Lazarus

This, the last of the Vatican Theology, I found ranks equal with the first, The Shoes of the Fisherman, and much more interesting and absorbing than the second, The Clowns of God. Once again it concerns the inner workings of the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic church and cleverly plays the spiritual against the apparently more worldly aspects of this major institution. The innermost thoughts of a pope facing imminent death through surgery and his 'born again' experience changing his outlook on life and the ministry of the church finds Leo XIV facing up to the final challenge of terrorism. But the book also gives insight into the popes retinue, friends and acqaintencies, each having their own agenda, fears and personalities. Not being a Roman Catholic, I have many adverse views as to the institution. Reading these trilogies, though fiction, has given me a a greater understanding that there is at least some spiritual awareness within individuals of the hierarchy, demonstrated ably by the authors' obvious insight.

I'm afraid I'm not going to finish this. The Clowns of God is one of my very favourite books which I reread every few years, so I was so happy to see this on Kindle. Unfortunately this one gets too bogged down in theology and the Catholic church admin. and the story gets forgotten. The balance of story to thought provoking ideas is all out of kilter. I'm sorry to say that it has been a big disappointment.

Morris West returns to the brilliance of his first publications with this intriguing and absorbing novel. His skilful use of language coupled with several engrossing plot lines make this a memorable book.

Why, oh why are other Morris West books - particularly the other ones in this Vatican Trilogy - not available on Kindle? I have loved his books for years so please, Publisher of Morris West Books, get them on Kindle!

I have read the first two books of the Vatican trilogy and I have from time to time reread them. This is the first time that I have read "Lazarus". It is worth reading as it is, as both the other two books are, an exploration of the dilemmas confronting a Pope. I am however somewhat disappointed; I did not feel as involved as I did with "The Shoes of the Fisherman" and "The Clowns of God".

Wonderful.

What can I say! Morris West, a brilliant story teller. Compulsive reading, I couldn't put the book down. It is of course, the third book of the Vatican Trilogy. All brilliant books in their own right.

Good read.