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Father Neil's Monkeyshines
All-new stories featuring the "wonderful, real, lovable characters" of St. Jude's, in the series that inspired the beloved British sitcom Bless Me, Father (James Herriot).
Based on the author's real-life experiences as a young clergyman, the five books in the Bless Me, Father series offer a sweet-natured, humorous look at Catholicism in the 1950s. Father Neil's adventures at St. Jude's parish in London with its raucous congregation full of Irish immigrants proved so popular they were adapted into a long-running British sitcom.
Now, in these eleven previously unpublished stories, readers have the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with young Father Neil, the irascible Father Duddleswell, the sharp-tongued housekeeper Mrs. Pring, and more colorful parishioners.
A young couple hoping to adopt twins gets more they bargained for; a foundling is abandoned like Moses--in a confessional; an honored infantry sergeant returns from the battlefield physically, emotionally, and spiritually scarred; a modern-thinking new curate creates a distraction by being far too handsome; and an unexpected new addition disrupts St. Jude' Mario the monkey, who can test the patience of a saint.
"Carry on, Father!" cheers the Dublin Evening Herald. And he does, with the same inspiring heavenly humor that has made Neil Boyd's long-running series such "hilarious and compulsive reading" (Catholic Herald).
Based on the author's real-life experiences as a young clergyman, the five books in the Bless Me, Father series offer a sweet-natured, humorous look at Catholicism in the 1950s. Father Neil's adventures at St. Jude's parish in London with its raucous congregation full of Irish immigrants proved so popular they were adapted into a long-running British sitcom.
Now, in these eleven previously unpublished stories, readers have the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with young Father Neil, the irascible Father Duddleswell, the sharp-tongued housekeeper Mrs. Pring, and more colorful parishioners.
A young couple hoping to adopt twins gets more they bargained for; a foundling is abandoned like Moses--in a confessional; an honored infantry sergeant returns from the battlefield physically, emotionally, and spiritually scarred; a modern-thinking new curate creates a distraction by being far too handsome; and an unexpected new addition disrupts St. Jude' Mario the monkey, who can test the patience of a saint.
"Carry on, Father!" cheers the Dublin Evening Herald. And he does, with the same inspiring heavenly humor that has made Neil Boyd's long-running series such "hilarious and compulsive reading" (Catholic Herald).
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2019
71 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Neil Boyd
34 books17 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
pseudonym of Peter de Rosa
pseudonym of Peter de Rosa
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 23, 2020
Oh, can you tell that this was written much later and in a more thoughtful mood! I was more than half way through the book before I looked up the publication date, thinking it was several years after the rest of the series. This is a more sober set of recollections with not nearly so many laughs or ludicrous moments, but it is all the better for it. The churchly tiffs, personal victories, and family challenges are more poignant and often bittersweet. Happy endings are not a given. Having said this, when I realized the publication date was 2019, it all made sense. Father Neil's Monkeyshines comes more than 30 years after the last book in the series. That's a long gap for plot and characters. Clearly the author himself has seen and felt change, which is reflected in Father Neil. More so than in the other Bless Me, Father books, Father Neil is reminiscing from a farther distance in time. There are some beautiful insights and quotable moments in this volume. And best of all, Father Neil closes by saying he has more memories to share, so hopefully the author will write another installment.
April 26, 2024
Delightful and thought provoking with British humor to boot!
Having been raised by my British Mum, these lovely stories brought her back to me for a little while as I dozed off. We lived in California, but her voice was very distinctive and she possessed the same sensitive English sensibilities as Father Neil. Thankfully, I was also somewhat learned in the Catholic faith from my 20 years in their employ as the "Token Protestant.". I was reminded of those fascinating experiences learning about the faith, humor, and patience my employers, their students, and I shared. Thanks for the memories! That was a fun read!
Having been raised by my British Mum, these lovely stories brought her back to me for a little while as I dozed off. We lived in California, but her voice was very distinctive and she possessed the same sensitive English sensibilities as Father Neil. Thankfully, I was also somewhat learned in the Catholic faith from my 20 years in their employ as the "Token Protestant.". I was reminded of those fascinating experiences learning about the faith, humor, and patience my employers, their students, and I shared. Thanks for the memories! That was a fun read!
April 18, 2019
Another trip down memory lane
Loved these stories. I say from a simpler time but the second world war plays a part in several of them
Loved these stories. I say from a simpler time but the second world war plays a part in several of them
October 29, 2019
Love these inspiring stories
All of these books are the best. I wish I could find more of them. As a catholic they really hit home..
All of these books are the best. I wish I could find more of them. As a catholic they really hit home..
January 16, 2021
Another collection of heartwarming stories of Human kindness, weakness and love.
February 11, 2022
Is this a memoir or mostly fiction? It doesn't matter; these books have been so enjoyable. This one seems sweeter than the previous ones. The stories are more touching. I hope there is a Book 7!
November 13, 2024
A nice, reminiscent series of stories about a London parish following the Second World War.
October 28, 2025
A holy delight of a series . . . priests have rarely been this much fun! Have a Drink with them!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews