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The Blind Side of the Heart
From the author of the critically acclaimed novel A Brother's Blood, comes a haunting story about an Irish housekeeper who must discover the truth when her friend, the parish priest, is accused of horrible crimes. Maggie Quinn has had her share of Having grown up poor and fatherless in Galway, she was forced to quit school early and find work to support her ailing mother and her own child. But when a tragedy of her own making strikes, it is too much for her to bear. Plagued by feelings of guilt and sorrow and by losing her faith in God, she runs from her past; first by fleeing Ireland for America and later by drowning her sorrows with the bottle. Maggie hits rock bottom when she makes an unsuccessful suicide attempt. While recuperating in a hospital bed, she meets the remarkable Father Jack Devlin. With his compassion and love, Maggie once more finds her faith and a reason to live. For the past eighteen years, Maggie has devoted herself to the man who saved her life. But now Father Jack, the beloved if controversial priest in the small town of Hebron Falls, Massachusetts, is accused of having done terrible things to altar boys many years before. At first Maggie is convinced that the accusations are only lies brought out by Father Jack's enemies. Yet as she sifts through the memories of her life with Father Jack, doubts begin to Could she have been blind to a darker side of her friend all these years? And when new information surfaces regarding the unsolved murder of a young altar boy with possible links to Father Jack, her faith is once again put to the test. Maggie must search her memory and her heart to help her decide what to believe. The Blind Side of the Heart poignantly captures one woman's struggle to remain loyal to a friend while at the same time she is forced to examine her conscience to arrive at the truth.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
10 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Michael C. White
22 books44 followersAuthor of Resting Places
One woman’s journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening
After receiving the devastating news of her son’s death, Elizabeth ekes out a lonely and strained relationship with her husband, Zach. While he takes comfort in support groups, Elizabeth becomes withdrawn and seeks solace from the only thing that helps her forget: alcohol. A chance meeting with a man on the side of the road spurs her to travel cross-country to the site of her son’s death in the hope of understanding what had happened.
During the trip, she undergoes a transformation, one which allows her to confront the demons of her past but also to acknowledge the possibilities of her future. Through the wisdom and kindness of a man she meets along the way, she finds a means not only of dealing with her pain and her guilt, but of opening herself to the redemptive power of love, and of faith in something. Resting Places is an inspiring, upbeat story, a tale of real faith in what we cannot see except with our hearts, a novel that follows a character from despair to hope, from despondency to renewal.
One woman’s journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening
After receiving the devastating news of her son’s death, Elizabeth ekes out a lonely and strained relationship with her husband, Zach. While he takes comfort in support groups, Elizabeth becomes withdrawn and seeks solace from the only thing that helps her forget: alcohol. A chance meeting with a man on the side of the road spurs her to travel cross-country to the site of her son’s death in the hope of understanding what had happened.
During the trip, she undergoes a transformation, one which allows her to confront the demons of her past but also to acknowledge the possibilities of her future. Through the wisdom and kindness of a man she meets along the way, she finds a means not only of dealing with her pain and her guilt, but of opening herself to the redemptive power of love, and of faith in something. Resting Places is an inspiring, upbeat story, a tale of real faith in what we cannot see except with our hearts, a novel that follows a character from despair to hope, from despondency to renewal.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 22, 2011
"Magna est veritas et praevalebit, Margaret." he said, something he'd said any number of timea before. Great is truth and it prevails.
A courtroom drama. Tough lawyers. Shady characters. An allegedly pedophile priest. A secret forbidden love. We've been reading church scandal stories of like this in the newspaper especially in the US. I am sure this happens in the Philippines but this kind of news normally does not land on the front page of our broadsheets though. Nevertheless, I'd say very timely relevant novel.
Massachusets, 1997-1999. A 52-y/o Catholic priest, Father John "Jack" Devlin is charged first with sexual abuse by his former altar boys, the brothers, Bobby and Russell Roby. The crime supposedly happened 15 years ago. Father Jack insists on his innocent but got a very bad court trial so he had no choice but to accept the prosecutor's bargain to get a lower penalty, i.e., 4-year instead of life imprisonment. He insists on his innocence though. While serving the 4-year term, another case comes up - the second one - this time for the murder of another former altar boy, Justin, the boy he felt like a biological father to. If proven guilty, he could face life imprisonment. During all these, Father Jack's devoted housekeeper, 48-y/o, Margaret "Maggie" Quinn, his housekeeper for 15 years, loyally stood by his side. Maggie has her own dark past and she created her own little fantasy world having Father Jack and Justin as her husband and own child. Thus, the title. Margaret blindly accepts what Father Jack does. For she is in love with Father Jack.
In those real, as well as in this book's, cases the question is always: is it true?. Just like in the book, most people (including the jury), always side with the abuse. In the book, Father Jack never quivered on his innocence. Neither for the sexual assault nor for the murder. It seems to me that he is just fond of being with his boys. As a father (good that I do not have a son and there is no altar girls in the Philippines), I must admit that I could not understand this. The book does not help me also as it does not offer the reason why Father Jack is like that. Regarding the truth, White chose to stay on gray (1 star less). I also thought that the book could be more interesting if White did a Capote (another star less). What the latter did in his In Cold Blood, clearly presenting the psychological side of the killers is an unnerving eye-opener.
However, White chose to present his novel in the perspective of Maggie, the household help. Quite unexpected but I would say interesting. Maggie's fantasy world where his husband is Father Jack and her son is Justin. Then the love in her heart for them is pictured in her dream as a white bird fluttering its wings.
In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti...
A courtroom drama. Tough lawyers. Shady characters. An allegedly pedophile priest. A secret forbidden love. We've been reading church scandal stories of like this in the newspaper especially in the US. I am sure this happens in the Philippines but this kind of news normally does not land on the front page of our broadsheets though. Nevertheless, I'd say very timely relevant novel.
Massachusets, 1997-1999. A 52-y/o Catholic priest, Father John "Jack" Devlin is charged first with sexual abuse by his former altar boys, the brothers, Bobby and Russell Roby. The crime supposedly happened 15 years ago. Father Jack insists on his innocent but got a very bad court trial so he had no choice but to accept the prosecutor's bargain to get a lower penalty, i.e., 4-year instead of life imprisonment. He insists on his innocence though. While serving the 4-year term, another case comes up - the second one - this time for the murder of another former altar boy, Justin, the boy he felt like a biological father to. If proven guilty, he could face life imprisonment. During all these, Father Jack's devoted housekeeper, 48-y/o, Margaret "Maggie" Quinn, his housekeeper for 15 years, loyally stood by his side. Maggie has her own dark past and she created her own little fantasy world having Father Jack and Justin as her husband and own child. Thus, the title. Margaret blindly accepts what Father Jack does. For she is in love with Father Jack.
In those real, as well as in this book's, cases the question is always: is it true?. Just like in the book, most people (including the jury), always side with the abuse. In the book, Father Jack never quivered on his innocence. Neither for the sexual assault nor for the murder. It seems to me that he is just fond of being with his boys. As a father (good that I do not have a son and there is no altar girls in the Philippines), I must admit that I could not understand this. The book does not help me also as it does not offer the reason why Father Jack is like that. Regarding the truth, White chose to stay on gray (1 star less). I also thought that the book could be more interesting if White did a Capote (another star less). What the latter did in his In Cold Blood, clearly presenting the psychological side of the killers is an unnerving eye-opener.
However, White chose to present his novel in the perspective of Maggie, the household help. Quite unexpected but I would say interesting. Maggie's fantasy world where his husband is Father Jack and her son is Justin. Then the love in her heart for them is pictured in her dream as a white bird fluttering its wings.
In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti...
October 16, 2009
I can't remember who recommended this book to me, so when it arrived at the library and I checked it out and realized that it was a novel about a pedophile priest, I wasn't so sure I'd want to read it. I'm glad I did. The main character, an Irish housekeeper and loyal friend to a kind and charismatic parish priest, is believable and finely drawn. Her struggle with faith, friendship, and--especially--truth kept me reading and pondering after the reading was done.
April 6, 2013
This is a good mystery, although I didn't think of it as such until I was 2/3 through it. Felt more like a great character study of Ma Quinn in whose voice the story is told. Interesting different perspective on the turmoil in the Catholic church over the pedophilia scandal.
April 2, 2009
Did the priest do what he was accused of doing or didn't he? Everytime I thought had the answer, something happened which made me change my mind. The end was a surprise and left me wondering....
April 15, 2011
Seems to be a story of the deeds -- or misdeeds -- of a small-town New England priest as told by his house keeper. However, as the story unfolds in her eyes, doubt develops in not only her mind, but the readers. Is there some things that our heart refuses to see in those we love -- and is this a bad thing? And are there weaknesses we fail to see clearly in ourselves? A story of loyalty, love, caring, and possibly evil.
July 17, 2013
I am a Michael C. White fan. This is the fourth book of his that I have read and I intend to read the rest. I usually don't enjoy books where the main character is a woman and there is quite a bit of character development (I like lots of action and movement). However, A Brother's Blood and this book were developed so well I never got bored or lost interest.
July 22, 2010
All you mystery lovers out there...this is one about a priest and it keeps you wondering up to the last pages. A 20 out of 10!!!
MUST READ!
MUST READ!
January 27, 2023
My Original Thoughts (2001):
I can't believe it took me so long to finish reading this book, but I had a lot of distractions in the first week or so, and I didn't devote a lot of time to reading. Once I got further into the story, I didn't want to put it down. It's quite a page-turner. I was a little disappointed with the ending, though. There are a lot of unanswered questions. Good mystery! I'm eager to read more by this author.
My Current Thoughts:
I remember enjoying this mystery, but never did go on to read more by the author. Since I enjoy historical novels set during WWII, I've added A Brother's Blood to my library list.
I can't believe it took me so long to finish reading this book, but I had a lot of distractions in the first week or so, and I didn't devote a lot of time to reading. Once I got further into the story, I didn't want to put it down. It's quite a page-turner. I was a little disappointed with the ending, though. There are a lot of unanswered questions. Good mystery! I'm eager to read more by this author.
My Current Thoughts:
I remember enjoying this mystery, but never did go on to read more by the author. Since I enjoy historical novels set during WWII, I've added A Brother's Blood to my library list.
August 5, 2017
The relationship and loyalty between the parish housekeeper and the parish priest being falsely accused of criminal acts.
September 20, 2019
Beautifully written and fascinating. I will try more by this author.
August 17, 2022
I'm not sure I'm glad to have read this book. It is difficult to put down, but depressing (in spite of faith or denomination).
November 10, 2011
One of the things I like about my book club is that they have us read things I wouldn't normally pick up on my own, or that I've never heard of. This book falls into that category. The title, I'll admit, sounds kitschy, but I found the concept to be original. It is the story of an Irish housekeeper for a priest who is accused of sexually molesting young boys. For reasons I can't explain I felt drawn in from the get-go. The author did a really good job making you feel as the main character does throughout the whole book. I was on the edge of my seat towards the end waiting for the climax. A creative, easy-to-read story that feels just like that - as if the main character were telling it to you personally.
December 17, 2009
This is a story about a housekeeper to a priest who is accused/convicted of child molestation. She is sure it was all a mistake and now he is being charged w/murdering one of his altar boys 15 yrs previously. She is having her doubts about supplying him w/an alibi. I am right near the end so can't wait to find out the truth about it all.
Ok, I finished it and I don't want to ruin it for you. But this was a good book and kept you guessing.
Ok, I finished it and I don't want to ruin it for you. But this was a good book and kept you guessing.
February 13, 2013
I guess the writing was fine but the problem was I never connected to the narrator, Maggie. I couldn't picture her or relate to her struggles so I found the whole story pretty disappointing. I kept reading to find out the truth, but even the main "did he or didn't he" mystery never gets really resolved. It all comes down to trust and belief and how the heart blinds or opens our eyes.
March 17, 2008
Fun read, narrator is very interesting, book raises some thought-provoking questions about faith, love, and loyalty.
July 22, 2011
One of my all time favorites! I'm looking forward to reading Faith, the new novel by Jennifer Haigh, as the theme seems to be similar, and I loved Baker Towers by her.
September 13, 2012
Highly recommend this book! :)
June 12, 2013
I love this book.
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June 11, 2015False
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May 17, 2016Surprisingly good for a free kindle book. The uncertain ending left me thinking about it for hours afterward.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews