The Holy Family: A Novel

by Alan Michael Wilt

This is a challenging December for Martin Halsey, a New York talent agent. Catholic faith was a key source of insight for Martin as a young man. But when puzzlement overtook insight, he chose atheism and gave his full commitment to his true passions—his work and family.

An acute tragedy, however, has caused Martin to reconsider his choice. In The Holy Family, Thanksgiving proceeds to Christmas as Martin revisits his evolution from belief to unbelief against the backdrop of his early faith, his marriage, career, and family, and a controversial painting of the Holy Family by his daughter Celia.

In the face of deep loss, Martin struggles with the question: Do I renew my faith and accept its promises, or stand firm with the sensual, finite love of a world without God?

Engaging and timely, The Holy Family ventures into contentious waters but transcends the shouting and welcomes the search.

"The Holy Family is a rich and engrossing story, elegant and moving. Though it takes place on the epic stage of religious belief and disbelief, the drama itself is simple, humane, and ultimately devastating as the title’s twin meanings gradually come into focus. A unique and deeply satisfying read."
—Dale McGowan, author, Parenting Beyond Belief

Genres: Religion

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2012

About the author

Alan Michael Wilt is a writer and editor. He has degrees in theater and theology and has worked for several publishing companies and as an independent contractor. He lives in Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profoundly moving book. It is an intriguing exploration of whether atheism can be 'enough' with which to face life's deepest tragedies. Occasionally the author uses the main character's thoughts to 'hold forth' a bit about theological matters, but on the whole it works and feels true to life - I can certainly relate to many of the experiences and processes this character faces. The story is beautifully written, I found myself growing to love the characters and sobbing out loud with tears running down my face as the heart of this family's tragedy unfolded. I appreciated that people of faith were amongst the very best as well as the worst characters in the tale. It feels like a book I will gratefully revisit.

[Lee Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does one survive the loss of a daughter after outgrowing the Church? Where does one find comfort once belief in heaven has eroded?

Fiction: Martin Halsey grew up a Catholic, and retains an appreciation for ritual and church atmosphere, but can no longer believe. As an actor, Martin loves participating in the annual Christmas pageant, because he enjoys the inspiring story of Jesus. Yet he can no longer read the Bible as if it were meant to be understood literally. The book’s title, The Holy Family, refers not to Martin’s family but to Joseph, Mary and Jesus, in their “thoroughly human, earthy, and earthly presence” … the only way Martin can appreciate the holy trio.

Married now to an atheist and having raised two wonderful daughters, life is good … until tragedy strikes. Martin’s best friend is baffled at how to lend comfort, and often reminds Martin of the help that a belief in God can provide, but wisely refrains from pushing. As the Christmas pageant approaches, Martin must come to terms with his loss in his own way, with his own spiritual understanding, and without succumbing to what he considers merely a comforting fantasy.

This book is a respectful and thought-provoking peek into atheist thinking, without sacrificing an appreciation for the Bible. It’s gripping and deeply personal, one of those tales that will touch each reader in a different way. Definitely recommended.

[Lee Holz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holy Family is a story of tragic loss, death, despair and grief. It is also a book about reality, life, love and meaning. It’s a book of hope and optimism regarding the human condition. While treating religion with respect, the protagonist/narrator, his wife and two daughters reject the ideas of God and the afterlife though he continues to embrace Christ’s core message of love, compassion and caring. I hope that those readers who cannot accept this beautifully written book’s central concepts will treat it with the same respect the author shows the religious.

[Marji · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first drawn in by the book's premise of examining if atheism holds up in the face of tragedy. Day to day, it's easy for the thinking individual to dismiss religion as mythology, but Wilt dares to probe the more difficult question of what happens to disbelief in times of grave emotional loss.
Thanks to Martin Halsey's all too human struggle, The Holy Family transcends the usual critiques of religion to instead concentrate on the religion of love, devotion, and family.

In this always provocative tale, the reader is invited not only to consider his or her own emotional attachment to faith, but to revel in the richness of character so beautifully depicted by Alan Michael Wilt. From the first chapter, the reader is drawn into the complex questions so many face today: to believe or not to believe.

The Holy Family is so much more than the sum of its parts. Aside from its well-crafted and beautifully told story, it is a book to sustain during those times when grief threatens to overwhelm. Wilt is a gifted storyteller and writer, one from whom I hope to hear much more in days to come

[Darrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most incredible novels I have read in a very long time. I get 2-3 books a week from authors wanting me to read and maybe review. I can only do justice to a very few, but this one captured me from page one. It is titled, The Holy Family by Alan Michael Wilt. Don't let the title deceive you. This is an emotional journey worth experiencing. I can't say I have ever been so moved by a novel in my life. I have read my share, but I am not that into fiction. The long and short of it is this, if you are a freethinker or atheist, this book will really challenge you. If you are a religionist, it will give you perspectives you probably have not considered. Whether you are a current or former Catholic, Protestant or Evangelical, you will relate to key parts of this book. If you are a parent you may be especially moved by the story. This is a book about life, sex, love, religion and death and how they all weave together in our lives. If I could give it more than 5 STARS I would.

Darrel Ray, author of Sex and God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality (2012) and The God Virus: How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture (2009)

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully constructed and beautifully written book. It's a man's journey from Christian faith to doubt to unbelief - and then he is put into a situation where he is forced to ask himself whether he should return to his former faith? Is it possible to live without faith when tragedy strikes? The structure of the book travels from Thanksgiving to Christmas and Martin, who tells the story from his perspective, weaves the events of his everyday life and the approaching celebration of Christmas with his inner tensions around his changing world view. It's a gentle read that is provocative and meditative. A very enjoyable read.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I "holy" recommend this novel. It is a great read, especially if you don't have a certain mindset, and have questions about the universe in general. God, athesism, love, family...it's all there. It's both funny and devastatingly sad. Romantic. A theater aspect, and a feel of walking around NYC. Congratulations to the author.

[Robyn Franke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book about a man's journey to religion and back while suffering a life altering tragedy. Very well written - few books make me cry but this one had me teary eyed at the end. rated it 4 stars because I did find myself becoming impatient at times for the story to move on.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. There are rich themes of family, belief, relationships, loss that kept me engaged throughout. It is a heart-felt book, and I felt my heart respond throughout. Loving, aching, yearning.

[R.M. DAmato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I was surprised by the ending--what I really enjoyed about the book were both the subtle and powerful archetypes. I recommend the book for its "humanistic" values that are universally true. It does a fine job explicating what is best about being a just and good person. Bravo!

[Josee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written and touching as we can all relate to this family to some degree.
Thank you to Goodreads and the author for sending me a free copy of this wonderful book.

[John Hanscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhere between 4 1/2 and 5. Very sad, but very moving account of faith and tragedy.