THE GATHERING

Don't come to this audiobook expecting Kienzle's usual detective story featuring Father Bob Koesler as special adjunct to the Detroit Police Department. In this novel there's at least one victim, but the villain herein is an institution. Taking place in the '40s and '50s, the story focuses on Koesler's early explorations of his religious vocation--as well as the experiences of five other young people who are challenged, inspired, and in one case destroyed by a Church out of step with the needs of its people. Edward Holland narrates this tale of personal journeys with gentleness and compassion. His tone is nonjudgmental and concerned, rather like the kind of priest Bob Koesler emulates. For those not raised in the Catholic faith, listening to this tape will be an eye-opening experience. In this time period what the Church decreed really mattered to people, including the young. D.L.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]