Vestments by John Reimringer

This powerful, enveloping novel takes its reader on a powerful journey into the heart of the Catholic Church and the lives and loves of those that populate it in St Paul, Minnesota at a certain time.
Beautifully written with a particular richness in the character development, this book had me hooked from the git go.

None of life`s varied issues are absent and none are glossed over, the depth and the humanity of the book are quite challenging, as are the myriad of questions raised.. especially those relating to right and wrong and who makes the judgement call, the power of attachment and love. The hidden secrets of both church societies and families will all have you thinking as you turn the pages in anticipation of the next revelation.

This book moved at a good pace, it never became boggy and it had twists and turns that fitted perfectly with the storyline, the back lighting of the characters was another strength, it did so much to enhance your understanding of them and their motivations, like them or love them, you sure can`t ignore them and looking back they were so true to their time and place, that  even all the way across the ocean in Auckland, New Zealand you could recognise them had you have grown up in the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

A wonderful read, the characters of James and Betty will long live with you, this book can be special ordered and is available via the Library System.