mschlat's review against another edition
3.0
A short novel about a retired priest who lives in his car as he travels west to see old friends. Along the way, he picks up an injured coyote, hears many people talk about the supernatural, visits odd roadside attractions, meditates on the writings of early Christians, and slowly makes his way to the business that's been troubling him the entire time. I found the whole thing just slightly too rambling for my tastes, but I enjoyed seeing thoughts on Christian mysticism presented smack dab next to roadside diners and a giant ball of paint.
siria's review against another edition
5.0
A surprisingly self-assured first novel, Via Negativa tells the story of Fr. Dan, a rather heterodox priest who is ousted from his retirement in Indiana and sets off on a road trip across the U.S., stopping along the way to explore kitschy tourist attractions and rescue an injured coyote. This is not a novel about events so much as it is about ruminations on faith, how it is lost and how it is maintained. As the title suggests, this is also as much about what is not said as it is about what is. Ordinarily this kind of book wouldn't hold much appeal for me, for a whole variety of reasons, but Daniel Hornsby's prose is a delight to read and there were so many points where I had to laugh in delighted recognition at some observation of Fr. Dan's. (He's not generally trying to be funny, but if you're an extremely lapsed Catholic like me, there are some things that are just going to hit you as darkly funny and/or yup, that's how it is.) If you're interested in themes of faith, loss, guilt, redemption, various medieval Christian philosophers and/or coyotes, this book is recommended.
sydthebookw0rm's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bobwhite37's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
sherylcat's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this strange little book. The priest's description of the children's religious artwork at the nursing home was so funny I nearly choked. My only problem is that the end is abrupt. Thought I missed something. I don't mind an open ending, but that was confusing. Guess it fits such an odd book.
madidori's review against another edition
4.0
From this book:
“I am an anchoress, too. I’ve sealed myself in the Church. I let it swallow me whole. I took a solemn vow. I pledged my allegiance to the flag. But what happens when it shows no loyalty to you? What happens when it spits you out?”
This book was really interesting! It’s about a retired Catholic priest, a coyote he saved, a gun, & shattered faith. I will add a trigger/content warning that the Catholic Sex Abuse crisis is talked about & is a main part of this story.
What do you do when the church you devoted yourself too lets you down? What happens when you, as one who made a vow to the church, become the one who lets others down?
This book was a beautiful, quick read about dealing with one’s faith when it seems that that exact faith is what has let you down / been the force that you used to disappoint others. The main character is taking stock of his life while on a road trip after retiring from the priesthood and it’s a powerful story of friendship, loss, and God. Even though, God is not often talked about. Hence, via negativa!
I definitely recommend this one!!
“I am an anchoress, too. I’ve sealed myself in the Church. I let it swallow me whole. I took a solemn vow. I pledged my allegiance to the flag. But what happens when it shows no loyalty to you? What happens when it spits you out?”
This book was really interesting! It’s about a retired Catholic priest, a coyote he saved, a gun, & shattered faith. I will add a trigger/content warning that the Catholic Sex Abuse crisis is talked about & is a main part of this story.
What do you do when the church you devoted yourself too lets you down? What happens when you, as one who made a vow to the church, become the one who lets others down?
This book was a beautiful, quick read about dealing with one’s faith when it seems that that exact faith is what has let you down / been the force that you used to disappoint others. The main character is taking stock of his life while on a road trip after retiring from the priesthood and it’s a powerful story of friendship, loss, and God. Even though, God is not often talked about. Hence, via negativa!
I definitely recommend this one!!
lilyreads's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Funny in a sad way, sad in a funny way, really beautiful, and deeply moving.
kayfett's review against another edition
3.0
A quick and easy read but had a few problems with it. First, I think you have to have some understanding of Christianity, if not Catholicism, to understand this book. Which I am, but I'm sure it will alienate some readers.
Secondly is that the narrator's voice felt much younger than how old he was supposed to be, which just bugged me because it felt like my imagination was at odds with the words on the page.
Lastly, the book dealt with a lot of internal theology and spirituality that was left -- I'm sure intentionally -- vague. Any story resolution was soft, if it existed at all, and I guess I was hoping for a bit more of a payoff in the physical and mental wanderings of the main character.
Secondly is that the narrator's voice felt much younger than how old he was supposed to be, which just bugged me because it felt like my imagination was at odds with the words on the page.
Lastly, the book dealt with a lot of internal theology and spirituality that was left -- I'm sure intentionally -- vague. Any story resolution was soft, if it existed at all, and I guess I was hoping for a bit more of a payoff in the physical and mental wanderings of the main character.
katemac's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0