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The Hawk and the Dove #3
The Long Fall
An engaging story from the Monastery of St. Alcuin by the author of The Hawk and the Dove and Wounds of God. This captivating tale continues a rich story of monastic life, which revolves around two men, Father Peregrine and Brother Tom, their touching friendship, and their devotion to God in the service of His people.
220 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 1992
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389 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Wilcock
30 books136 followersPenelope (Pen) Wilcock is the author of over twenty books, including The Hawk & the Dove Series 1 (9 volumes), and The Hawk & the Dove Series 2.
Having got back the publishing rights to her books, she and her husband Tony Collins have now republished them under their own imprint Humilis Hastings on the Amazon publishing platform. Pen Wilcock shares the profits from all her Humilis Hastings sales with a community of Carthusian monks in Sussex where she lives.
She has been a Methodist minister and has worked as a hospice and school chaplain.
Having got back the publishing rights to her books, she and her husband Tony Collins have now republished them under their own imprint Humilis Hastings on the Amazon publishing platform. Pen Wilcock shares the profits from all her Humilis Hastings sales with a community of Carthusian monks in Sussex where she lives.
She has been a Methodist minister and has worked as a hospice and school chaplain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 13, 2025
4.5 at least but not quite a 5. Glorious, exquisite prose with a never-to-be forgotten story. Set in the medieval Benedictine monastery of St. Alcuin, this marvelous novel gives us the story of the love and deep friendship between two men: the abbot, Father Peregrine, and his attendant, Brother Tom. The story opens as we see Tom in the monastery fields where he sometimes does farm work, describing the burgeoning summer around him.
The two men have become friends in the years since Tom has served Peregrine and are close, opening their hearts to each other. Tom is devastated when Peregrine suffers a massive stroke and is rendered helpless and is bereft of speech. Tom is resentful of the new acting abbot. His repugnance at Peregrine's condition leads him to avoid Peregrine. Through the good offices of the infirmarian and his assistants, the two are reconciled. Peregrine has missed his friend. There is a touching scene of apology and confession. Peregrine exacts a startling promise from the unwilling Tom. Will Tom have the opportunity as well as courage to keep it?
There are elements of gentle humor, as well as poignancy.
All of these monastics were individual personalities with their own foibles and characteristics. I liked Tom's display of the range of his so-human emotions: disgust, selfishness, grief, sorrow, love, friendship, and finally acceptance. Some of the theology seemed a bit muddled, but some was so true and bears remembering. There were outstanding individual incidents in the novel. I would not be surprised if the author used variations on some of her own experiences or those of other hospice workers in the story since she had been a minister and hospice chaplain; the scenes in the infirmary were so honest and real. I do so want to read others in this charming series. Highly recommended for those who like introspection in their reading.
I thank LibraryThing Early Reviewers for this wondrous book in exchange for my honest review.
The two men have become friends in the years since Tom has served Peregrine and are close, opening their hearts to each other. Tom is devastated when Peregrine suffers a massive stroke and is rendered helpless and is bereft of speech. Tom is resentful of the new acting abbot. His repugnance at Peregrine's condition leads him to avoid Peregrine. Through the good offices of the infirmarian and his assistants, the two are reconciled. Peregrine has missed his friend. There is a touching scene of apology and confession. Peregrine exacts a startling promise from the unwilling Tom. Will Tom have the opportunity as well as courage to keep it?
There are elements of gentle humor, as well as poignancy.
All of these monastics were individual personalities with their own foibles and characteristics. I liked Tom's display of the range of his so-human emotions: disgust, selfishness, grief, sorrow, love, friendship, and finally acceptance. Some of the theology seemed a bit muddled, but some was so true and bears remembering. There were outstanding individual incidents in the novel. I would not be surprised if the author used variations on some of her own experiences or those of other hospice workers in the story since she had been a minister and hospice chaplain; the scenes in the infirmary were so honest and real. I do so want to read others in this charming series. Highly recommended for those who like introspection in their reading.
I thank LibraryThing Early Reviewers for this wondrous book in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2019
I was looking for an uplifting happy book. This was not a happy book but incredible uplifting while also deeply full of sorrow.
August 10, 2015
If you have read Books 1 and 2 of Penelope Wilcock’s series set in a 14th century monastery, you will want to read Book 3 to find out the rest of Father Peregrine’s story. While this volume could stand alone, I think it will mean more if you have read the first two. If you have not read the first 2 volumes of the series, you should probably get the new 3-in-1 volume to have the trilogy all together. Father Peregrine, the abbot of St. Alcuin’s Abbey, is now 60 and Brother Thomas, his esquire, is 33. Because of a terrible beating years ago, Father Peregrine is disabled and needs a lot of assistance with physical tasks and he and Brother Tom have become very close friends. In this volume, Father Peregrine has a stroke. The very poignant story shows the way the monks handle this in the infirmary. There is a lot of detail about farming of the time as Brother Tom goes out to work on the farm. There is a very deep look at friendship and vulnerability as Brother Tom and Father Peregrine discover an even deeper level of compassion. I recommend this book. I received a copy from the publisher by way of The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2021
"Love has no defences, and you only know it's love when it hurts."
A quiet story about what it's like to die, and what it's like to watch someone you love die.
A quiet story about what it's like to die, and what it's like to watch someone you love die.
July 1, 2025
This book brought me the closest to tears that I’ve been in ages while reading. The emotional connection between Tom and Father Peregrine is so raw and real that it draws you into the despair and redemption of the situation. Tom’s reaction to Peregrine’s stroke is portrayed in such a real way for his character, and watching them come together… there’s just something so special about their relationship. I read the last few chapters all at once and it just grips you in such a deep way that leaves a lasting impression. It’s so well written, so nuanced and such a raw display of helplessness.
November 19, 2024
This book shifted from story within story to story around one idea - Father Peregrine’s physical demise. An authentic exploration of grief and loss. Very poignant.
April 24, 2021
I was skeptical about this series at first. A series on medieval monks? But I’ve found a lot of comfort and soul-nourishment in these books. The lives of these monks - their struggles and their relationships - are inspiring and feel authentic.
This book in particular digs deep into the pain surrounding debilitating illness, the discomfort experienced by others, and how to brave the fear and be a friend in the darkest hour. It’s a beautiful story.
This book in particular digs deep into the pain surrounding debilitating illness, the discomfort experienced by others, and how to brave the fear and be a friend in the darkest hour. It’s a beautiful story.
October 23, 2018
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** The third book of the trilogy was so powerful some great messages given by Fr.
Perequine before his first stroke. The story
continues with the brothers taking care of
Fr.Pereguine and others who are in the infirmary. Brother Thomas becomes quite close with Fr. Peregrine. He helps him restore his speech.
Perequine before his first stroke. The story
continues with the brothers taking care of
Fr.Pereguine and others who are in the infirmary. Brother Thomas becomes quite close with Fr. Peregrine. He helps him restore his speech.
September 17, 2012
I am one of those people who seem to grasp things better with a story than straight forward non-fiction, and the spiritual truths and insight into human nature in this story are fantastic. While this 3rd book in The Hawk and The Dove series is more of an ongoing narrative and not a bunch of short stories strung together, I believe it works. Definitely sad, but with a redeeming message. I really enjoyed it.
May 5, 2019
In this 3rd book in Wilcock's series, she abandons the modern time focus, and the whole book is about Father Peregrine, the 14th century Benedictine monk. She write with great insight into disability and helplessness. The spiritual truths are deep and thought-provoking. I highly recommend this book.
July 26, 2017
This is book three of The Hawk and the Dove series. It can be read as a standalone, but I believe that the reader will enjoy it far more after having read the first two.
There are several differences between this book and the previous two. First, the more modern thread, the mother telling the stories to her daughter, is gone, leaving just the stories that take place in the monastery. But perhaps the most disconcerting change is that where the others focus on life, this one narrows down to the end of life, illness, and the dignity and value each life has, even in the infirm or insane.
In many ways, this is an incredibly difficult read, especially for those who have recently mourned a loved one. The details and indignities, as well as the reactions others have, left me in tears more than once. This book tackles some hard realities and ugly situations, so I would recommend this book for only the most mature of teens and up.
There are several instances of humor, too, of pithy quotes that stick with the reader long after the book has been put down. The mental image, for example, of an idea "going down like a dish of toenails" had me both chuckling and groaning.
Over all, however, is the idea that true love hurts: only by opening ourselves up to others, by revealing our innermost selves, do we truly love. But that love injures as well, especially when the loved one hurts or even dies. Love makes us vulnerable, but it also makes life worth living, and that is the greatest beauty of all. The best example of this is Christ—His love for us led him to a torturous death so we could be with Him for eternity.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through the Book Club Network (bookfun.org) but no compensation for this review. I was not required to write a favorable one and the opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
There are several differences between this book and the previous two. First, the more modern thread, the mother telling the stories to her daughter, is gone, leaving just the stories that take place in the monastery. But perhaps the most disconcerting change is that where the others focus on life, this one narrows down to the end of life, illness, and the dignity and value each life has, even in the infirm or insane.
In many ways, this is an incredibly difficult read, especially for those who have recently mourned a loved one. The details and indignities, as well as the reactions others have, left me in tears more than once. This book tackles some hard realities and ugly situations, so I would recommend this book for only the most mature of teens and up.
There are several instances of humor, too, of pithy quotes that stick with the reader long after the book has been put down. The mental image, for example, of an idea "going down like a dish of toenails" had me both chuckling and groaning.
Over all, however, is the idea that true love hurts: only by opening ourselves up to others, by revealing our innermost selves, do we truly love. But that love injures as well, especially when the loved one hurts or even dies. Love makes us vulnerable, but it also makes life worth living, and that is the greatest beauty of all. The best example of this is Christ—His love for us led him to a torturous death so we could be with Him for eternity.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through the Book Club Network (bookfun.org) but no compensation for this review. I was not required to write a favorable one and the opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
July 7, 2018
The Hawk and the Dove is a series quite unlike any other I've read in the medevial setting. The first two were short stories shared as they were passed down through the generations to a story telling mother who has a fascinated audience in her daughter. But this one is a stand alone novel about the monks of the English abbey who lived at least six centuries ago.
The description of the story may not sound particularly interesting, either, although the title does.
Who wants to read about a monk who has a stroke?
But Wilcock has woven a fantastic story of human weakness, grief, loss, and the struggle to gain God's strength to not only face it all, but find victory and maturity in it.
Father Peregrine must struggle with yet another blow to his health, his pride, and his dignity.
Brother Tom, one of the brothers who knows him best of all, struggles to deal with the permanent loss of the man he knew, as he knew him. Now the father needs him more than ever, and for a time Tom can't pull himself together enough to be there for him.
The story weaves the strengths, character, and weaknesses of some of the other brothers into the story as well, making them all come alive to the reader.
And finally, the author's intimate knowledge of caring for the aged and the infirm comes through strongly to make the entire situation achingly realistic. In the setting of what was available to them at the time, she presents amazing descriptions of how the nursing monks dealt with the very ill and crippled.
It is a story of heart breaking loss and awesome victories. A story of humanity, with all of the characteristics that have come down through the centuries, that will remind the reader of their own struggles and perhaps people they've personally known.
The description of the story may not sound particularly interesting, either, although the title does.
Who wants to read about a monk who has a stroke?
But Wilcock has woven a fantastic story of human weakness, grief, loss, and the struggle to gain God's strength to not only face it all, but find victory and maturity in it.
Father Peregrine must struggle with yet another blow to his health, his pride, and his dignity.
Brother Tom, one of the brothers who knows him best of all, struggles to deal with the permanent loss of the man he knew, as he knew him. Now the father needs him more than ever, and for a time Tom can't pull himself together enough to be there for him.
The story weaves the strengths, character, and weaknesses of some of the other brothers into the story as well, making them all come alive to the reader.
And finally, the author's intimate knowledge of caring for the aged and the infirm comes through strongly to make the entire situation achingly realistic. In the setting of what was available to them at the time, she presents amazing descriptions of how the nursing monks dealt with the very ill and crippled.
It is a story of heart breaking loss and awesome victories. A story of humanity, with all of the characteristics that have come down through the centuries, that will remind the reader of their own struggles and perhaps people they've personally known.
August 27, 2020
A good (although not necessarily great) ending to the original trilogy of The Hawk and the Dove series. The author makes a odd move by removing the dialog of he 20th century teenage girl Melissa hearing stories from mother about St. Alcuin's monastery and instead the text jumps directly to Father Peregrine and his brothers. While Melissa and her family did not always add much to the larger story, it is a startling change and at the least the author should have started the book with them. This book also differs from the first two in the series in that it focuses primarily on two individuals and one event instead of jumping story to story. This particular book of the story tells of a major stroke Abbot Father Peregrine has, and how his assistant Brother Tom must adjust. Wilcock does a good job detailing the impact of a stroke on the individual and their loved ones, and dives into issues of aging and theological crises well. Well worth the read if you have enjoyed the first two in the series, even with some of the noted structural issues in the book.
October 31, 2020
This book changed forever the way I see people trapped in bodies that keep them immobile and mute.
What I say for this book goes for all six books in this series: I wouldn’t call them high art or stellar literature by some standards, yet they accomplish for me what the best books do: they pull me in, engage me in the characters, and change my thinking. It’s the theology that almost makes me want to reread them immediately.
They nearly earn five stars, and I almost fear it’s literary snobbery that keeps me at four stars, for although I’d say the writing hasn’t reached perfection (too saccharine? sometimes cliche? predictable? emotion leads the way?), these books lead me to see humans, vulnerability, mercy, and grief with new eyes. The insight and tenderness is tangible, and if it’s the right time for you, these stories will change your life.
Also, the first two books contain stories within a story, and I find I can easily skip the framework story and lose nothing: it’s the stories set in the monastery that are memorable.
What I say for this book goes for all six books in this series: I wouldn’t call them high art or stellar literature by some standards, yet they accomplish for me what the best books do: they pull me in, engage me in the characters, and change my thinking. It’s the theology that almost makes me want to reread them immediately.
They nearly earn five stars, and I almost fear it’s literary snobbery that keeps me at four stars, for although I’d say the writing hasn’t reached perfection (too saccharine? sometimes cliche? predictable? emotion leads the way?), these books lead me to see humans, vulnerability, mercy, and grief with new eyes. The insight and tenderness is tangible, and if it’s the right time for you, these stories will change your life.
Also, the first two books contain stories within a story, and I find I can easily skip the framework story and lose nothing: it’s the stories set in the monastery that are memorable.
April 12, 2021
I love Wilcock's characters. They are flawed but beautiful in their own ways, they struggle and they grow. Along the way their stories encourage me and inspire me in my faith and character.
This is an insightful story into grief, loss and love. It pulls no punches but Wilcock balances these with natural beauty and wise words, painted with powerful language.
If you don't like theology, you might find the books in this series have a bit too much you want to skip over. I value it, though, and see a depth of understanding and an ability to express it that is rarely seen in fiction. This, as with the previous three novels, inspires me and leaves me with memories of these fourteenth century monks that continue to colour my inner world.
This is an insightful story into grief, loss and love. It pulls no punches but Wilcock balances these with natural beauty and wise words, painted with powerful language.
If you don't like theology, you might find the books in this series have a bit too much you want to skip over. I value it, though, and see a depth of understanding and an ability to express it that is rarely seen in fiction. This, as with the previous three novels, inspires me and leaves me with memories of these fourteenth century monks that continue to colour my inner world.
February 7, 2024
These short books are both uplifting and a little heartbreaking, particularly this one. I prefer the setting all in the past in the abbey as author did with this third book, as the focus stays with the characters in the past.
In this book, you will experience love, loss, and discovery of what is really important in our life. We each learn how to love, care and serve those we care about in our life. Penelope Wilcock has found the words of comfort, awareness and vulnerability we each need in our lives.
In this book, you will experience love, loss, and discovery of what is really important in our life. We each learn how to love, care and serve those we care about in our life. Penelope Wilcock has found the words of comfort, awareness and vulnerability we each need in our lives.
November 4, 2024
I've read this trilogy three times--with each read I saw the characters growing personally and in relation to one another as they learned about themselves. I couldn't stop reading each book.
The relationship between Father Peregrine and young Thomas is a very precious gift to each of them.
"In this journey to the depths of humanity, the two men discover together the treasures of darkness and the intimate mystery of compassion. Engaging and beautifully written, warm and haunting, The Long Fall concludes the first trilogy in the Hawk and the Dove series."
The relationship between Father Peregrine and young Thomas is a very precious gift to each of them.
"In this journey to the depths of humanity, the two men discover together the treasures of darkness and the intimate mystery of compassion. Engaging and beautifully written, warm and haunting, The Long Fall concludes the first trilogy in the Hawk and the Dove series."
November 19, 2023
The Long Fall, the third in the series, recounts the excruciating details of Fr Peregrine’s massive stroke. Clearly Wilcock has intimate knowledge of the pain and indignities of stroke victims and describes the recovery and tragic recurrence in graphic and empathic language. His special assistant Brother Thomas must face his own fears and demons as he becomes the caregiver of a frail but cognitively acute dying man. A moving and poignant elegy to sickness, love and loss.
December 27, 2025
I missed the family story telling aspect of the other books in the series at first but I think it made sense for this one to be told from the point of view of the brothers. If you are looking for simple entertainment you may not appreciate this book but if you desire to gain understanding into human suffering and how difficult it can be to hold on to our faith when times are really dark, then this offers insight.
December 4, 2020
So powerful. I don’t think I’ll be the same afterwards. I am the caregiver to my husband with terminal cancer and this unleashed so much in me. It helped me learn what to pray for, how to face things head in and never run and hide. I’ve got so much more te ponder after the final pages. Now to read more by this author. Amazing.
December 20, 2020
3.5 or 4. This third book in The Hawk and the Dove series deals with the decline and death of the monastery’s beloved abbot. The way of these monks, the dignified way they care for the aged and paralyzed, the wisdom in how they understand grief and tend to it, stands in such stark contrast to our modern ways.
November 19, 2019
Very beautiful and moving story. Also it's very hard to read as it deals closely with grief, disability and the sanctity of life. And those who are often overlooked by the church. It's not a story I will easily forget.
March 23, 2020
I have given each one of the books in this series 5 stars for story, theme, and just beauty in each one of these books. I sometimes lose track of the Fathers, but I think that’s because I let too much time pass between books.
November 17, 2020
This was a tough book because it dealt with the main character after a stroke and his recovery and eventual decline. It had a lot to say about loving someone in that situation, going through that situation, and grief.
November 2, 2021
Warning: having plenty of tissues ready as you read this 3rd book in the series. Absolutely loved the description of friendship-love and the (often hard to swallow) truths wrapped up in a good story.
April 9, 2023
Simple but powerful. An excellent story about suffering and the value of life with some funny moments (as a nurse I know all too well what the monks in the infirmary must have gone through). Delightful.
May 18, 2023
I'm glad she stopped using the frame narrative. It wasn't adding anything. Without spoilers, this one went in a completely different direction than I expected, for the better. Describing and exploring a stage of life that I've never read in this much detail anywhere in fiction.
October 16, 2023
Engaging, descriptive, and quite moving. I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first two in the series, but perhaps that’s because it deals with (quite tenderly and beautifully I must say) some very hard things. Recommended.
January 26, 2025
After "living" with the same monks through three books, they become more vulnerable with each other, wrestle with life and death, love, loss, and grief, theology, and God.
I cried through the last few chapters, letting me know that I had become emotionally invested in the lives of these monks.
I cried through the last few chapters, letting me know that I had become emotionally invested in the lives of these monks.
December 20, 2020
Sad ending to the trilogy but but well expressed the pain of death and loss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews