The Blessing Papers

Blessing Trilogy #1

by William Barnwell

Praised by Andre Norton, among others, as an "excellent combination of science fiction and fantasy," The Blessing Papers concerns a post-apocalyptic future set in a fictitious Ireland (Imram), in which the ability to read and write has almost been lost and strange images and religions reign. The action and adventure of the three novels dramatizes through many twists and turns the rediscovery through the Blessing family of an almost forgotten past as portrayed in the final recovery of the hidden Blessing Papers themselves.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Science Fiction

354 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An odd but effective work of post-collapse science fantasy.

The Blessing Papers is possibly unique in positing not economic, environmental, or natural disasters as the cause of a total societal collapse, but a philosophical and theological one. This unique angle, its richly imagined fallout, and colorfully drawn nemeses more than make up for the boilerplate "bland chosen one goes on a quest" plot.

[William Curtis Barnwell Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book Dad, I hope one day I can write so well. I remember this one coming around before I could even read but I liked the cover anyway. Keep em coming old boy!

Your son, Billy

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read it twice, once in my teens, then later in my thirties. This is one of those books that when you read it again after many years, it has a different and deeper meaing. You can get a synopsis of the story from many places, but that's like reading lyrics to understand a band. You miss too much. The book deals with religious oppression in a unique and entertaining way. I would recommend it to anyone interested in more that superficial writing.