Dear E, Cindy and Kellie Hartman,
Thanks for looking out for Death Comes for the Archbishop. Except for
writing the long synopsis, I had finished validating it including a double
check on pagination last night. Since Gustavo sometimes works on a last
in, last out basis, I plan to upload it on Monday so it may be near the
last book uploaded when he sets to work. This is just me using guesswork
to put the Archbishop in a good spot to be approved quickly. It could
work, or not, but I enjoy the idea my timing could work in the book's
favor.
I can't say I understand why Cather chose the title, "Death Comes for the
Archbishop. The book is all about his life, and the death isn't a crisis;
it's calm and attended with love. The book reads more like a group of
related short stories with the arid landscape of New Mexico and the
characters of the Archbishop and his friend of almost a lifetime, Father
Vaillant, being the most constant elements. There was unexpected and most
welcome humor in many of the tales and a satisfying cast of colorful
characters from the most base, to the most noble, from the faithless to
the faithful, and the most sensible, to the most ridiculous.
Sadly the Archbishop observes the waning of the Indian culture and
population. Unlike many missionaries we read about who relentlessly hammer
away at a native population's belief system, the Archbishop respects
Indian beliefs. Though he feels he will never understand the mindset of
the Indians completely, he is honored at every glimpse he has of their
faith in which they treat the earth and its creatures with profound
respect. His zeal is for practicing Catholics in need of churches and
priests.
This novel will fascinate any reader. It may also comfort Catholics today
who have been cringing at the revelation that some priests have grievously
abused the trust of the faithful.
As a resident of Ohio who loves her state, I have to add that it stung
when Cather mentioned Ohio in passing as a dreary, unkempt place, by
inference, much inferior to the southwest! I object!
Hmm, looks like part of that long synopsis is written.
Thank you Kellie, for keeping the Archbishop on hold for me. A few days
ago with cooler weather here I got over enthusiastic with yard work and
reinjured my left rotocuff. If shoulders could see stars, mine saw the
whole galaxy last week. A couple of weeks ago it was Amber's arms. Who's
next?
Always with love,
Lissi
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