If you crave novels rich in moral complexity and spiritual depth, this classic is for you. The story artfully weaves themes of faith, redemption, and human frailty against the vivid backdrop of war-torn Southern Italy. Morris West's writing shines in how he gradually reveals the mystery of Giacomo Nerone and explores what it means to seek integrity amidst life's messiness. Lovers of literary fiction, thoughtful historical novels, or anyone interested in the nuances of Catholic tradition and inquisitive character studies will find this book deeply satisfying.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers may find the religious focus and existential questions a bit heavy-handed, especially if they're looking for a lighter read or a more fast-paced plot. A few have noted the third act feels a little rushed compared to the thoughtful build-up, and the prose - sometimes sparse, sometimes poetic - won't suit everyone’s tastes. If you’re after action or a straightforward thriller, or if theological debates aren’t for you, this might not hit the mark.

A beautifully written, introspective novel that explores faith and humanity in a small Italian village. It's not just for the religious - a rewarding read for anyone who appreciates character-driven fiction that asks big questions.

About:

The Devil's Advocate by Morris West is a tale of suffering, human failings, redemption, and faith set in Southern Italy during World War II. Monsignor Blaise Meredith is assigned the task of being a Devil's Advocate for the beautification of Giacomo Nerone, a British officer who deserts his post after a tragic accident. Through interviews with Nerone's widow, Nina Sanduzzi, his friend Dr. Aldo Myers, and other characters in the small town of Calabria, Nerone's life unfolds gradually, revealing his search for love, peace, and God amidst his past sins. The book delves into the emotional and spiritual depth of the characters, exploring themes of personal relationships, human struggles, and the complexities of faith.

The writing style of The Devil's Advocate is described as beautifully written with characters full of human follies, sacrifices, and the dichotomy of good and evil. The author, Morris West, presents thoughtfully developed characters with interesting backstories, engaging the reader in the evolution of their lives and circumstances. The plot unfolds with suspense, resembling a murder mystery but delving into deeper faith mysteries and moral conflicts, making the book a fascinating and moving read.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, offering rich backgrounds and contributing to the overall themes of integrity, compassion, and personal realization.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is notable for its plainness complemented by eloquence, engaging readers through emotive and straightforward prose.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Monsignor Blaise Meredith, tasked with investigating the life of Giacomo Nerone for sainthood, delving into deep themes of suffering and redemption during wartime.

Setting:

The setting is in Southern Italy during WWII, with a backdrop that reflects the struggles and complexities of human relationships amidst societal challenges.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging and well-balanced, combining investigative suspense with emotional depth that keeps readers captivated.

He was a reasonable man and reason told him that a man’s death sentence is written on his palm the day he is born; he was a cold man, little troubled by passion, irked not at all by discipline, yet hi...

Notes:

The setting is Southern Italy during World War II.

Monsignor Blaise Meredith is the main character assigned to be the Devil's Advocate for Giacomo Nerone's beautification.

Nerone was a British officer who deserted after causing a tragic accident.

He killed an infant and parents, then fled to seek love and redemption.

Nerone's widow Nina Sanduzzi and his friend Dr. Aldo Myers narrate his life story.

Nerone was eventually shot by a partisan firing squad.

The plot includes themes of suffering, redemption, and faith.

Nerone fathered a blind child with Nina, who miraculously regained sight after three weeks after many prayers.

The novel explores the complexities of human nature and moral conflict.

Characters experience deep emotional and spiritual struggles.

It examines the process of sainthood within the Catholic Church.

The writing style is described as plain yet eloquent, allowing for vivid imagination.

The story emphasizes the importance of community and personal relationships.

It critiques the modern approach to confession in the church.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of death, cancer, war, and violence, particularly in the context of World War II.

Has Romance?

Romantic elements exist primarily through the relationships of characters such as Giacomo Nerone and Nina Sanduzzi.

From The Publisher:

In an impoverished village in southern Italy, the enigmatic life and mysterious death of Giacomo Nerone has inspired talk of sainthood. Father Blaise Meredith, a dying English priest, is sent by the Vatican to investigate. As he tries to untangle the web of facts, rumors and outright lies that surround Nerone, The Devil's Advocate reminds us how the power of goodness ultimately prevails over despair. The Devil's Advocate was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the W.H. Heinemann Award of the Royal Society of Literature, and was made into a film.

1959

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445 pages

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The Devil's Advocate

Morris West

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