Long Way Back

This was my second Halpin book. And for the second time he accurately chronicled a really hard real life issue without being preachy. But that’s what good fiction does. Thanks.

I have read most of Mr Halpin’s books and find they all have that same haunting realism that you know is not fiction. This is an author who writes from the heart not only his own but through experiences that have touched all of us in our own lives one way or another. This is a book you want to put down while reading to savor it but you can’t put down because you need to be “in” it to the end. So, give yourself some me time,a nice warm beverage and just enjoy.

I absolutely loved Long Way Back. Written in a totally original voice, this story of love, loss and ultimately, redemption, is tender and poignant and thoroughly enjoyable. I could completely relate to the characters. I mean, who hasn’t questioned their faith after bad things have happened, or wanted to totally reinvent themselves when the old version just didn’t seem to be working out anymore? Bottom line: You gotta get this book. Also, a warning–read the last chapters somewhere private…I was in a public place and everyone wondered why I was crying.

Ever met someone who’s life was saved by punk rock? You will if you check-out the book I just finished!

In Long Way Back, the author, Brendan Halpin, narrates the life-recovery of Francis Kelly, a devout Catholic who loses his beloved wife and then abandons his faith. The story is told through the eyes of his older sister, Clare, a practicing nurse who serves God through the nursing profession, always seeking jobs that require nearly as much altruism as professional acumen. Her faith exists because of Francis, who had an unmistakable “religious experience” as a teen that left a lifelong impression on her, direct proof that there is a God.

And as they grow older, Francis becomes a devout lay minister in the Catholic church, directly impacting the life of many teens in the youth group he sponsors. In time, he meets and marries the love of his life, Lourdes, an oncologist, who is one of those rare humans who is just as wonderful as she seems. Their love fulfills Francis, completing him in a way that not even his faith could.

But Lourdes is struck down unexpectedly and dies after lingering in a coma in spite of the earnest prayers of her husband. After losing her, Francis grows bitter towards God and hostile towards the church, especially in light of the recent pedophilia scandals in the Boston area where he lives and works.

It is the author’s accurate and gripping portrayal of losing a loved one unexpectedly — in spite of praying and religious devotion –that is the strength of this novel. The reader is drawn into Francis’ love for Lourdes as her character develops, and then is shattered along with Francis as she dies. Halpin keeps Francis’ newborn cynicism on an even-keel, however, in the scene at the funeral reception, when Francis lashes out at well-meaning boobs who offer trite, religious clichs that hurt him more than explain the reason for tragedy and unanswered prayers.

In the second half of the novel, Francis loses his old life and finds a new one in an entirely different manner but without losing his altruistic zeal to ultimately help others. Although he never returns to the lay ministry or Mass, he finds a way to heal himself and other emotionally-needy people through the unexpected outlet of punk rock, a major influence in his and Clare’s life. Any reader who is a fan of the Ramones or the Who will find kindred spirits in the fictional Kelly household.

Although harrowing and sad at times, Long Way Back is ultimately uplifting. Highly recommended.

i bought this book a year or more ago based on a recommendation in a review (in some magazine). of all the fiction i’ve read in the past month or so, this was BY FAR my favorite.

the book is narrated by the sister of an adult male (i’m always impressed when a male author can write convincingly from a female narrator’s perspective) who meets, marries, then loses an amazing wife to cancer. really the book is about his “long way back” to life, through and semi-out of a deep and massive grieving process.

as an added bonus, the brother is a catholic youth worker who mostly loses his faith through this process. but the narrating sister keeps her faith (so it’s not a slam on religion or faith). there’s a good splash of punk rock and band stuff thrown in the mix, which added fun. lots of great reflections on dying and death (the sister is also a hospice nurse), grief, families, faith, healing, and how events can completely redirect our lives.

i highly recommend this great book!

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member