Vatican Waltz

Reviews

“Merullo’s latest is a page-turning novel of religious ideas written with love and imagination…This book will speak loudly to Catholic readers; some will cheer and others will object loudly. It also sings with finely observed details of family relationships, ethnic neighborhood life, and the life of prayer…[A] fresh take on institutional religion and what it means to hear God’s voice.”

“Amusingly told with exquisite delicacy, Merullo’s compelling and suspenseful tale of faith propels the reader through mystery and revelation…This spiritual journey, full of transcendent descriptions and plot twists, brings many moments of wisdom and humor to savor. For anyone with a philosophical bent, Merullo illuminates truth as only the keenest of observers can.”

“The real drama here is in the heroine’s relationship with God—and secular-minded readers who think such matters don’t interest them will think again if they give half a chance to Merullo’s loving portrait of a quiet, unassuming woman impelled by faith into deeper engagement with sorrowful, suffering humanity. A fresh, moving portrait of religion as it could and should be. The cliffhanging finale offers hope that we will see more of Cynthia’s odyssey in future books.”

“Merullo’s explanations of relevant church doctrines allow non-Catholics to understand Cynthia’s journey. His love for the subject matter is evident on every page, and his lush prose is particularly impressive when he describes Cynthia’s travels through Rome and Genoa, allowing the reader a glance inside some very sacred places. Fans of Alice McDermott and Merullo’s earlier work will appreciate the heart, soul, and sheer joy found in Vatican Waltz and one woman’s commitment to a life far more miraculous than she ever imagined.”

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