to be a very good choice, although he is no more anxious to be pope than Mulrennan, and it looks for a time as if the whole mess has been satisfactorily resolved. But then the unthinkable happens, and college of Cardinals find themselves back in Conclave once more.

A very satisfying read. I didn't think I would enjoy this when I started it but what a fascinating read, towards the end I couldn't put it down and ate it up for the last third of the book. I find The Papacy and the workings of the Vatican and Conclave especially fascinating.

This is my second foray into Papal fiction, after Robert Harris's novel, also called Conclave. Whilst that was more meaty in terms of action, I found this more interesting in terms of content, a deeper look into the role of a Cardinal and fictiona I didn't think I would enjoy this when I started it but what a fascinating read, towards the end I couldn't put it down and ate it up for the last third of the book.

Whilst that was more meaty in terms of action, I found this more interesting in terms of content, a deeper look into the role of a Cardinal and fictional take on the journey from the start. For me this teeters between I am curious about the sequel Council and that will be read in the near future and hopefully my loose thread will be tied up. Compelling to the end. Well thought out and flows nicely throughout.

If you find church hierarchy and intrigue this is a must. Jul 01, Keilani Ludlow rated it really liked it. I am not a Catholic, in fact my faith is very far from it.

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However, I loved reading this story about a Catholic Archbishop, the pope, the process to elect a new pope, etc. The story is primarily about the archbishop and moves back and forth between stories in his past and the present. I had to google a few terms, called my good friends who are Catholic to verify which elements were true to the faith and which were elements of the story because I know how my faith is misrepresen Loved this book!

I had to google a few terms, called my good friends who are Catholic to verify which elements were true to the faith and which were elements of the story because I know how my faith is misrepresented in fiction - I am not about to just assume someone else's faith is being represented correctly. It comes down the the story of a very good man. He isn't perfect, but he is good. He doesn't use his faith as a weapon. While he is wholly committed to his God and his faith, he doesn't judge others for their sins. This is how I see true disciples of God, no matter what religion they belong to.

The political machinations in the election process, the different splinter groups within the church, etc.

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Some truly believe that they are acting on God's will. Some believe in God but also like to tweak things in the here and now. It makes me think of the Spanish Inquisition.

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It was not the religion that was the problem, it was evil people using religion as a tool just like Nazi's used politics as a tool and warmongers use weapons as tools. Any type of person who wants power will use what is available to them. That doesn't mean the religion is bad, that doesn't mean that God approves of what is being done, it just means that humans are good, bad, and everything in between.

I was surprised at how much I like this book. I found myself crying for the main character several times, or crying when good things prevailed, and crying when bad things happened. It was a great book! Nov 27, Fredrick Danysh rated it liked it. A conclave is held each time a new pope needs to be selected for the Catholic Church. This work follows the life of a Catholic priest and his trials and tribulations as he at times questions his faith.

Conclave (Holy See, #1) by Greg Tobin

Another wonderful read about the Church from Greg Tobin that shows we are all human. Dec 25, Al rated it it was amazing. Compelling mystery about the election of popes and the potential politics that can influence it. Well written with believable characters. They cover the same theme--fictional accounts of the papal conclave after the death of the long-time Polish pope John Paul II, of course. I enjoyed comparing and contrasting the two books. Apr 05, Nicole rated it really liked it.

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