The Devil's Advocate

by Morris L. West, Kenneth Woodward (Introduction)

The Devil's Advocate, Morris West's best-selling novel, is a deft exploration of the meaning of faith. In an impoverished village in southern Italy, the life and death of Giacamo Nerone has inspired talk of saint­hood. Father Blaise Meredith, a dying English priest, is sent from the Vatican to investigate—and to try to untangle the web of facts, rumors, and outright lies that surround Nerone's life and death. With spiritual frailty as a backdrop, The Devil's Advocate reminds us how the power of goodness ultimately prevails over despair.

Genres: Fiction, Classics, Religion, Italy, Historical Fiction, Australia, Thriller

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Morris Langlo West was born in St Kilda, Melbourne in 1916. At the age of fourteen, he entered the Christian Brothers seminary ‘as a kind of refuge’ from a difficult childhood. He attended the University of Melbourne and worked as a teacher. In 1941 he left the Christian Brothers without taking final vows. In World War II he worked as a code-breaker, and for a time he was private secretary to former prime minister Billy Hughes.

After the war, West became a successful writer and producer of radio serials. In 1955 he left Australia to build an international career as a writer. With his family, he lived in Austria, Italy, England and the USA, including a stint as the Vatican correspondent for the British newspaper, the Daily Mail. He returned to Australia in 1982.

Morris West wrote 30 books and many plays, and several of his novels were adapted for film. His books were published in 28 languages and sold more than 60 million copies worldwide. Each new book he wrote after he became an established writer sold more than one million copies.

West received many awards and accolades over his long writing career, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the W.H. Heinemann Award of the Royal Society of Literature for The Devil's Advocate. In 1978 he was elected a fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1985, and was made an Officer of the Order (AO) in 1997.

Morris West died at his desk in 1999.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the canonization process of the Roman Catholic Church, the ‘Promoter of the Faith’ popularly known as the ‘Devil’s Advocate’ is the priest whose job it is to argue against whoever has been proposed for sainthood. Morris West’s The Devil's Advocate takes place in late 1950’s or pre-Vatican II era, Calabria, Italy, the ‘toe of the boot’ for those not so familiar with Italian geography. During this time of apparent calm in Church history—the uneasy quiet before the storm unleashed by the many misunderstandings which grew out of the Second Vatican Council—the tiny hamlet town of Gemello Minore a-top a twin peaked mountain in one of the poorest areas of Southern Italy seems an unlikely place for a saint or miracles, but then God has a habit of using the most ordinary people and places to do the most extraordinary things.

Our devil’s advocate is dying and has been summoned by Rome for one last assignment. In the 1977 West German film version of the book—which I’ve only been able to read about but haven’t been able to obtain—the British actor, John Mills plays the terminal padre. In fact, Monsignor Blaise Meredith is a British Roman Catholic priest living in Rome and working as auditor to the Sacred Congregation of Rites, personal assistant to the prefect himself. ‘He had been twenty years a priest, vowed to the affirmation that life was transient imperfection, the earth a pale symbol of the maker, the soul an immortal in mortal clay beating itself weary for release into the ambient arms of the Almighty. Now that his own release was promised, the date of deliverance set, why could he not accept it—if not with joy, at least with confidence?’ (pp.7-8)

From the Monsignor, we move to the village of Gemello Minore and its cast of characters: the dead martyr himself, the bishop who has proposed his ‘cause’, the local priest and his ‘housekeeper’, the Jewish doctor who has struggled for acceptance and understanding, the “saint’s” mistress and bastard teenage son, the aging heiress and her uneasy alliance with a rogue artist.

As Meredith proceeds with his investigation, each person must come to terms with secrets or disclosures which he or she might rather not—some like wounds long in need of dressing, others more like being led from darkness into bright sunshine—initially painful, but ultimately healing.

An engrossing read from start to finish both in terms of characterizations as well as a snapshot in time. I wouldn’t classify this as an exciting book, but rather as a thoughtful one; the plot is negligible and almost non-essential. However, what The Devil’s Advocate lacks in speed, it more than compensates for in depth and beauty.

Highly recommended as a beautiful tribute to the priesthood for this Year For Priests.

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Another incredible book... I want to let the story settle before I write a review. I'm going back and forth between 4.5 and 5 stars. I'll probably end up giving it a 5. It really is a wonderful book.

I love this series! Even more, I like the fact that most of these authors have written many other books, some of which I know. In addition to this book made into a West German film in 1977 starring John Mills, which seems to be unavailable -- more's the pity -- Morris West also wrote The Shoes of the Fisherman which is still around. I have seen it, although not recently.

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reading this for the Elements of Faith book club. It is the story of a disillusioned English priest who is dying but is asked to take on one last task ... that of being the Devil's Advocate in investigating a possible case for sainthood. Traditionally, the Vatican would assign someone to look into the good reasons for beatification and also assign a different person to raise all the reasons against beatification. (It is an old system that was discarded in modern times but which has just been reinstated by Pope Benedict. It seems like a good idea to me for obvious reasons.)

At any rate, the priest has been assigned the task not only because he would be good at the job but because his superior hopes it will help him spiritually. Face to face with eternity, the priest has had to admit that he has lived a lukewarm life, one without passion.

I have read this before and am looking forward to this second reading and the chance to discuss it with fellow Catholics. I have just begun and am immediately struck by how well West brings us into the atmosphere of the Italian countryside, not to mention the clerical attitudes of the time.

Finished and I really cannot express adequately what a masterpiece this book is in so many ways, but first and foremost in examining the good and bad in human nature (often within the same person) and our institutions, the depth of the human soul, and our capacity for faith and change. All this without resorting to miracles or God speaking, except through those same human beings. Amazing and highly recommended. I'm really looking forward to discussing this one next week at Elements of Faith book club.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim-- actually, I saw it for sale for $1 and decided what the heck-- It turned out to be a real page-turner, it's just really well-written and enjoyable... One of the reviews on the inside cover say it somehow manages to be as exciting as a murder mystery, and I think that's right, which is surprising given its about a priest who goes to a small Italian village to decide whether a recently diseased man ought to be canonized.

The only real issue I have with it is that the ending wraps things up really swiftly-- (SPOILER ALERT) in the last few dozen pages, it seems like the author is kinda hurrying to a close, getting all the loose ends tied up really conveniently, having the main character run around solving things-- That was the impression I got, anyway.

But I feel like I will need to revisit my thoughts on this book at a later time-- I just finished reading it yesterday, and I think my true review will take some thought. But anyways, it's a book I'd read again.

[Analia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐


“Uno es libre, pero libre en el caos, en un mundo inexplicado e inexplicable. Uno es libre en un desierto del cuál no hay otra retirada que el camino hacía el núcleo vano de uno mismo. No hay más fundamento sobre el cual construir que la pequeña ropa de la propia estimación, que es una nada basada en la nada... Pienso, luego existo. Pero, ¿Que soy? Un accidente del desorden que no va a parte alguna.”

Escogida al azar de la biblioteca pública de mi ciudad (ya que su apellido me suena de otros libros que NO leí como “Las sandalias del pescador”) ésta novela está ambientada en contexto posguerra. Con una prosa muy ágil para leer, una descripción de la naturaleza que rodea a los personajes muy bella, PARA NADA densa (aclaro ésto porque se está ante un libro que plasma la eterna paradoja del cristianismo: la constante tensión entre la fe y la flaqueza humana). Pese a que lleva más de sesenta años editada y es un reflejo de la moralidad católica de los años 50, 60, refleja el catolicismo conflictivo de hoy en día. Debo aclarar que Morris West participó como eclesiastico de la orden marista, por tanto escribió esta novela siendo fiel conocedor.
Es la historia de Monseñor Meredith, quien sabe que morirá de cáncer al cabo de seis meses. Pero no sabe que estos seis meses serán los más importantes de toda su vida. Es inglés, católico y sacerdote destacado de la Congregación de Ritos de Roma, Meridith ha pasado su existencia investigando los vicios y virtudes de los posibles santos de la Iglesia. Pero ha sido elegido como Abogado del Diablo para que actúe como fiscal religioso contra un hombre al que todo un pueblo quiere beatificar: Giaccomo Nerone, quien para ser beato tiene poco y nada ya que no solo era un desertor del ejército británico durante la última guerra, sino que había dejado a una mujer embarazada y no se había casado con ella. También tenía enemigos y termina muerto en los años de la posguerra en una remota zona de la Calabria italiana. Y Meredith, que tiene los meses contados, busca un milagro en el sur de Italia porque es una misión solicitada por la curia vaticana. Serán Nina y Paolo Sanduzzi quienes se lo ofrezcan, y él, llevará a cabo su propio milagro personal.
Ser abogado del diablo significa llevar a cabo la parte crítica en el proceso judicial para la beatificación arriba indicada. El problema de la santidad se torna para Meridith, por primera vez, en algo dramáticamente actual, apasionante; en vez de archivos y pergaminos se encuentra con seres humanos que no quieren confesar sus secretos, prisioneros entre el miedo y el amor que les ha inspirado aquel "santo".
En el pueblo Meredith conoce al padre Anselmo, cuya vocación deja mucho que desear, con quien establece una amplia comunicación acerca de lo que es la humanidad de los más desprotegidos y la deshumanización de éstos; También conoce al Doctor Aldo Meyer, judio y exiliado forzoso que ha dejado su vida para conseguir mejoras en el ámbito de la salud, pero se choca siempre con las supersticiones y la negativa de los pobladores a aceptar los avances de la ciencia como parte de una vida mejor. Éste pueblo está tan atado a las supersticiones que sus habitantes consideran que Nerone hizo milagros y que su canonización salvaría a la población de todos los males.
Lo que me ha hecho volar la cabeza ha sido el aspecto psicológico del Padre Meredith ya que que pasa de ser un funcionario del Vaticano a un hombre que se mezcla con sus ovejas, además de los dilemas morales y espirituales que se planeta; Un hombre que se encuentra analizando su vida pasada y su muerte próxima, descubriendo un gran vacío en aquella que no alcanzará para justificar ésta.
En “El abogado del diablo” se está ante una novela que narra conversaciones llenas de filosofía, misticismo, teología, humanismo, y discusiones crudas acerca de la vida, la muerte y la participación de la religión.
YO LO RECOMIENDO.
P/D Me pregunto en quién se basó el autor para crear a “Giaccomo Nerone”

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had seen this author on my mother's bookshelves when I was little, so expected it to read like "popular fiction". I have now read 2 Morris West books, and I think when the 20th century reaches the "classic literature" stage, Morris West will be one of the writers whose names and works remain in circulation. Set in the rural mountains of Italy, this very powerful novel tells of an aging and ill Vatican leader's last gift to his community. Crossing religions, class and politics, this story of old secrets and new (self) discovery is pure literary art. I highly recommend it.

[Shahrooz · Rating 4 out of 5]

وکیل شیطان
موریس وست
ترجمه ماه منیر مینوی
انتشارات آشتیانی
چاپ ۱۳۶۳

[Hon Lady Selene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here it is then, the bureaucracy of the Church in action - Roman legality applied to the affairs of the spirit: preachy yawn-fest with a sprinkle of homophobia.

[Christian Engler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morris West's--The Devil's Advocate--is a perennial literary classic thriller that is an intermixture of politics and religion, which explores the behind-the-process investigative scenes of Catholic saint making. But that is really only the backdrop to the totality of the story, for the real narrative deals with the world weary and cynical English devil's advocate, Fr. Blaise Meredith, a man who has been informed that due to an illness, his life expectancy has been shortened. With such a blow, he submissively complies to that which he can not prevent from happening: death. He passively waits for it, dismissing his environment and the people contained within it, thus causing a premature emotional death, stunting him before actual physical death seizes him. As such, his 'boss' Eugenio Cardinal Marotta, tries to get him out of his self-made rut, something created long before his illness came into the scene. And it is an observation duly noted by Marotta, when he states on page 37, "...Part of the problem is that you and I and others like us have been removed too long from pastoral duty. We have lost touch with the people who keep us in touch with God. We have reduced the faith to an intellectual conception, an arid assent of the will, because we have not seen it working in the lives of common folk. We have lost pity and fear and love. We are the guardians of mysteries, but we have lost the awe of them. We work by canon, not by charity..."

Over the course of time, Blaise Meredith lost something within himself, the mystery of what brought him into religious life in the first place, that spark of Divine influence which ignited his actions, the excitement, the possibility, the allure; what he clung to was a partial illusion instead of the reality, and so, bit-by-bit, he gradually crumbled until his feelings became ashes and dust rather than his body. Yet, that is the beauty of humanity, for we each raise each other up when necessary, and Fr. Meredith is no exception. But he is raised up not by a living soul, but a departed one, a martyred witness whose cause for canonization he must investigate. But for him, it is yet another albatross around his neck, for he is of the belief that the world could do with more churches and better attendance than another holy rollar saint. However, the man whom he must investigate--Giacomo Nerone--appears anything but saintly, which in its own right is quite refreshing. But his adherence to the doctrine of the Church, even onto death, is what elevates him to the possibilities of the honor of the alter. The story surrounding Nerone and those who knew him slowly and intricately revives the devil's advocate's own faith. And his soul is gradually restored.

West's novel can be dissected on many levels and the characters that are gradually introduced are by all accounts flawed in their own very unique manner, for nothing is held back. But no matter how reprehensible some of the characters and situations may be, there is corrective redemption that is available; some take it and others do not, but for those who do, one can not but sigh with a degree of relief. As noted in the author biogrphy, The Devil's Advocate was awarded the Royal Society's William Heinemann Award, the National Brotherhood Award from the National Council of Christians and Jews as well as the James Tait Black Memorial Award. And for me, upon completion of the book, an understanding of the universal acclaim that it has received since its publication.

[Jeanette Grant-Thomson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars, I think. This book would possibly have more appeal for Catholics but is an interesting story for most people. It was first published in 1959 and its Catholicism plus the time it was written make it a dated read. The story kept me reading.

Giacomo Nerone, a man who lived for a season in a small Italian village, has been nominated for sainthood. It is Blaise Meredith's job, as Devil's Advocate, to disprove the saintly claims. Meredith is also a man rapidly dying of cancer and appalled by the emptiness of his life.

The characters are a varied group and held my interest. I was reminded of groups of expatriates in a third world country with the unlikely friendships forged among the simple village people. Meredith's journey kept my interest too.

One thing stood out - how times have changed - in relation to issues like homosexuality. Some readers today may find West's portrayal of the gay man offensive and very traumatic.

The point of view is sometimes omniscient, other times through various characters. I felt the style was hindered by West's tendency to name characters, nearly all the time, by their full titles and Christian and surnames. This added to a sense of formality, possibly intentional. It also slowed the pace and gave a ponderous feel to the prose.

However - I actually enjoyed the book!

[Premanand Velu · Rating 3 out of 5]

சாத்தானின் குரல்
-----------------------------------

Serendipity என்ற ஆங்கில வார்த்தைக்கு இணையான சொல் தமிழில் அநேகமாக இல்லை என நினைக்கிறேன். ஆனால், வாசிப்பைப் பொறுத்தவரை, தமிழிலும், ஆங்கிலத்திலும் அருமையான எழுத்துகளும், படைப்பாளிகளும், எனக்கு அப்படித்தான் அறிமுகமாகி, என் வாசிப்பின் தொடர்ந்த அங்கமாகிப்போவது வாடிக்கையாக நிகழ்ந்திருக்கிறது. எங்காவது ஒரு தொலைதூர பயணத்தின் நடுவில் ஒரு மூலையில் அமர்ந்து காபி அருந்தும்போதோ, அல்லது புதிதாக அறிமுகமான ஒருவருடனான உரையாடலிலோ இடையில் ஒரு கணத்தில் திடீரென ,ஒரு எழுத்தாளரோ ஒரு புதிய புத்தகமோ வந்தடைந்துவிடும். அப்படித்தான் சிமாமண்டா அடிச்சி எனக்கு அறிமுகமானார். எங்கோ தில்லியின் கன்னாட் பிலேசின் காப்பிக்கடையில், வில்லியம் டால்ரிம்பிள் பல வருடங்களுக்கு முன் எனக்கு அறிமுகமானார். தமிழில் அநேக மொழிபெயர்ப்பு நூல்கள் அப்படித்தான் எனக்கு அறிமுகமாகின.

அப்படித்தான் சில நாட்களுக்கு முன் ஏதோ ஒரு முகநூல் உரையாடலில், தியோடர் பாஸ்கரன் ஐயாவிடம் இருந்து மோரிஸ் வெஸ்ட் என்னும் இந்த ஆஸ்திரேலிய எழுத்தாளரைப்பற்றி கேள்விப்பட்டேன். உடனே அவருடைய புத்தகங்கள் சிலவற்றை வாங்கிவிட்டேன்.

மோரிஸ் வெஸ்ட் ஆஸ்திரேலியாவின் மெல்பர்ன் நகரில் பிறந்து வளர்ந்தவர். அவருடைய கடினமான குடும்ப சூழல் காரணமாக மிக இளவயதிலேயே கிறிஸ்த்துவ சகோதர சபை (Congregation of Christian brothers- CFC) எனப்படும் கத்தோலிக்க திருச்சபை அமைப்பில் இணைந்து வளர்ந்தார். பத்தாண்டுகளுக்குப் பின் அவர் அதைவிட்டு விலகினாலும் அதன் பாதிப்பு அவர் எழுத்தில் அதிகம் வெளிப்படும். அவருடைய படைப்புகள் அதிகம் கத்தோலிக்க அமைப்பைப் பற்றியும், அதனுள் நடக்கும் விஷயங்களைப் பற்றியும் ஆழமாக பேசுகின்றன.

The Devil's Advocate என்னும் இந்தப் புத்தகம் அவருடைய முதல் குறிப்பிடத்தக்க படைப்பாகும். சுமார் 260 பக்கங்களில் இந்த நாவல் பேசும் விஷயம், கத்தோலிக்க அமைப்பின் ஒரு முக்கிய நடைமுறையும் அதைச்சுற்றி நடைபெறும் செயல்களும் தான். தென் இத்தாலியின் மலைகிராமத்தில் அற்புதங்கள் செய்து மறைந்த ஒரு மர்ம மனிதனை ஆய்ந்து அவன் புனிதனாக அறிவிக்க முகாந்திரம் இருக்கிறதா என முறைப்படி ஆய்ந்து சொல்ல, வாடிகனில் இருந்து ஒரு திருச்சபை ஊழியரை அனுப்பி வைக்கிறது. அந்த ஊழியரைத்தான் சாத்தானின் வழக்கறிஞர் (Devil's Advocate) எனச் சம்பிரதாயமாக அழைப்பர்.

அந்த மனிதன் யார், அவன் எங்கிருந்து வந்தான், அவன் அற்புதங்கள் நிகழ்த்தியது உண்மையா என ஆராயும் நடவடிக்கை என்பது அடிப்படைக் களம் தான். அத்தோடு இதில் சிறப்பாக காட்சிப்படுத்தப்படும் இத்தாலியின் இரண்டாம் உலக யுத்தத்திற்கு பிறகான அரசியல் குழப்பங்கள், மக்கள் அனுபவிக்கும் துன்பங்கள், போராளிகள் நிகழ்த்தும் கொலைகள் என அனைத்தும் அந்தக் கதைக்களத்தின் விரிவுதான்.

உண்மையில் மோரிஸ் அடிப்படை முடிச்சாக படைத்திருப்பது, மத நம்பிக்கைக்கும், நாத்திக உறுதிப்பாட்டுக்கும் இடையே ஊசலாடும் மனிதர்களின் மனச்சிக்கல் தான். மனிதாபிமானத்திற்கும் அதிகார வெறிக்கும் உள்ள முரணும் தான். அப்படியே அற்புதம் என்பது என்ன? மனிதர்களின் நிறம் என்ன? மனிதர்களில் நல்லவர் கெட்டவர் என்று புரிந்து கொள்வது எப்படி? இப்படி முரணான அடிப்படைக் கேள்விகளை அடுக்கடுக்காக எழுப்பி வாசிப்பவரின் மனதில் அதற்கான எதிரொலிகளை தோற்றுவிக்கும் முக்கிய செயலை இந்த புத்தகம் செய்கிறது.

அந்த விதத்தில் இது வெகுஜன வாசிப்பைத் தாண்டி இலக்கிய தளத்தில் பயணிக்கிறது. முரண்களை காட்சிப்படுத்தி அதற்கான கேள்விகளை மனதில் ஏற்படுத்துவதும் இலக்கியம் தானே?...

[Eric Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the writing in this book contains much more description and lengthy conversation than I am used to, I found it engaging and very well written. The cast of characters is engaging and the moral dilemmas that they encounter are challenging. In a sense, the Christian faith, atheism, and the institutional Roman Catholic Church are challenged. The challenges become very real and personal to each of the characters. The setting in Southern impoverished Italy, post war.

Giacomo Nerone, killed by communists in spite of all the help he had given to the villagers. Is he a saint or a military deserter, father of an illegitimate child?
Blaise Meredith, mortally ill English priest, of an apparently cold character, sent by Vatican as the devil’s advocate to examine the saintliness of Giacomo
Aurelio, Bishop of Valenta, befriends Blaise and expresses unusual intellectual and human understanding coupled with practical instincts in agriculture, etc.
Dr. Aldo Meyer is a Jewish/English doctor who mysteriously ends up in this backwater where his talents and attempts to help the peasants are rebuffed. He is discouraged and disillusioned. What part did he play in Giacomo’s execution by partisans?
Nina Sanduzzi, a simple village woman loved by Giacomo who becomes his lover
Paolo Sanduzzi, bastard son of Giacomo and Nina
Nicholas Black, artist, twin, frustrated, angry.
Padrona, the Contessa, also frustrated in life and loves but the resident of the big estate.

The book is set in Calabria just after the second world war in a place and time where the general population were struggling with deep poverty. By contrast we catch glimpses into the privileged life of the local padrona.

The book deals with huge questions. What is a saint? Must a saint be celibate, or is love part of what makes a man a saint?

The writing is affecting, especially when West sketches a character, in this case, Blaise Meredith. “There is no passion in your life, my son. You have never loved a woman, nor hated a man, nor pitied a child. You have withdrawn yourself too long and you are a stranger to the human family…”p. 38.

In discussing the bishop’s orange grove, Meredith asks; “What have oranges got to do with the human soul?”
“Everything,” said the bishop flatly. “You can’t cut a man in two and polish up his sould while you throw his body in the trash heap…” p. 137

[Victor Bonini · Rating 2 out of 5]

In general, not a book that surprised me. On the contrary: it pretty much bored me from beginning to end, not containing a single fact that I actually hadn't foreseen.
The good: there are some inteligent reflexions about religion and human nature that aroused my thoughts. Some of them are old-fashioned (since it is a book published in 1959), but I overlooked them and tried to get the sense out of them. Philosophically speaking, it was the book's highlight.
The bad: as I said, it is predictable and I didn't connect to the characters as I wish I had. Some of them are supposed to be deep, but they aren't. The only two that got my attention were Meredith and Giacomo -- but I think this last one lacks flaws and real human personality. I mean, Meredith was supposed to be the Devil's Advocate, right? But instead he (and everyone else) only worships a man that, apparently, is perfect and divine in every way. Why not turn him into a saint before in the first place? The argument there just didn't convince me. I mean, when Meredith arrives at Gemelo Minore, didn't people say it would be hard to discover the true story behind Giacomo Nerone's name? It didn't seem hard at all for me. This fact annoyed me and had me waiting for some real psychology behind those plain characters that could explain that plain story. Well, I'm gonna say I finished the book still waiting for that...

[Katie King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very satisfying and very dated novel. Perhaps satisfying because so dated. Makes it clear that for particular constituencies their alliances and differences keep shifting in subtle ways that matter, even if overall rather similar.

In this case the attitude toward homosexuality by the protagonist is left at the end in some disarray, and without a final judgement. It's not "liberatory" but quite fascinating anyway.

And the pathologizing sexism toward a major female character is intended to be sympathetic and sexually affirming, even though it is nothing of the sort....

Nothing like the play of historical specificities to make one wonder about one's own assumptions in good ways I think.

Hard to be too complacent about one's own dogmas on sexuality, parenting, spiritual goodness, after reading this: both its intended message but also strangely it's own failure, specificity, and weirdness.

And that is what makes it so satisfying: that and few places that allow for a good cry.

[Ed S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro engaña a los no iniciados, no es libro de la pelicula homónima, sino que es un relato de un sacerdote que funge como "abogado del diablo" en la iglesia católica, es un puesto donde un sacerdote pone en tela de juicio los milagros de un beato o santo a proclamar y verifica que no sean causa de la casualidad o no sea un milagro verdadero. Este sacerdote va a las montañas de Italia a Investigar el caso de "Giacomo Nerone" un misterioso campesino que fue encontrado muerto atado a un árbol. Esta es la ultima asignacion del sacerdote ya que sufre de cancer de estómago y el obispo piensa que hacer este trabajo le vendrá bien. Toda la gente alaba al proximo santo, sin embargo la gente mas cercana a el, un doctor judio, una rica hacendada y un pintor se niegan a hablar de su misterio.

Una excelente novela!

[João Esteves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the plot. The metamorphosis that Blaise Meredith went through from the beginning all the way to the end was really fascinating. Morris West explores a post-WW1 life of a bishop and inside the church and the process one must go through to be considered a saint. Also liked the flashback scenes, where we learn the life of Giacomo Nerone from the people that interacted with him. The books explores a lot of religious aspects as well.
Overall very good book, main characters very well developed and West lets you make contact with every one of them.

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had previously read West's "The Shoes of the Fisherman" which was excellent. I like this novel even more.
The story of a priest who has spent his career working for the Vatican is assigned to investigate the cause of a man already declared Venerable. He is at the point of life where he feels his priesthood has been wasted and his daily life never challenged by difficulties. A significant factor makes this a turning point in his life and this assignment is partly the result.
The cause he is assigned seems problematic on many levels regarding a man with an unknown background and what is known is problematic. Added to this is political problems since he was killed by the Communists in Italy.

I pretty much loved everything about this novel. The cast of characters, the nuances of the situation, and how the priest is struggling to resolve this situation.

[Sister Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it to be a beautifully crafted exploration of the meaning of faith, mercy, holiness and human frailty. I had some trepidation about how the author would handle the sexuality of the artist Mr. Black, especially knowing that the novel was first published in the early 1950s. The frank "born this way" treatment of Mr. Black's homosexuality surprised me and struck me as a nuanced and highly progressive characterization for its era - especially for a book focused so explicitly on matters of faith. The humanity of all principal characters unfolded so beautifully and tragically. Would definitely recommend it to others who enjoy books that center on spiritual themes with a strong humanist slant.

[Patricia M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite book. It has amazing characterization. The story is excellent. The process of becoming a saint in this time of the great author, Morris West, is what we all know best. It is the Devil's Advocate versus the potential saint. This is really high drama. Throw in the Second World War in Italy as the back drop, and it is a perfect storm. It keeps turning corners in unexpected ways and keeps you dangling. It challenges faith and lack of it, smells and bells, and the disheartened, all at one time. A truly great book.

[J McEvoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very dated novel with West's Catholic sensibilities to the fore; in this instance a Vatican official investigating a case for sainthood discovers the prospective saint had fathered a male child by a local woman. Said child is now under threat by the village's resident homosexual - an English artist named "Nicholas Black" ie, the devil himself. The vatican official takes it upon himself to save the boy from a fate worse than death, surely. 'Nuff said. Some good dialogue and characterisation in the early parts can't save this one.

[Ed Parke · Rating 5 out of 5]

How had I never heard of the Australian author Morris West before? Another masterpiece of a novel picked up at random from the university library. The Devil's Advocate follows Monsignor Blaise Meredith, an English official from the Vatican recently given a terminal diagnosis, as he is sent to a provincial region of Italy to investigate a somewhat questionable beatification cause. The character development, the unfolding revelation of the mysteries surrounding the case, and many quite marvellous passages throughout the novel make this a must-read especially for those interested in the surprisingly fruitful world of twentieth-century Australian Catholic authorship.

"The hand of God reaches down even into the private hells we make for ourselves" (285).

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Devil's Advocate" is a fact-finding person who seeks the truth in the first step toward beatification in the Roman Catholic Church. I think.

Fr. Blaise Meridith is sent to a small town in Italy to interview people during WWII, about a man calling himself Giacomo Nerone. There is much politics in the Vatican, Father Meridith is very "good" but has been treated badly, or at least like a hermit, notwithstanding his immanent terminal illness, and the people he is to interview are suspicious. But he perseveres, kindly, thoroughly, gently, and grows, some, as a result. A very good read.

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old favorite that I first read 30 years ago. I remember having only a few pages left when my bus stop came up..and running into a stall in an empty bathroom at work to finish it in peace, as I was crying. Its attitudes are a bit dated now although I love the mid-century style. Part Leon Uris, part Graham Greene...historical fiction with a Catholic point of view. I was surprised to remember a line from the ending, word for word, 30 years later!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suffering from an incurable disease, Father Blaise Meredith is sent to a poor village in Italy to investigate the complicated life of a military deserter who the townspeople are claiming was a saint.

With clear, vivid writing, the novel tells the stories of several well-drawn characters who are all wrestling with their faith and mortality, compelling readers to examine their own beliefs and burdens on the soul.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently reread this after 10 years. And cried - the way Morris West always makes me cry.

[Pilar Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

[Canavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

✭✭✭✭

[Teresa Ramos Spataru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Os dilemas morais e a igreja. Não sou fã de escrita sobre a igreja e religiões mas gostei. Foi uma luta pra terminar mas está realmente muito bem escrito, as descrições e as personagens interessantes.

[Romina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has a lot of Christian Catholic philosophy which helps to understand the motives of the characters and how oppressed they were by society and the Church at that time (middle of the 20th century). It’s interesting how the reader actually felt their despair and the lack of moral guidance, which is quite ironic considering Rome and the Vatican are only a couple of hundred of kilometers away. Recommended reading to those who try to understand the mindset of little ITALIAN towns during and after WWII.

[Hypatia's Dream · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil's Advocate de Morris West me ha parecido una obra muy bien estructurada, con la primicia conocida del bien contra el mal. Sin la intención de adoctrinar, West aborda esta novela con mucha espiritualidad.

La trama nos narra la fase final y última misión de Meredith Blaise, el personaje central. Es un sacerdote aquejado de cáncer terminal y designado para ejercer de abogado en un proceso de canonización. Su investigación afectará a sus planteamientos morales y católicos , encontrando sentido a su vida no precisamente a través del cumplimiento de sus cánones morales.

Los personajes están tan bien configurados y con un desarrollo bien logrado, la obra en sí, nos muestra la visión moral católica de finales de los 40's a la década de los 60's haciéndonos entender que hay cuestiones que incluso en nuestra época no han cambiado nada.

Los diálogos y argumentos son preciosos, cosa que me enganchó desde el inicio de la historia, Morris permite que su historia, casi de género detectivesco pero con un sacerdote como investigador, nos intrigue manejando tiempos en su historia, viajando del presente al pasado y además nos retrata el interior del protagonista.

Tiene una redacción tan buena que te lleva a través del misterio de la trama y del proceso de transformación que sus personajes alcanzan paso a paso.

Personajes:

Meredith Blaise: Sacerdote del vaticano que es encomendado por Eugenio Marotta ser el abogado del diablo en la causa de la canonización de un posible santo llamado Giacomo Nerone. Padeciendo la última de las fases del carcinoma toma su misión con dignidad y parte a Gemellio dei Monti a cumplirla.

Eugenio Cardenal Marotta: Arzobispo de Acrópolis, titular de San Clemente, con 63 años y muchos títulos importantes en la Santa iglesia Católica, fue quien designó a Meredith para Abogado del Diablo en el caso Giacomo Nerone.

Aldo Meyer. Exiliado desde el inicio de la guerra, con 20 años viviendo en Gemello Minore, Médico en esa región pero siempre visto como extranjero con un aire de distinción para los nativos. Conoció a Giacomo Nerone en vida, testigo clave del caso.

Aurelio,Obispo de Valenta: Obispo de una pequeña diócesis de Gemello Maggiore, una región considerada miserable para los religiosos de Roma, considerado por Marotta como un reformador rígido con aficiones políticas. Recibe a Blaise a su llegada a Calabria y se convierte en su mejor amigo.

Anne Louise de Sanctis: Viuda de Gabriele de Sanctis, mujer, vanidosa, arrogante e insatisfecha, la condesa de Gemello Minore, deseosa de Nerone y rechazada por él con ansia de venganza fue pieza clave en la muerte de Giacomo.

Nicholas Black: Pintor, perseverante pero inconforme, desdichado, invitado de Anne Louise invita a Blaise para investigar el caso de Giacomo en Gemello MInore.

Nina Sanduzzi: Primer contacto de Giacomo en Gemello Minore, protectora del mismo y mujer y madre del hijo de Nerone posteriormente, fue testigo de los primeros milagros de Giacomo, madre de Paolo Sanduzzi.

Giacomo Nerone: Personaje al que solicitan beatificar pero cuyos testigos en vida no desean atestiguar por el cúmulo de acciones cometidas en su contra, mártir y siervo de Dios, inglés cuyo pasado se ignoraba en Gemello dil Monti, desertor del ejército inglés durante la guerra.

Es la primera vez que leo algo de este escritor y me ha encantado, ya en mi lista de literatura de nivel, aunque se han dado una idea con la sinopsis, cabe aclarar que no es el libro en el que se basaron para la realización de la película donde participa Keanu Reeves y Al Paccino por lo que no esperen encontrar algo relacionado con la historia.

[Isabel Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

No tenía idea de q existiera una figura, dentro de la jerarquía canónica, denominado así, pero sí existe y resulta ser el personaje que tiene a su cargo descalificar todas las pruebas o evidencias q se invocan para solicitar la canonización de una persona. Este libro, escrito a fines de la segunda guerra mundial, trata sobre un sacerdote que justamente viviendo en esa época debe hacer de abogado del diablo en una canonización. Particularmente encuentro curioso como Blaise Meredith, el sacerdote, por medio del proceso de canonización de otro encuentra su propia identidad y el camino a la santidad.
La novela cuenta los últimos meses de vida de un sacerdote perteneciente al Vaticano llamado Blaise Meredtith. Sus pensamientos y los cambios de los mismos son descriptos a lo largo de la novela, pero el punto de vista de la narración va cambiando aunque la mayor parte del libro este escrito desde la óptica del sacerdote, Meyer (el doctor), Nina Sanduzzi (la amante del santo) y la condesa entre otros son también tomados para ir cambiando el punto de vista de la historia.
Blaise Meredith como personaje no resulta muy complejo. Es básicamente un descreído, su vida esta estructurada y no logra encontrar a Dios ni el amor de él en las personas. En sus tiempos dentro de la iglesia Blaise Meredith no se sintió necesitado por los demás ni sentía que su vida tuviera un valor para otras personas. Creyó no haber necesitado nada; creyó tenerlo todo hasta el momento en que anunciaron su muerte y se dio cuenta de que moriría sin tener razón en su vida que lo atara a querer permanecer vivo.
Esto va cambiar, al ponerse en camino a Gemello dei Monti. Inmerso en la que posiblemente se la última investigación de su vida, el sacerdote va interactuando con los diversos personajes y cada uno de ellos va dejando huella en él, logrando cambios en su alma, q ya no esperaba alcanzar.
Simultáneamente se empieza a encontrar lo policial de la novela, el misterio y la investigación, la búsqueda de la verdad. Se empieza a conocer la historia de Giacomo Nerone a través de los testimonios orales, de sus allegados, y escritos pertenecientes a este mismo. El suspenso que se va desarrollando a través de todo esto hace que el lector se interne en la novela y no quiera dejar de leerla.
Es una novela hermosa. Hay q leerla para amarla.