Memorable literary works, their origins and characters
Shoes of a Fisherman
Morris West (1916-1999)
Australian writer born in Melbourne in 1916, he is known principally for a trilogy of books that are still regarded today as prophetic: The Shoes of the Fisherman, The Clowns of God, and Lazarus.
Although his intention was to become an ordained priest, he left the priesthood in 1939 and enlisted in the army. His first book, Moon in My Pocket, was published in 1945 under a pseudonym; West didn't dedicate himself entirely to writing until 1954.
Kiril Lakota, a Ukrainian priest, is the youngest of 85 cardinals gathered to elect a new Pope. Having spent his last 17 years as an exile in Russia, his name soon arises as a strong candidate to head the Catholic Church during a turbulent and complex time. But once he is appointed the Papacy, the only themes that seem to occupy the Church are spiritual renewal and the endless debate of ideas. The looming specter of famine over Russia invites the possibility of invasion by bordering countries and the threat of armed confrontation with the Western powers. A fascinating work, it was made into a film starring Anthony Quinn. Morris West invites the reader to reflect upon a sense of justice, both earthly and divine.
Argentina | Brazil | Colombia | Costa Rica | Chile | El Salvador | Guatemala
