1. Along the Way > Likes and Comments

1. Use this thread for general comments while you read "along the way" or to discuss topics not covered by other threads.

The reign of Charles II is a very interesting one, which is why I was so keen to read this book. I find this period more interesting than the Tudor era, even though it's less well-known. It's a shame that what weakened this dynasty was its excessive dependence on the France of Louis XIV, and that the Protestant-controlled parliament limited the King's power, preventing the misdeeds of Titus Oates from being stopped.

I recommend this novel on this topic "An instance of the fingerpost".

I think after this novel there will be very few left for me to read by Robert Hugh Benson, perhaps only "Richard Raynal Solitary".

What is "Oddsfish"? The word just seems to be dropped into the text with no meaning.

Jill wrote: "What is "Oddsfish"? The word just seems to be dropped into the text with no meaning." According to my research, the novel's title, and the use of the word "oddfish" is derived from King Charles II's favored exclamation, "Odd's fish!".

For more insight into this author's opus, may I suggest the following article written by Ann Happlegarth, on Robert Hugh Benson and his novels, published by the Catholic World Report in 2015: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2...
"The title of Oddfish (1914), Benson’s last historical novel, is derived from King Charles II’s favorite epithet, “Odd’s Fish!” (a socially acceptable version of the profane oath “God’s Face!”). ...etc..."

The article talks about all of Benson's novels, so there might be some left to read later on.

I was also surprised to learn an interesting fact about our two previous popes regarding Robert Hugh Benson: "Both Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI (when he was Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger) have encouraged Catholics to read Lord of the World, Msgr. Robert Hugh Benson’s 1907 novel that eerily predicted the state of the world at the beginning of the 21st century."

I am currently reading both Oddfish and Lord of the World (a tall order for myself, I do admit).

Did anyone else have trouble keeping all the historical characters straight?
I found the dramatic ending hard to believe.
No contemporary monastery would accept a candidate fresh from this kind of life and tragedy (something like marrying on the rebound)!
Sad that the King's tendency to mistreat those he loves is regarded as a "womanly" trait.
I don't understand why Roger doesn't have it out with Tom for betraying him. Or why he doesn't simply go get a priest himself.