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Motherless
Brian J. Gail has written another heart-pounding page turner of a novel for Catholics who are straining to hear their Church's voice in what Pope John Paul II called "the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-Church, the Gospel and the anti-Gospel." Motherless takes the reader on a riveting behind-the-scenes journey around the globe to the boardrooms and laboratories where the architects of The Life Sciences Revolution are preparing Mankind's Final Solution... and into the confessionals and chanceries where the Church's response is being challenged. Father John Sweeney, pastor of a small Catholic parish on Philadelphia's storied Main Line, is drawn into an apocalyptic vortex through the lives of parishioners Maggie Kealey, Michael Burns and Joe Delgado. Without warning they are ushered through the back door of the Revolution where they discover human embryos being created in laboratories and frozen in cryogenic freezers for a global black market. It is, however, when the
511 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
15 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 28, 2011
Motherless is the second novel of the American Tragedy in Trilogy series. I reviewed the first novel “Fatherless” here. The third novel “Childless” is due to be released this fall.
The novel picks up on many of the same characters introduced in the first novel, but some decades have elapsed as it takes place in modern time. The themes of the first novel remain as it deals with the toxic culture and the effects on families and Catholics dealing with their work environments. Retaining the faith in such environs and the dulling of conscience while compromising are again addressed. In this novel though Catholic healthcare is an important element of the plot and many things we have seen on the headlines and discussed on blogs is there. The diminishing of any real Catholic component as compromises with the Culture of Death become routine.
These subjects do not present a pretty picture as our culture does not present one and it is no surprise this is almost a dystopian-like novel. But like our faith, this is a novel not without hope and there are triumphs among the characters amid the setbacks and difficulties they encounter. Things don’t always come out rosy, but some characters strive to do what is right regardless. For me I find a lot of authenticity in what the author writes and that extends to the characters and to the plotting. The same goes for the dialogs of the various characters which seem quite natural. This also could be classed as an in-your-face Catholic novel in that the commentary via the characters is quite forthright and an accurate depiction of what the Church teaches.
One aspect of the novel is the human embryos required for ESCR and other research and aspects considering how they are obtained. The disgraced Korean doctor who was experimenting in human cloning pressured women he worked with to donate their eggs and I suspect the international attempts to get human eggs and fertilize them is just as bad if not worse in setting up a distribution system. The truth about IVF and the destruction of so many human persons also plays a role in this novel.
I quite enjoyed this novel as so much of the content is right up my alley and the authors views seem to coincide with my own. I heard the author Brian Gale a couple of times on Al Kresta’s show and I was impressed with both his knowledge and what he had to say. His background in the business world was certainly a springboard for his understanding in this world and the themes the novel addresses. I’m looking forward to the final installment of this tri
The novel picks up on many of the same characters introduced in the first novel, but some decades have elapsed as it takes place in modern time. The themes of the first novel remain as it deals with the toxic culture and the effects on families and Catholics dealing with their work environments. Retaining the faith in such environs and the dulling of conscience while compromising are again addressed. In this novel though Catholic healthcare is an important element of the plot and many things we have seen on the headlines and discussed on blogs is there. The diminishing of any real Catholic component as compromises with the Culture of Death become routine.
These subjects do not present a pretty picture as our culture does not present one and it is no surprise this is almost a dystopian-like novel. But like our faith, this is a novel not without hope and there are triumphs among the characters amid the setbacks and difficulties they encounter. Things don’t always come out rosy, but some characters strive to do what is right regardless. For me I find a lot of authenticity in what the author writes and that extends to the characters and to the plotting. The same goes for the dialogs of the various characters which seem quite natural. This also could be classed as an in-your-face Catholic novel in that the commentary via the characters is quite forthright and an accurate depiction of what the Church teaches.
One aspect of the novel is the human embryos required for ESCR and other research and aspects considering how they are obtained. The disgraced Korean doctor who was experimenting in human cloning pressured women he worked with to donate their eggs and I suspect the international attempts to get human eggs and fertilize them is just as bad if not worse in setting up a distribution system. The truth about IVF and the destruction of so many human persons also plays a role in this novel.
I quite enjoyed this novel as so much of the content is right up my alley and the authors views seem to coincide with my own. I heard the author Brian Gale a couple of times on Al Kresta’s show and I was impressed with both his knowledge and what he had to say. His background in the business world was certainly a springboard for his understanding in this world and the themes the novel addresses. I’m looking forward to the final installment of this tri
January 5, 2021
I enjoyed this second book of the series a more than the first because it took you on a few head turners and unexpected twists and I was by this time more familiar with the characters
February 20, 2021
Slow in spots but it got better.
January 11, 2017
Although I really wanted to enjoy this book by a Catholic author, I really did not. It was really confusing, jumping points of view every chapter. It could just be me, as I can sometimes have concentration issues. I did love the way the subject matter was handled, and hope to see more books like that in future. Also, the technical aspect of the writing is excellent, just too much for me--I could see this as two books as opposed to one.
August 4, 2012
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway and will give a candid, honest review. However, I need to state right from the beginning that I am not Catholic, and the concept of praying to the Virgin Mary is foreign to me. For that reason, I am totally avoiding any doctrinal commentary and sticking with my opinion of the book as a contemporary Christian fiction.
This book raises many interesting, human questions: When does an individual or an institution have to take an unpopular but morally correct stand? When does “the greater good” play a factor? When do ignorance or extenuating circumstances excuse an action deemed wrong? How much of one's soul is a man willing to give to attain financial success? Like the rich young man in Matthew's Gospel,we face a choice: are we willing to give up everything we have to be obedient to God, or will we go away saddened? The characters in the book are well developed, and the struggles of conscience are woven naturally into the fiber of their attempts to lead a Godly life. Invitro fertilization, genetic engineering, and embryonic stem cell research are thoroughly discussed and are each the focus of controversy. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their moral wrestling for the first 2/5 of the book. I especially liked the priest's explanation of man's search for faith--a soul is restless until it rests in God. I could easily understand many of the characters' frustration with the unwillingness of pastors and church leaders to truly preach God's Word for fear of alienating anyone.
Then at around page 200 of this 500+ page book, the conspiracy theories start flying. I love a good conspiracy theory and a thriller plot, but casting President Obama as the willing stooge of the world domination, genetic engineering, reproduce only the most worthy beings federation of the world's wealthiest and most powerful was more than I could take. I put up the book and decided not to finish it. I may try to pick it up later, but it is just getting too radical for me.
This book raises many interesting, human questions: When does an individual or an institution have to take an unpopular but morally correct stand? When does “the greater good” play a factor? When do ignorance or extenuating circumstances excuse an action deemed wrong? How much of one's soul is a man willing to give to attain financial success? Like the rich young man in Matthew's Gospel,we face a choice: are we willing to give up everything we have to be obedient to God, or will we go away saddened? The characters in the book are well developed, and the struggles of conscience are woven naturally into the fiber of their attempts to lead a Godly life. Invitro fertilization, genetic engineering, and embryonic stem cell research are thoroughly discussed and are each the focus of controversy. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their moral wrestling for the first 2/5 of the book. I especially liked the priest's explanation of man's search for faith--a soul is restless until it rests in God. I could easily understand many of the characters' frustration with the unwillingness of pastors and church leaders to truly preach God's Word for fear of alienating anyone.
Then at around page 200 of this 500+ page book, the conspiracy theories start flying. I love a good conspiracy theory and a thriller plot, but casting President Obama as the willing stooge of the world domination, genetic engineering, reproduce only the most worthy beings federation of the world's wealthiest and most powerful was more than I could take. I put up the book and decided not to finish it. I may try to pick it up later, but it is just getting too radical for me.
June 12, 2014
As much as I want to wholeheartedly support authentically Catholic writers, especially in the area of fiction, it's my opinion that this book contains characters that really seem too good to be true in their knowledge of, and adherence to, Catholic teachings. Plus, the long explanatory pages of Catholic doctrine and teachings may turn off those readers who are seeking truth, but won't like the very obvious, heavy-handed way in which it's presented in this book. Gail has done a remarkable thing with the completion of this trilogy and I don't want to take any credit from this achievement. I liked the book because of its setting in suburban Philadelphia and because I learned even more about my faith. However, this seems like a book that will "preach to the choir".
December 30, 2011
The sequel to Fatherless, this one was even better. The story continues with the characters from the first book, but it is set in our current time (30 years later). Brian Gail makes the characters come alive and you feel as if you know them. You find yourself cheering them on to do the right thing for the Church. A book that's hard to put down (I was up many late nights reading this book!). Can't wait for the next one, Childless, to come out.
June 20, 2014
The first one, Fatherless, was 5-star all the way; the second of the trilogy fell short of that, but still worth the read. While Fatherless brilliantly brought together several strands in the evil web known as the culture of death, Motherless focuses primarily on IVF and ESCR... I sure wish Fr. John Sweeney was real!
March 24, 2014
A follow-up novel to Fatherless. A very portent novel. Though fiction, it reads more like a history novel. There are some wonderful teaching moments in this book. If you came of age in the Catholic Church in the 80's, this series is a must read. Not only will this book draw you in and keep you turning it's pages, it may very well provide the Catechism our adult Catholics desperately need.
January 2, 2011
It's vacation and I'm being lazy and not wanting to write a review....I'll post a link to reviews by my dd
http://catholicdiscussion.wordpress.c... But I disagree with her on the book being preachy.
http://catholicdiscussion.wordpress.c... But I disagree with her on the book being preachy.
Want to read
December 4, 2012This is the second book I won from goodreads and have never received.
What's up with winning,if yu never receive the book?
This is the second book that I have won,which never arrived in my mailboox!
What's up with winning,if yu never receive the book?
This is the second book that I have won,which never arrived in my mailboox!
July 11, 2012
When I got home last night, a box was waiting on the door step with this book in it - that I won from goodreads.com! I was just thinking it's about time to start a new book. I'm excited to sit down and read it!
January 7, 2011
Prophetic, and therefore a little scary. Great book.
May 9, 2011
I definitely enjoyed more than Fatherless and felt the story was smoother and more seamless. Brough tup interesting ethical issues.
Read
April 14, 2011Good, but not as good as Fatherless.
November 7, 2012
Better than the first of the series, but I was still bothered by the focus on women's reproductive rights and birth control issues.
April 27, 2013
The 2nd book in Brian Gail's trilogy...keep reading!
June 4, 2013
The plot was captivating, however, I found the writing style quite shallow.
October 17, 2014
If only this book weren't true....
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews