|
There are a chosen few in this world blessed with the talent to craft a good story. William Brodrick has not only the talent but also a graceful way with a pen. While this is his first book, he writes with the polish of a veteran author and brings his readers a story filled with tragedy, love, redemption and forgiveness. His background as an Augustinian friar lends his prose a certain beauty, and his current persona as a lawyer infuses his tale with high intrigue. He spends the first half of the book slowly building the framework of an intricate mystery, then deliciously unravels it piece by piece in the second half. His pace is measured --- so much so that the urge to look ahead was almost irresistible. But that would spoil the surprises.
Agnes Aubret survived the German occupation of Paris in 1942. She survived the death camp and its aftermath. Now she is dying --- unfairly, she believes --- of a disease that will take her quickly from her family. She remembers one man from her horrific past who she has waited a lifetime to see account for his crimes. As her time nears an end, she notices him on the television news. To her horror, she realizes he has sought sanctuary at nearby Lakewood Priory. She is stunned and wants answers. But she has precious little time.
Lakewood's Father Anselm, barrister turned monk, is asked to handle the delicate situation for the church. The church, it is feared, will be set in a bad light if the Nazi now living within the monastery walls is guilty of the allegations. The monk tracks down leads all over England, and some in France, trying to sort out the truth. It is elusive, however, and often appearances are deceiving. In fact, most of the characters are not what --- or who --- they initially seemed to be.
While Father Anselm works to uncover the truth, Agnes's granddaughter Lucy is doing a little investigating of her own. Agnes has recounted her awful history, telling Lucy about The Round Table, a group formed to smuggle Jewish children to safety in Switzerland, and about its ultimate demise. Someone within the small organization betrayed them. Agnes always thought she knew who it was. But maybe she was wrong. Lucy's love for her grandmother thrusts her into a fervid hunt to find out what really happened, so Agnes can die in the peace that has eluded her for so long.
Nearly overflowing with characters, THE 6TH LAMENTATION keeps its readers rapt with personalities in addition to action. Aside from Father Anselm, the monks are all distinct individuals, rich with quirky behaviors and odd traits. The cast from Agnes's time in Paris comes alive with their own pasts and motives. The face of evil fades with the years, blurring the hatred that once resided there. Fifty years later, an old man standing before his accusers simply looks frail, not like a murderous barbarian. But who is he inside?
Brodrick handles an ugly subject with just the right mix of disgust and gentleness. He blends the utter repulsiveness of that hideous time in history with the compassion due the victims and their families. The wronged are well treated by this author. The guilty are given little sympathy. While Brodrick claims this is a novel, it reads like nonfiction --- fast and true. This is a dazzling debut.
--- Reviewed by Kate Ayers
 Click here now to buy this book from Amazon.com.
Click here to get the audiobook from Audible.com.
© Copyright 1996-2008, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
Back to top.
|
