Reader Reviews

If you would like to add a comment or review of this novel, please send to the author at: clarkgabrielfield@clarkgabrielfield.com
 

        “Protagonist Father Robert Halloway drives down a western Kentucky highway with dents in his fenders, too. That fact helps make Clark Gabriel Field’s tale ring true as he details Halloway’s struggle to move forward in faith through questions about his identity and his sexuality – and against strong headwinds generated by the Church Bureaucratic. You’ll be taken by a strong erotic undertow into the deeper issues of justice and truth.”

Byron Rohrig, Staff Writer
Evansville Courier & Press

        “Readers will be fascinated to see the “human side” of this Catholic priest, Robert Halloway – his struggles with the power structures in the church and society. The Celibate kept me guessing how it would turn out as Robert debates within himself his destiny as a handsome giant – a god according to the women – who feels called to struggle with the people for justice and civil rights.”

(Fr.) Thomas R. Clark, STL
Pastor

        A reader’s first impression of Clark Field’s novel, The Celibate…, might well be that the title is something of a paradox. Father Robert Halloway, during his pastoral journey, is tempted on several occasions to break his vows. But that is by no means the only obstacle he faces. Among others: conflicts with church authorities, social and racial issues and lingering doubts as to the validity of his vocation.
         Other novels have attempted to portray a priest’s life. One that comes to mind: Graham Greene’s The Power and the Glory, about the trials and tribulations of a whisky priest. But even Greene’s classic doesn’t contain the details of a priest’s daily challenges like Clark Field’s novel does. You might well be reading Robert’s secret chronicles.

F. Birk Fischer,
Former High School Teacher

        "Robert" ("The Celibate, Robert of Paduke") arrived in yesterday's office mail. I started your book about 4, and by 10 last night I was in the middle of his trial. This afternoon, as soon as I returned from the sandbox (my office), I finished your book right before our evening meal.
         When I get "into" a good book, I can hardly put it down. It took me the first ten or so pages to get oriented, but after that I found Robert's story not only interesting, but riveting. Congratulations on a terrific book... As I read "Robert," I thought "This would be a terrific movie.

Dick Rosenbaum,
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

        "My heartfelt congratulations! I consider myself a very slow reader, but I was so amazed at your literary skills that I wanted to finish it in one reading. Not quite! Almost! Age!
        Your life experiences, imagination and literary talents have combined to create a very fine work. Your ability to describe details fascinated me. John Updike would approve. I look forward to reading any future work that comes forth from your pen."

Fr. Joe Dene
Bridgeport, WV

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© 2005 Clark Gabriel Field

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