Vatican

by Malachi Martin

A young Chicago-born priest is called to serve in Rome and is soon drawn into an international intrique involving bishops, bankers, and the highest levels of the Catholic Church.

Genres: Fiction, Religion, Catholic, Historical Fiction, Novels

657 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my top ten novels of all time. It is very difficult to compare novels in all their forms -- like comparing apples and oranges. But this is a stand-out, a book we will never forget, a book whose characters have affected us deeply and almost become part of us. As a relatively new Catholic convert, I was hesitant to read this book after going over the reviews on Amazon, but I'm most grateful that I did. This was an absorbing, compelling, page-turning, moving, scary, thought-provoking, and inspiring read. I rarely read books over in their entirety, but I will read this again and will expect fresh insights and inspirations. Absolutely, enthusiastically recommended.

[Neil Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cracking yarn written by someone with obviously deep knowledge of the way the Vatican works.
It ties together a lot of controversial events from the closing stages of WW2 up to the election of Pope John-Paul II into a compelling story that would make a really good film if done properly.
The story itself is the timeless subject of 'Good vs Evil' and cleverly manages to blur the lines between what is based on actual events & what is fictional in such a manner that you can find yourself asking 'what if....', which is the mark of a really good story-teller.
The author - Malachi Martin - was a very interesting man in real life too, trained as an exorcist and a prolific writer of both non-fiction and fiction.
Don't want to spopil the plot for anyone, so I will close now by saying that this tale could so easily have come from Robert Ludlum or FRederick Forsyth, it's that good.

[Ray LaManna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweeping story of 70 years of Vatican intrigue and interaction with the world...it ends in 1986 Too bad Malachi Martin is not alive to write a sequel.

[Helen the Bassist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew! A real 'saga' of 845 pages! A quasi-fictional tale of the papacy from the second world war to the 80s (this was published in the mid-80s at the height of Pope John Paul II's papacy).

Following a handful of characters in the orbit of a young American Monsignor and five popes, this is a tale full of intrigue, politics and faith and of the evil in the world.

A very enjoyable history lesson wrapped up in a big paper parcel.

And I thought 'The Shoes of the Fisherman' was deep!

[Victoria O · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a slog that needed some heavy editing but an intruiging view of the politics of Roman Catholicism over the last 60 years. Having lived through this period as RC, educated in RC grade and high schools while ending up with a very liberal viewpoint (hmmm, cause and effect?), it presents a possible explanation what have experienced/seen in a church which I left for very many years. This book is fiction so one should not take it as fact but there are likely some grains of truth in the story which is what made it interesting to me.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So many issues going on at the same time. Who knew how deep the hate and mistrust ran at The Vatican? Layers of history, hidden as fiction, poured out of this book. It was a long, heavy and fascinating read. Glad I dove into the deep end of the pool!

[Sandy Heisey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fictional chronical of the papacy in the second half of the 20th century is riveting in its information and perspective. It should be required reading for Catholics over 35.

[Luis G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gran libro de la historia moderna del vaticano.

[Simon Holdaway · Rating 2 out of 5]

Far top long in need of a thorough edit. Martin cannot make up his mind if he is a novelist or a historian His dilemma has led to a book that is weak on both fronts.

[Jeff Tufano · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about 800 pages of vilifying and maligning the Vatican and several popes (who though fictional in the book apparently did represent some actual popes according to some other Wikipedia). Someone suggested that those who enjoyed Dan Brown’s books would enjoy this. That comparison is way off. The book is no labyrinthine religious mystery. At best, the author provides plenty of insight into the minds of various Popes and a behind-the-door look into the wheeling and dealing of important Vatican officials over a span of about 40 years. But there is no real mystery or intrigue. Though the book starts off with an American priest as the protagonist the majority of the book focuses on the CFO of the Vatican (though that is not his title) during the reign of 5 popes, his family and the decisions made to make the Vatican a financial superpower as well as a beacon of Christianity throughout the world. The American priest is given a subplot at best as he is sent to parts of Europe for some vague dogmatic mandate. The author posits that after 5 popes and 5 decades and a cadre of some nefarious characters that the somehow managed to infiltrate the Holy See, the Vatican’s power, financially and as a religious power seems to wither to a point of no return. The ending seemed like a cop out (as well as predictable). There was no real resolution, hope or closure. Basically a 6th pope is elected with the exact same prospects as the other 5 that tried and failed. And yet the Vatican goes on.

[Lisa Dalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an eye opener. Before Dan Brown Davinci codes etcs.... I remember this book facinating me with the power and ever eternal dance of religion within the secrecies of the vatican. One i would re-read just to see if still think of it that highly still.

I would do better reviews of all my contributions - but alas - I don't have time.
Mostly - I'm thinking a quick "style & type" will help!! I hope!!
Have a great summer everyone!
Lisa

[Steve Emmett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, finally made it through the 800 plus pages. Something begins to happen around page 600! Ok, to be fair, he put a lot of graft into this. But it's really far too long and needed a really good edit. Some of the crucial events are skimmed over when we really need to know how things were resolved. Too much time is spent salivating over catholic superstition which is presented as fact. I'm glad I stuck it out but wish I hadn't guessed the ending around page 250.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I loved it. It encompasses the rise of a man from America to becoming Pope. Malachi Martin is a former Jesuit priest who has been allowed to write about life within the Vatican. Most of what is written in here about the Vatican Banking Scandal is highly accurate. It also delves into the Nazi escapes after WWII and the fall out upon the Catholic Church.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very slow read, but worth it. Dan Brown fans will love it