Un nuovo papa

by Glenn Cooper, Elisa Banfi (Translator)

Da solo, in piscina, con l'acqua che s’infrange a ogni bracciata e il sentore di cloro nell'aria. È questo l'unico posto in cui Anthony Budd si sente veramente in pace e al sicuro, al riparo dagli intrighi della Curia e dagli sguardi inquisitori dei suoi «fratelli» cardinali. In un conclave che si sta protraendo troppo a lungo, lacerato tra un candidato ultraconservatore e uno fin troppo liberale, a sorpresa il suo nome è emerso come quello in grado di pacificare il collegio cardinalizio. E adesso, nel silenzio del nuoto, Budd cerca il coraggio e la forza per accettare il volere di Dio. Ma non è solo il peso delle responsabilità a gravare sulle sue spalle: nessuno sa che diventare pontefice per lui significa mettere a rischio il segreto che custodisce da decenni, un segreto che potrebbe cambiare le sorti della Chiesa per sempre. E infatti, mentre dal camino della cappella Sistina si alza l’agognata fumata bianca e il nuovo papa si affaccia al balcone di San Pietro per salutare la folla festante, in un sobborgo di Londra, una persona esulta. Finalmente la sua voce verrà ascoltata, e scuoterà il mondo come le trombe dell’apocalisse…

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2022

About the author

Glenn Cooper is an internationally bestselling thriller writer.

Glenn was born in New York City and grew up in nearby White Plains. He attended White Plains High School before enrolling at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts where he graduated from Harvard with an honors degree in archaeology. He then attended Tufts University School of Medicine and did his post-doctoral training at the New England Deaconess and the Massachusetts General Hospitals becoming a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. After practicing medicine, Glenn began a research career in the pharmaceutical industry which culminated in an eighteen-year position as the Chairman and CEO of a biotechnology company in Massachusetts. Glenn began writing screenplays over twenty years ago and his interest in movies prompted him to attend the graduate program in film production at Boston University. He is currently the chairman of a media company, Lascaux Media, which has produced three independent feature-length films. In 2006 Glenn turned his hand to novel-writing. His debut novel, THE LIBRARY OF THE DEAD, the first in a trilogy, became an international bestseller and was translated into thirty languages. All of his seven published books have become top-ten international best-sellers.

Glenn currently lives in New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Henry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read several of Glenn Cooper's religious thrillers and enjoyed them. The plots are usually preposterous, but the stories are exciting and the characters well done. This, is latest novel, is one star at best. Although this one also has an unrealistic plot, there is not one single likeable character and the self musings are tedious and unrealistic. Finally, although his others books raise mixed feelings about Church issues and politics, this one is downright insulting to the Church and everything it believes in.

[Chiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glenn Cooper ci porta in Vaticano dove, dopo un lungo conclave, viene finalmente eletto un nuovo Papa. Un Papa giusto, affascinante e pieno di coraggio che però nasconde un segreto.

Un libro ambizioso che poteva essere maggiormente sviluppato a mio parere. Tratta una tematica molto attuale sentita, che va in contrasto con le linee del Vaticano e della Chiesa. Tra le pagine ci sono numerosi flashback che ci immergono nella vita da bambino e adolescente del protagonista e ci fanno ragionare sulle enormi difficoltà che ha dovuto affrontare. A seguito dello scandalo, la reputazione del Papa ha faticato a risollevarsi, con un epilogo inaspettato.

Il libro di per sé è ben scritto, le tematiche importanti sono affrontate con rispetto anche se non condivido molto le azioni intraprese dal Papa e per questo non mi ha entusiasmato molto.

[Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
I liked it, but...

When Anthony Budd is elected as the new pope (much to his chagrin), his secret and its surfacing may upend the entire Catholic church forever.

This work was actually quite good! It offers a very novel concept of bridging the space of the antiquated doctrines of Catholicism with modern notions of gender and sexuality, and how these two spheres clash and speculating resolution. I think the author does a spectacular job of addressing the differences between gender and sexuality, while also giving some clearly researched insight into the Catholic religion and its tenets.

I do have misgivings about the plot - especially the ending - but I have more concerns about how some of these LGBTQIA+ topics are discussed. Without spoiling the novel, I don't know if the terminology that is used is as accurate as it should be; it's not that certain terms are used in a derogatory manner, but that the terms used don't seem to fit with the given scenarios. It's hard to explain this without going into the plot of the book, but I'll suffice to say that I think more research and adjustments to the story could have been made to keep the root of the story intact and still get an important point across.

Overall, this was a pleasant surprise for me. Would I return to this book? Probably not. But, I would still recommend it purely for its discussions around important subjects and its wonderful character building.

Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for an ARC of this work!

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un conclave dei nostri giorni per l'elezione di un nuovo papa. I cardinali maggiormente accreditati, corrotti e con scheletri nell'armadio, sono costretti a ritirarsi. E all'interno del conclave si manovra per eleggere un cardinale inglese senza alcuna mira al soglio pontificio. Il nuovo Papa, che prende il nome di Innocenzo XIV, giovane, sportivo, dimostra di avere idee molto chiare su alcune posizioni non condivise della chiesa, facendosi amare dai progressisti, ma odiare e ostacolare dai conservatori. Il racconto si snoda tra gli intrighi, i maneggi, le lotte intestine e la sete di potere dei Prelati. I fedeli lo accolgono con entusiasmo, ma Innocenzo custodisce un segreto che potrebbe cambiare le sorti della chiesa. Una persona viene a conoscenza del passato del Papa che, per non cedere al ricatto, decide di rendere pubblico ciò che grava il suo animo da decenni: una confessione che sconvolge tutti, cattolici e non.
Interessanti e attuali i temi affrontati nel libro come la condanna della pedofilia, l'omosessualità e il ruolo delle donne nella Chiesa, irrigidita nelle sue posizioni ancora lontane dall'essere volte all'accettazione e al progresso.
Coraggiosa la scelta di mettere a capo della Chiesa questo Papa con il suo, non più, segreto che scuote le fondamenta della Chiesa stessa.
Il libro è scritto bene e permette una lettura scorrevole.
Purtroppo il finale non è all'altezza del resto, delude perché banale e frettoloso, senza la ricerca del vero colpo di scena che avrebbe potuto urlare al mondo il messaggio di Innocenzo XIV, un nuovo papa, forse meglio un papa nuovo.

[Roberto Borghetti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Glenn Cooper scrisse "La Biblioteca dei morti" nel 2009, con un meritato grande successo di pubblico. Con "Un nuovo papa" possiamo dire che quel credito di cui godeva dopo un simile exploit sia ormai esaurito completamente una volta per tutti.
L'autore si aggrappa disperatamente ad un ambiente tradizionalmente attraente (il Vaticano e i suoi intrighi) e alle ispirazioni in salsa woke per soddisfare i suoi fans, notoriamente poco inclini a criticare il proprio idolo. Il risultato sono 350 pagine di inutilità, buone solo come oggetto di arredamento vista l'elegante edizione in copertina rigida.
Il libro vorrebbe essere provocatorio (magari una storia in stile Black Mirror)Gl, ma fallisce completamente l'obiettivo: la prosa, sempre sciolta e stilisticamente apprezzabile, non salva dalla noia del contenuto, dai personaggi stereotipati, le scene d'azione all'americana, gli appiattimenti emotivi scambiati per introspezione, la puerile divisione fra bene e male.
Per tornare a scrivere qualcosa di godibile, Cooper dovrebbe ascoltare di più le critiche che riceve, ma non pare essere nelle sue corde.

[Lara Gussoni · Rating 1 out of 5]

Letteralmente anni luce da "La biblioteca dei morti".
Una storia frettolosa, ai limiti del no sense, dove non succede nulla di che (se non alternarsi fra una nuotata in piscina, una telefonata con tizio e una chiacchierata con Caio. Il tutto spruzzato da banale meschinità.) e con un finale assurdo e sbrigativo. Quasi vigliacco.
Ho sempre amato la scrittura di Glenn e speravo che Clean fosse solo uno scivolone... Ma questo libro...
L'ho letto fino alla fine solo in rispetto dello scrittore che ho sempre adorato. Ma non lo consiglierei a nessuno.

[Morgane - · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprenant !

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iniziato e concluso lo stesso giorno. Molto scorrevole, si fa leggere estremamente bene. Trama promettente che gira attorno ad una tematica importante e delicata. Prima parte molto interessante ed affascinante; la seconda parte, proprio per la tematica che tratta, poteva essere maggiormente estesa, soprattutto sulla conclusione, che sembra un po' frettolosa. Ci sarebbero state tranquillamente un centinaio+ di pagine in più.

[Antonio Rosato · Rating 3 out of 5]

"La disperazione e il vuoto, lui li conosceva bene. Erano i suoi compagni di sempre".
[https://lastanzadiantonio.blogspot.co...]

[AngelaC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this novel four stars if the editing and writing had been better. The constant use of "he" instead of naming the main character in scenes with other people sometimes made it difficult to work out who was speaking. There are words left in the text that should have been deleted (e.g. additional "the") and I would question the word the author uses in place of "ordination", the usual term for the process by which a Pope assumes his full authority over the Roman Catholic Church.
The premise of the novel is interesting and thought-provoking. Under current canon law, a Pope must be a man but what if the man feels that he should have been born a girl, in other words is transgender. The Pope in this book is a truly good man, understanding of others, determined to better the lot of the poor and the underprivileged. He is, however, transgender although he has not acted in accordance with his natural inclinations through his adult, working life. Should this preclude him from the papacy? Should he be replaced by the "runner-up" in the conclave, an arrogant man with a scheming, self-serving nature who would doubtless uphold a more traditional Church and ignore the changes occurring in today's world?
The ending was surprising and, given the character of Pope Innocent XIV, perhaps unlikely. Another issue to consider from a book that challenges personal views and beliefs.
Worth a read.

[Lottie from book club · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I’m sorry but how did everyone else get past a cardinal trundling through Rome to go swimming in a local hotel pool and taking phone calls from his sister on day 9 of a conclave? some research??? some research I beg??????

[incipit mania]

Incipit
Per essere una sera di ottobre, faceva caldo...
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[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony Budd is a devout Catholic who finds himself elected Pope. The problem is, Tony Budd is hiding a secret that could destroy not only his Papacy but possibly the Catholic Church as well.
Glenn Cooper is an excellent writer. I have read several of his books and have found them compelling and well crafted. His research is top notch. I especially enjoyed the insights into the often underworld-like machinations within the Vatican. He also uses flashbacks to excellent effect. The tragic story of Pope Innocent XIV, nee Anthony Budd, is dissected in detail as the book progresses.
I will read more from this author. He is high on my list of favorites.

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real Rating: 3.5* of five

The Publisher Says: He gave everything to God—except the one truth he could never speak.

From international bestseller Glenn Cooper, known for his Vatican thrillers and historical mysteries, comes his most intimate novel yet—a literary exploration of secrecy, conscience, and spiritual burden.

Anthony Budd is a quiet, reform-minded cardinal—young, devout, and untainted by scandal. When deadlock in the papal conclave threatens to fracture the Church, his name emerges as a compromise. He accepts the will of God with humility. But buried beneath his composure is a secret he has carried for decades—a truth that could upend everything he believes, and everything the Church demands of him.

As Pope Innocent XIV, Budd must navigate the brutal realities of Vatican politics, the weight of his vows, and the quiet threat of blackmail from a voice in the shadows. Someone knows who he is. And they intend to destroy him.

The Silence of Flesh is a novel of inner war—a man at odds with the Church he loves, the body he inhabits, and the truth that may undo both.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: Could Author Cooper have timed this release ant better?! Even got the regnal ordinal right! One could be forgiven for thinking permaybehaps he had some inside information...or at least a discreet nod of approval from On High.

I'm a great deal lower on the cosmic food chain, but I too offer my (qualified) nod of approval. More research into the current usages of nomenclature, Author Cooper.

Cardinal Budd is a character I think we all hope will be a truthful representation of church officialdom. As the new Pope Innocent (!) XIV, he is someone who would inflame the civil war over progressivism that Western culture is having very broadly. In fact, if you'd like to see the progress of that civil war, go look at the schism in Goodreads reviewers' ratings and opinions about this read. Goodness gracious me.

So big kudos for that service to us all! Anything that gets people stirred up and talking is, in my view, a good thing. It's not going to get resolved any time soon, this book might not change a single position, but positions can never change if they're simply unchallenged.

I found the characters in the story hard to relate to, as I expected; I've known in my core there was no god since I was five. I find people who believe in one utterly perplexing. I find people who "serve" a god I do not for a second believe they believe in reprehensible. There are good people who, for some reason, believe this guff. There are not professional administrators who do, or I'll eat your hat. Executives have the inside story, so they can by definition see through the charade of their organization's public relations. It's like lawyers; they know the law, and its execution, too well to buy the tale spun to dazzle the outsiders into accepting impartiality and fairness rule the juridical roost.

I'm all the way there supporting the conversation this story should ignite. I felt, though, distant and almost cold-shouldered by the way this story does not examine the stunningly complex battle lines it could have drawn. I understand the author's choice not to do the direct confrontation of the issue raised. I can't say I agree; an earlier, and more direct presentation of the secret issue Innocent (!)XIV was carrying would, to my mind, suit Cardinal Budd's stated personality traits better. As such I questioned whether what I was told was Budd's personal behavior pattern was accurate. I'll note here that I had he same issue with the much more disappointing Conclave, film and book.

I don't wish to leave the impression that I did not enjoy this read; I did, with all the schadenfreude I was expecting to revel in. I note the areas I felt the execution of the story did not match the author's ambitious imagination to be sure you will go into the read with the most information I can reach back to you from my readerly vantage point.

But go into the read I hope you will, and soon.

[William de_Rham · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Silence of Flesh” is a very good novel about the Vatican and a fictional papacy. It’s well-written, reads quickly, and features interesting characters confronting dilemmas of faith and morality. It also explores the church’s stances and supporting rationales on various issues. Billed as “LGBTQIAP+/ Literary Fiction,” it is also quite suspenseful and contains more than one surprise.

In papal conclave, conservative and progressive cardinals are split down the middle as to who will be their next pope. They’ve been voting for days and are no closer to selecting a pontiff than when they first started. Finally, they turn to a compromise candidate: English Cardinal Anthony Budd, a young, handsome, and mild-mannered centrist. When asked if he accepts election, Cardinal Budd hesitates, then excuses himself to engage in private reflection—leaving the cardinals mystified (since it’s never done)—then returns and accepts election. He is now Pope Innocent XIV.

Why the delay? Tony has a secret: one that, if revealed, would certainly rock the church to its core, perhaps even destroy it. But the secret is a private one that in no way affects his fitness as a priest or to be pope. At least that’s what Innocent XIV believes—until the secret becomes front page news around the globe and Tony the most controversial pope in modern history.

I liked this novel very much. Tony Budd/Innocent XIV is a well-drawn, engaging character readers can care about. The issues he confronts are modern and topical. Author Glenn Cooper does an excellent job examining those issues, the church’s stances on them, and the reasons for those stances. For example, I’ve never really known the church’s reasons for requiring its priests to be celibate. Now I do.

This the second novel by Mr. Cooper that I’ve read. Again, his fiction reminds me a lot of the works of Morris L. West (“The Shoes of the Fisherman,” “The Clowns of God.) Readers who enjoy Mr. West’s novels, or even the novels of Dan Brown, may find much to interest them in “The Silence of Flesh.”

One caveat, however: those who strongly object to calls for the church to liberalize its doctrines regarding various social issues may want to skip “The Silence of Flesh” and look elsewhere for their next read.

My thanks to NetGalley, author Glenn Cooper, and publisher Book Whisperer | Lascaux Media for providing me with a complimentary ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.

[Francesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

C'è un nuovo Papa in Vaticano, eletto dopo una grande lotta piena di colpi bassi.
Anthony Budd è un cardinale inglese, il candidato del compromesso, un uomo retto - bello e un po' ingenuo perché continua a confidare nel cuore buono degli uomini - capace di indagare sugli abusi senza cedere alle pressioni, deciso a fare giustizia.

Cooper si è documentato, come sempre, con dovizia di particolari, rivelandoci particolari intriganti che accrescono il fascino della ritualità a porte chiuse e così, dopo un Concilio lunghissimo, Budd viene eletto e ancora preda di emozioni fortissime, sceglie il nome di Innocenzo XIV.

Il nuovo Papa sceglie di rompere con la tradizione, sbaragliando le carte, formando una ristrettissima cerchia di uomini di Chiesa di cui potersi fidare, tutto per voltare pagina e aprire il Vaticano al cambiamento. Ovviamente, ciò significa mettersi contro persone assai pericolose, con mezzi economici ingenti e nessuno scrupolo.

Cooper ha costruito un personaggio molto sfaccettato, un uomo di Chiesa che affronta il dubbio e vi convive. Intendiamoci, Innocenzo XIV non ha paura ma qualcosa si agita nel suo passato e lo rende ricattabile, esponendolo alla cattiveria della stampa e al malanimo dei suoi avversari.
Con sapienti flashback, Cooper avvolge il nastro del tempo, rivelando che se i rapporti con la madre di Budd sono difficili, quelli con il padre sono inesistenti e su tutto si agita un grande pericolo, una suspense crescente, correndo verso le pagine finali.

Con "Un nuovo papa" (in libreria dal 31 ottobre con Editrice Nord), Cooper si sgancia con coraggio dalle trame prettamente thriller e dal suo amato protagonista - il professor Cal Donovan - firmando un romanzo empatico e molto attuale, trattando le tematiche gender senza alcun preconcetto. Tenetevi pronti alle emozioni forti.

[Rita Terlizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Un nuovo papa" di Glenn Cooper

Editore ‎Nord, 2022
352 pagine
📚 Genere: Narrativa contemporanea, Thriller
⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Giovanni: «Chi dice di essere nella luce e odia suo fratello, è ancora nelle tenebre, [...] cammina nelle tenebre e non sa dove va, perché le tenebre hanno accecato i suoi occhi»."

Glenn Cooper è uno scrittore, sceneggiatore e produttore cinematografico statunitense, i suoi libri sono famosi in tutto il mondo.
Di suo ho letto e amato la Trilogia "La biblioteca dei morti" e la Trilogia "Dannati", ho in Wish-list tanti altri suoi romanzi e in questi giorni ho pescato "Un nuovo papa" (2022) ero curiosa.
È la storia di Anthony Budd, cardinale eletto papa con il nome di Innocenzo VIII, ma "Tony" ha un segreto, che custodisce da decenni, e che potrebbe sconvolgere tutto ciò in cui la Chiesa crede 😱
Ci troviamo a San Pietro, in pieno conclave, che a detta di tutti sarà il più lungo degli ultimi due secoli, perché tra un candidato ultra conservatore e uno fin troppo liberale, alla fine, a sorpresa esce il nome di Tony, dicono che solo lui è in grado di pacificare il collegio cardinalizio!!
Ma sarà davvero così?

Mi è stato difficile recensire questo libro, perché il cosiddetto “finale a sorpresa” mi ha totalmente spiazzato 🥺 sapevo che era un romanzo controverso (come dice lo stesso autore)... ma il colpo di scena finale mi ha messo KO, come un pugno allo stomaco.
Comunque Glen Cooper non delude mai, con una narrazione coinvolgente e appassionante, con una scrittura veloce e avvincente e gli argomenti "spinosi" trattati, temi di grande attualità, sono rimasta incollata fino all'ultima pagina... quando, sapevo che era impossibile, ma che io imperterrita, continuavo a sperare in un finale diverso. Alla fine: rabbia e tanta tristezza 😥
Però se volete essere catapultati in Vaticano, tra scandali, segreti e intrighi, vi consiglio "Un nuovo papa" 👍🏻

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publishing date: 30.06.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

TLDR: Someone who doesn't want to and feels they don't deserve to become pope and creates a lot of drama. Questions and suspicions arise.

This book had me feeling a lot of things. Both positive and negative. I would say this was the goal of the author, and they achieved this wonderfully.

I coined the twist pretty early on in the book, but the "reveal" was still a whiplash for me. The reaction of all the different characters also set me on edge. I was questioning everyone at one point and it felt horrible.

Some bullet points ...
Positives:
- Had me questioning myself, the characters, and my own morals
- A premise I haven't seen or read before
- Such raw emotion from both the protagonist and antagonists
- The twists? Ooooh baby

Negatives:
- The other characters (especially the cardinals) felt like caricatures, they were very exaggerated at times. I feel like this was intentional, but I am not sure I liked it
- The ending?? Made me sick, kind of a lowball
- Some parts really really dragged

This book is something I feel like more people should read. It puts the issue at hand in a very different light not many think about. And yes, the issue at hand is an LGBTQ+ issue. The tag is right there. I won't say which letter it is, that would be a major spoiler. Just be warned if you are anti-woke this book will make you angry. But it might also be good for you to read something like this.

I had a great (and also emotionally bad) time. What a read.

Giving this 4 stars. I wish the ending was different, I wish the characters were more gray instead of black and white. It is what it is, and I still enjoyed it. Highly recommend.

[Kátia · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐️ 1
Disappointing and difficult to get through

This one pains me to write.

I’ve been a long-time admirer of Glenn Cooper’s work. The Resurrection Maker was what first pulled me in years ago, and since then, his blend of history, theology, and suspense has made him a reliable fixture on my bookshelves. So to say I was looking forward to The Silence of Flesh would be an understatement.

The premise? Compelling. A modern-day papal conclave, shrouded in mystery, guarded secrets, and the kind of moral weight that could shatter centuries of doctrine. Cooper’s historical and theological research is top-tier, as always. The background mechanics of the Vatican, the ceremonial details, the political manoeuvring—it all felt accurate and convincing.

But the story? Unfortunately, it fell completely flat.

There was no emotional pull. The writing lacked its usual depth and cohesion. The characters never felt fully formed, and the pacing was wildly inconsistent. At times the plot dragged endlessly, only to suddenly speed through major revelations and wrap things up with little complexity or payoff. The social and spiritual themes had such potential to cut deep, but were barely explored.

This had all the makings of an impactful, timely story. And yet I struggled through it from beginning to end; hoping for that spark of brilliance I knew Cooper was capable of… but it never really came.

I finished this one out of respect for the author, but if I’m being honest, this is not one I’d recommend.


**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.**

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one has got quite a low Goodreads rating at 3.49 currently but I definitely think it deserves a much higher rating. I really enjoyed this book, and enjoyed spending time with the main character. In fact I read it in 24 hours.

The story begins with a deadlocked papal conclave, and eventually a compromise candidate is elected, Cardinal Anthony Budd, who is a very reluctant Pope. This book tells the story of what turns out to be quite a controversial Pope, and he certainly has enemies out there including a blackmailer.

I really bought into the character of the new Pope, and he is exactly the Pope that I would want. He definitely leads by example, and is down to Earth. It is this that leads to some of his enemies, being his own man. He has some difficult choices ahead of him that will test his beliefs.

I found this well-plotted, with some interesting characters. It definitely deals with themes in the current times we are living through. The book overall brought strong emotions out for me, and is a book I didn’t want to put down.

The ending to the book definitely surprised, if not shocked me. It has left me ruminating over the book for some time since finishing the book.

I definitely recommend this book and feel it deserves a better rating, for me it was a 4.5 star rating.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this book, we get a front row seat to a modern conclave. The 2nd longest in history. The voting is tied. With an unexpected result, our new Pope is off on an adventure in Columbia and I think I'm in for a series of adventures as in other Cooper books. But that's not to be.

Our new Pope, he has a carefully guarded secret that will push Catholic doctrine to the limits. This book is about palace intrigue in the Vatican and LGBTQ+ issues in the Catholic Church. It's about defining masculine and feminine.

There is a strong social agenda to this book creating tension in the story. It is a mental exercise. What if the Pope wasn't the man everyone thought he was.

This particular book by Glenn Cooper is short of adventure, suspense, and mystery. But it is a serious character study.

If you're new to Glenn Cooper, many of his adventures revolve around the Catholic Church. The books are well-researched with characters that are easy to understand. He easily blends social issues and religion.

I found the ending unsatisfactory. Can't say more since I don't want to add spoilers. In a way, predictable.

This is your book if you're interested in digging deep into LGBTQ+ issues.

I received a free copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Marcia Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had very little clue what to expect from Glenn Cooper’s most recent “The Silence of Flesh.” When I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley, I understood vaguely that it involved a young, reform-minded cardinal who becomes Pope but then is threatened with blackmail and the “brutal realities of Vatican politics,” pitting him against the Church that “he loves, the body he inhabits, and the truth that may undo both.” I read this gripping story from start to finish in less than a day. My opinions of the book are voluntary.

I found the plot fascinating and the book well written and well crafted. Aside from the main character and one or two others, I found most of the characters distasteful at best; others were reprehensible. I cannot speculate as to the accuracy of these depictions except to note the widespread, despicable practices of the Catholic Church that facilitated countless instances of child abuse by priests all over the world and covered up at the highest levels, some of which still is being exposed. I applaud Mr. Cooper for attempting to shed light on other aspects of catholic dogma that might be harmful to children’s mental health.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 2nd book by this author. I read The Last Conclave last month about a conspiracy to elect a woman pope. I did not realize that this book was first published in Italian. it is also about a Conclave that elects the first British Pope. Anthony Budd is hiding a very important secret that plays out in an interesting fashion.
The book begins with a woman hiring a PI to find out if her husband is unfaithful. This leads to her discovery of a secret that she tries to use as blackmail several years later.
It takes a large part of the book to find out that secret and the its ramifications.
I am not Catholic and I find the discussions of faith interesting. Cooper does not show some of the Vatican machinations in a very good light.
What I enjoyed most in this book was the discussions of how the Church doctrines look upon people who are not heterosexual.
Sadly, the ending of this book is not hopeful.
Thanks to the Book Whisperer and the publisher for the EARC. The opinions are mine alone.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silence of Flesh
By Glenn Cooper

Anthony "Tony" Budd of the UK is a Cardinal of the Catholic Church. The Pope dies and a Conclave to elect a new Pope is convened. A Conclave – presented to the masses as a holy endeavor directed by God – is nothing of the sort. Liberal and conservative factions strive for power by any means, bullying and blackmail among them. Against all odds, Budd is elected as a compromise Pope. But Tony has held a lifelong secret. That secret will come out and threaten the very existence of the church according to his enemies.

This is a very hard book to read, mainly because it is so believable. That men and women of faith who profess to follow the teachings of Jesus can be filled with so much hatred and self-righteousness is only too realistic in this world today. And, while this book deals with the Catholic Church, much the same can be said about followers of all religions. After all, religions are the product of men, not God. Which leaves the reader with the question "Does God exist?"

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

premetto che ho già letto altri libri di glenn cooper (ho letto il calice della vita la trilogia sulla biblioteca dei morti e la mappa del destino) devo dire che l’ho trovato completamente diverso, questo libro non è come gli altri suoi che sono molto dinamici e dove c’è un “eroe” con una missione che sia salvare o proteggere qualcosa. È decisamente molto più statico ma non per questo meno interessante, a me personalmente ha fatto riflettere su come potrebbe cambiare la chiesa e come sarebbe averne a capo un papa trans.
detto questo l’ho trovato molto interessante e appunto ricco di spunti di riflessione, la fine però non mi ha convinta al 100% (tuttavia ovviamente non avrei saputo fare di meglio)
comunque lo consiglio
(chiedo scusa per la forma veramente pietosa della recensione abbiate pietà non ne faccio una dai tempi di cristo <3)

[Autummskies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the modern conclave setting and reading about what happened behind closed doors within the Vatican. It was heart wrenching reading Tony's backstory when he was discovering himself as a young child. It really put things into perspective, reading a story about a queer person that wants to still be a part of the Catholic Church and struggling to try to fit in to its antiquated beliefs. I especially loved the rawness in the writing when Tony was listening to other's experiences that were like his own.

Sometimes I felt that the other characters in the book were a bit too exaggerated, for example the other cardinals, but that may have been the point. I also did not like the ending of the book, but I understand why the author did what they did.

Thank you to Netgalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC!

[Edward "Gryftkin" Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying this book is not what I thought it was. Maybe it would have been if I'd read the synopsis better. I was expecting something along the lines of The Davinci Code or even a sins of the past type book. We get something else. One man rises, against all odds, to be pope. Despite their best efforts, his opposition can find no skeleton in his closet, no stain on his reputation, but someone knows the truth. This is where I will avoid spoilers, but let me say this - even though this book wasn't what I was looking for, Glenn's writing is fantastic. I am absolutely going to be looking for something else from him to read soon. I thought the ending was superb, but it just wasn't my vibe and got a little preachy (no pun intended) at times. There are people out there who will absolutely love this book.

[AnnaLionly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ho letto altri libri di questo autore, mi aspettavo qualcosa in linea con i precedenti, ma questo è totalmente diverso e con i precedenti non ha proprio nulla a che spartire. Al termine si ringrazia un'amica per averlo spinto a scrivere questo romanzo controverso e sicuramente l'aggettivo è proprio azzeccato. L'ho letto con interesse, ma non mi ha convinto la trama (tanto meno il finale) e le situazioni rappresentate permettono sì di confrontarsi con tematiche attuali e scottanti, ma avverto una sorta di manierismo di facciata, da pensiero unico dove il bene e il male sono sempre ben separati: da una parte tutte le ragioni dall'altra tutti i torti. Non penso sia stata una lettura sterile, ma gli manca qualcosa, sono rimasta delusa.

[Надежда Тошкова · Rating 4 out of 5]

Една различна книга на Глен Купър.
Сюжет, който отвежда зад стените на Ватикана, описва конклава от гледна точка на кардиналите, които взимат участие, борби и интриги между прогресисти и консерватори, и накрая един избор, който е колкото неочакван, толкова и спорен с оглед последващите разкрития. Един нов папа, уверен в призванието си и в същото време личностно уязвим, но решен да бъде промяната в църквата или поне да положи началото. Дали ще успее да оцелее надеждата?
Един роман, който бих определила като много човешки, засягащ темите на съвремието относно джендър съзнанието, не обичайният трилър за автора, но разказан с неговата типична увлекателност. Препоръчвам еднакво както за прогресисти, така и консерватори. Всеки ще научи по нещо.

[Andrea Saraceni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un brillante autore di gialli/thriller come Glenn Cooper, scrive il suo nuovo romanzo, innescando la curiosità del pubblico sul segreto del nuovo Papa che "... Potrebbe sconvolgere l'umanità...".
Tutti noi, abituati ai suoi vecchi romanzi, ci aspettiamo qualcosa di intrigante, suspense, delitti, segreti e invece... Il segreto che sconvolge l'umanità è che il Papa voleva essere una donna e quindi si sente un transgender!!! Ma che romanzo è? PERCHÉ??? Ognuno è libero di sentirsi quello che vuole e per quanto mi riguarda il papa può essere anche un transgender, ma non capisco l'ossessione attuale di dover a tutti i costi inserire gay, lesbiche, trans e gente che vuole cambiare sesso solo perché è politically correct! Delusione totale!!!!