3 *MORE* Novel Recommendations for Catholics
Pursuing Truth through literature can be spiritually nourishing!
I was recently tasked with creating a new class for the school that I work in. Essentially, I was creating a class for seniors that incorporated film and literature into the same curriculum. While I wasn’t able to incorporate overtly religious texts into the class (I work at a public school), it did make me ponder some of the most impactful novels that I have ever read.
So, I figured that I would pick out 3 of the absolute gems that I consistently go back to- whether for an entertaining read or for a deep spiritual lesson.
If you would like more recommendations, I made another article listing off 3 absolutely fantastic novels in a previous article. Check it out!
Recommendation #1- “Sophia House” by Michael D. O’Brien
Yes, I’m a big fan of O’Brien’s work, and yes- you should count on one of his novels being on each of these lists!
O’Brien writes an intriguing plot in each installment of his Father Elijah Trilogy. The prequel is no exception.
“Sophia House” tells the story of a young David Schaeffer (a young Father Elijah), who runs from his concentration camp in Warsaw, Poland. By Divine Providence, David is taken in by the owner of the Sophia House bookstore, Pawel Tarnowski. While David stays hidden in the attic, he and Pawel have philosophical, theological, and political discussions.
If you have read “Father Elijah”, then you know that Elijah wasn’t always a Catholic- he was raised as an orthodox Jew. This novel is the telling of the beginning of his Catholic conversion.
The plot shows the beauty of love, and how love cannot be separated from suffering and sacrifice. Both characters, David and Pawel, undergo serious transformation while wrestling with interior suffering.
Pawel is, in my opinion, the perfect main character to hold up in a culture that creates popular media that almost exclusively portrays a “good man gone bad”. Pawel has a tragic backstory, and struggles with sin and just giving in to temptation. I won’t give any spoilers, but I will say that this isn’t going to be a Walter White from Breaking Bad transformation!
Recommendation #2- “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty
Two years before “The Exorcist” became a smash-hit at the box office, it was a widely popular novel. The movie looms so large that I was never aware that it had novel, let alone that the novel came before the film.
Honestly, I expected to read an overly-dramatic, hokey exorcist story, similar to a lot of the horror movies made in recent years. Instead what I found was a gripping story, mostly accurate, and faithfully Catholic. It’s also something of a time capsule, capturing the tumultuous period of Catholicism in America following the close of the Second Vatican Council.
The plot follows actress Chris McNeil and the slow possession of her daughter, Reagan. While seeking medical and psychological intervention for Reagan, Chris is eventually recommended to Father Karras SJ.
Father Karras is a man struggling with his lack of faith and other personal problems. He’s also a licensed psychiatrist with a big issue- he doesn’t believe in demonic possession. The spiritual tension throughout the novel is what makes the novel more than just a scary demonic story.
True to its Catholic roots, the novel doesn’t try to give the devil more power than he has. All the open doors that could lead to possession are noted in the story: Chris is an atheist who refuses to baptize her daughter and allows Reagan to play with a Ouija board.
The story is absolutely gripping, but the ending leaves a lot to be desired. While the story’s conclusion is well-intentioned, it just misses the mark.
***WARNING: There are numerous scenes in the novel that I skipped, namely the description of a black mass and the ending of part 2. Also, there’s lots of swearing, sexual language, and worst of all taking the Lord’s name in vain. Read with caution***
Recommendation #3- “Lord of the World” by Father Robert Hugh Benson
Lots of ink has been spilled over this novel, especially in recent years.
This is the story of Father Percy Franklin coming into contact with the Antichrist and the end of the world. Telling much else about the plot will begin to spoil key details, so I will leave it at that.
The novel has grown in popularity due to the instability of our current culture, and the recommendation of Pope Francis in 2023.
Those who are devotees of the TLM will love this novel. It’s infused with ecclesiastical Latin throughout (something that goes over my head. I’m still new to the TLM).
The story is gripping, and brings to life the parable of the narrow and wide roads from the Gospels. It’s an enlightening read and highly recommended!
Let me know what I missed!
Leave a comment! I want to hear if anyone else has some Catholic novel recommendations. God bless!