| Product: |
Monsignor Quixote - Graham Greene |
| Date: |
05/10/00 (157 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Amusing, enjoyable and thoughtful
Disadvantages: I kept thinking of Father Ted
This wistfully comic story proves that, even in his seventies, Graham Greene lost none of his talents. It is closely linked to the Spanish classic Don Quixote, written by Cervantes four hundred years ago, but is a great read in its own right. The allusions and parallels are all sympathetic, rather than forced, and the older story fits appropriately into the years after Franco.
The central character is Quixote himself, an old priest in a small town. A chance meeting and his hospitality are rewarded with promotion to the title of monsignor, but this attracts the attention of his disapproving bishop. Together with a friend, the communist ex-mayor, he embarks on a journey through Spain in his ancient Seat, named after the Don's horse. This similarity is maintained through the book, and indeed commented on by many of the characters. Just like his fictional ancestor, the hero finds himself in unfamiliar situations and challenges to his beliefs. Greene guides us through a tapestry of settings, from the dictator's tomb to liberated, modern Spain.
It was reading a review of this book on Dooyoo that prompted me to pick up Monsignor Quixote again, and I am glad of it. Appropriately, one of the themes is of favourite books, the volumes you keep and treasure. The old priest draws his inspiration and faith from such a collection, from St Francis to the Gospels. Their philosophy of love and forgiveness is contrasted with the coldness of other writers, and the bishop's harsh doctrines. It is easy to tell where Greene's sympathies lie, and familiar ideas of doubt and tolerance appear.
The book is lighter in tone than many of Greene's stories, closer to the entertainments, but there is a lot to think about underneath the amusement. The viewpoint, of a naive and unworldly observer, conveys a deep humanity, showing tolerance even in misunderstanding. Combining fable and modern life, it is worth a place among the treasured books to read fo
r enjoyment and inspiration.
Summary:
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Last comment:
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jillmurphy - 08/10/00 You've reminded me....lovely review. |
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