Monks

by Des Dillon

Three men from Coatbridge set out for Italy to find a monk reputed to possess healing powers in order to help psychiatrically disturbed Jimmy Brogan. However, when they arrive on the mountain, they find that healing isn't that easy to come by. This is a funny, provocative story of redemption. As the characters learn that the monastery cannot provide sanctuary from Jimmy's past, they are all challenged to face their own lives. Monks was originally published by Hodder as The Big Q.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Des Dillon was born and brought up in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, and studied English at Strathclyde University. A former teacher, he is now a poet, short story writer, novelist and dramatist writing for radio, stage, television and film. He has taught Creative Writing at the Arvon Foundation and was Writer in Residence at Castlemilk, Glasgow, between 1998 and 2000. Des now lives in Galloway with his wife and two dogs, one of whom really did walk on the ceiling during an epileptic fit.

Reviews

[Rose Stanley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ultimately, nah. The writing style is clever, fresh and engaging, but the constant taking the mick out of the Italians grated, I saw the ending coming a mile off and there are some, frankly, nasty scenes. It's a no from me.