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A review by batwoman411
One Night Two Souls Went Walking by Ellen Cooney
5.0
This book checked all my boxes for a five star read: wise narrator, understated prose, unexpected plot developments, tightly woven story arc, unlikely friendships, suffering transformed into strength and growth, and a hint of the supernatural.
God, Cooney can write, and while I could not relate as much to the chaplain identity of the narrator, I could relate to her human vulnerability and perseverance in what she believes in. And to the psychic wounds she receives from others. And to her acceptance of these wounds and determination to help others despite how they treat her.
If you are considering reading this book based upon the description provided by the publisher, you may be misled. The back cover blurb says that the young chaplain is joined on her rounds by a dog, who may be a ghost. However, there are two dog experiences, and they appear briefly. Most of the narrative is about the narrator visiting people in the hospital without any dog accompaniment. Their stories and the narrator’s own flashbacks form the substance of the storyline. The dogs play minor roles. However the second dog experience is profound and deeply moving, not in a tragic way, but a hopeful one. You may be a little transformed yourself afterward.
I highly recommend this quick but poignant read.
God, Cooney can write, and while I could not relate as much to the chaplain identity of the narrator, I could relate to her human vulnerability and perseverance in what she believes in. And to the psychic wounds she receives from others. And to her acceptance of these wounds and determination to help others despite how they treat her.
If you are considering reading this book based upon the description provided by the publisher, you may be misled. The back cover blurb says that the young chaplain is joined on her rounds by a dog, who may be a ghost. However, there are two dog experiences, and they appear briefly. Most of the narrative is about the narrator visiting people in the hospital without any dog accompaniment. Their stories and the narrator’s own flashbacks form the substance of the storyline. The dogs play minor roles. However the second dog experience is profound and deeply moving, not in a tragic way, but a hopeful one. You may be a little transformed yourself afterward.
I highly recommend this quick but poignant read.