NEVER THE GOLDEN CITY

by O.P. Sister Mary Jean Dorcey ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1962

In her foreword to Never the Golden City Sister Mary Jean Dorcey, O.P., explains that she is ""incident prose"", and readers of this unpretentious, delightful book will agree with her. Sister Mary Jean Dorcey, as well known for her drawings as for her articles and books, sets off for New Mexico to collect legends of the Southwest to fill out a children's book. Legends she does collect. The book is filled with them, and she weaves them skillfully into her story about Jaime Valdez, grandson of Geronimo, the famous Apache chief. For it is Jaime -- whose ""best friend"" is St. Joseph -- who sends Sister and her traveling companion, Sister Christine, off on a futile trip to Santa to track down members of his family who will help her find the Madonna of the lost cave of the Indians. In their search for the non-existent relatives -- they come upon the legends of the area which the author feels are an uncomplicated exposition of the spirit of the thing rather than the facts. Sister paints a colorful portrait of the shrines, art work and scenery of Santa Fe. During the annual Conquistadora procession, which she recreates in detail, she compels her readers to stop for a little while into ""the stream of living history and to touch eternity with both mind and heart"". While the story of Jaime's background is never really resolved, the reader senses that it would be an anti-climax if it were. Is the book fact or fiction? Sister Mary Jean Dorcey says she doesn't know. The reader can only surmise.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1962

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Sheed & Ward

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1962

Categories: NONFICTION