Cathedral by Nelson DeMille
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Book Reviews of Cathedral
Book Review: DeMille always delivers!
Summary: 4 Stars
One of my all-time favorite authors showed his extraordinary talent once again in Cathedral, in which Irish terrorists gain control of St. Patrick's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day, with the help/encouragement of various government agents. The suspense and action is palpable and you'll be on your seat until the very end, wondering whether or not the Cathedral will remain standing....
While not my favorite of his novels (I would recommend The Charm School, Plum Island, Gold Coast or Wildfire for first time readers), this one holds its own and shows how Mr. DeMille can write about virtually any topic and make it interesting and keep the reader on the edge of his/her seat until the last page. He also has this amazing sense of humor that never fails to shine through in his characters and his skillful diaglogues.
I thought I had read every one of his books until I recently came across this one and although it was written in the early 90's it is perhaps more relevant and relatable to day in a post 9/11 world. Highly recommended!!!!
Book Review: Oh Danny Boy. Oh . . .
Summary: 4 Stars
Irish fanatics take over the symbol of Ireland in New York City, St. Patrick's Cathedral, to bring to the world's attention British oppression in Northern Ireland.Also at play is some of the more sinister elements of the British Secret Service, some members of whom would seek to permit the worst to happen in an effort to further their own goals in cracking down on Belfast. So like John LeCarre's image of "love your country, fear your government," virtually everyone has a hidden, perhaps evil agenda.
But DeMille is a master storyteller and the descriptions are vivid, beautiful and frightening. His recreation of the Cathedral at night, with two terrorists playing Gaelic hymns on the organ and bells, is extraordinary. An excellent novel told of strife thousands of miles away brought to the five boroughs of New York.
One point. It's one of DeMille's earlier works written in the early '80's. Readers might recollect some of the Catholic - Protestant tensions that are now gratefully dimminishing.
Classic DeMille. Worth the effort.
Book Review: Not my favorite DeMille . . . but an entertaining ride . . .
Summary: 4 Stars
My knowledge of "the troubles" in Northern Ireland are limited. With that said, I found the story line in THE CATHEDRAL most interesting and it gave me a lot to think about.
Cliches abound in the story, but they are not so much a distraction as just simple cliches. The bad guys are pretty bad. The "redeemed ones" are tempted, but do not go back to their destructive ways. And, the good guys prevail, as you knew they would, dented and roughed up, but still the good guys.
I listened to the book on tape on a recent road trip and enjoyed Michael Murphy's reading. He gave each character a voice and a point of view sometimes lacking in books on tape.
DeMille is one of my favorite authors, but this was not one of my favorite DeMille's. Maybe he is of Irish ancestory and felt compelled to tell this story. If so, I'm glad he got it out of his system and has gone back to a more familiar genre.
Enjoy!
Book Review: DeMille Does It in Third Person!
Summary: 4 Stars
Finally! I knew he could do it. DeMille wrote a great read in the third person! I am picky, and this book fulfilled most of my lofty expectations.I gave only four stars for a preference of mine. I like the occasional shot of humor in books. I know that so serious a story as this (IRA bombings and hostages are not subjects of the lighthearted) are known more for their suspense than their tickles, but the occasional moment of levity wouldn't necessarily distract from the impact and value of the story; indeed, it might serve to break the tension so that the reader obtains a well-deserved break in between shootings and bombings.
There are a lot of characters in this story, but deMille quite easily jockys them into positions of most important and trivial, so they don't serve to confuse the issues unnecessarily. I would recommend this book. Chances are you'll enjoy it. It's not The General's Daughter, but it's not bad at all.
Book Review: Riveting, but with flaws
Summary: 4 Stars
Cathedral is a great read. The characters are interesting, not mere paper dolls. While the end of the book is predictable, getting there was all the fun. The aged IRA terrorist was particularly well drawn. A few quibbles, however. The portrayal of the federal government representatives did not ring true. Washington would never have walked away from this one. Believe me, the State Department would have sent more than a supercillious security type to the scene. As a former Foreign Service Officer, I know the type of task force that would have been assembled for the takeover of such a prominent landmark as St. Pat's. Also, the takedown would not have been left to the City of New York. Well trained professionals, such as those in Delta or Seal Team 6 would have been involved. But as I said, these are quibbles. The plot moves along at a good clip, and the reader is eager to see it through to the end.