THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

by A. J. Cronin ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 11, 1941

Rarely have I been so stirred by a book as by this new novel from the author of The Citadel. If I were a bookseller, I should tell my customers that this was no romance, no glamorous creative achievement, no fast-paced adventure tale to take one's mind off the war. But that here -- in Father Francis, the Scots priest who is the central figure, was a character who justified one's faith in right winning its own reward. In the basic goodness of man; in ""tolerance as the highest virtue. Humility comes next""; in essential goodness being interesting and challenging. Francis Chisholm was urged towards the church by a deep inarticulate conviction of vocation -- and by a tragedy in his youth. His was never a routine acceptance of the trappings of his faith; but the inner flame burned steadily. Outwardly, he seemed a failure, whether in brief tenure in Scotland; or during years in the Chinese mission field. Actually, his career won -- from even his enemies, his detractors, grudging humility. His story is simply told as he lived his life simply, whether faced with famine, disease, flood, war, bandits or hardest of all, indifference. His converts numbered few in the annals of the Church; but every one came willingly. Cronin has created immortal characters before, but this time he has surpassed himself. And there is no lag in the telling; past and present are knit firmly into one unified picture. And the lesson is a lesson for troubled times, when religion is sorely needed and faith a vital force. Catholics may feel that reflection is cast on the worldliness of the church hierarchy; but none can question the reverent spirit in which the old priest says: ""The Church is our great mother, leading us forward... a band of pilgrims, through the night. But perhaps there are other mothers. And perhaps even some poor solitary pilgrims who stumble home alone."" Yes, it is a good story -- but it is more. It is a great book, a book that has no limitations of creed or faith. The publishers are backing it with the largest initial appropriation they have ever given one book. Use the sales aids they have made available, -- imprinted postcards, posters, a series of advertisements. It is a book you can make into a best seller.

Pub Date: July 11, 1941

ISBN: 0829423346

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1941

Categories: FICTION