Peter Costello
His Homeward Journey: The Life and Works of Pope Benedict XVI, by Bishop Fintan Monahan (Veritas, €9.99 / £8.99)
This short life of the Pope Emeritus was well advanced at the time of his recent death. It is exactly the sort of book which many people would have liked to have at hand then, for it is succinct, balanced and nuanced.
Benedict was a controversial figure, and as efforts are already in hand by more ponderous biographers to summarise and pass judgement on his life and career, the controversies are likely to become even more controversial, especially as efforts are also underway in some quarters to quickly elevate him to sainthood. Though it is likely that the Vatican itself will proceed with all due care until all the facts have been fully investigated and arranged.
“Sainthood now” is a cry which the Church will be cautious of. These days the press has to take on the role of advocatus diabolic, seeing that that ancient office, instituted during the reforms of Urban VIII, was rashly abolished by Rome itself.
Bishop Monahan, however, in this short book gives sufficient information for readers themselves to proceed further. He also manages to present the former Pope with human warmth, revealing him as more human than many other writers do. But he was essentially a scholar, a reserved, solitary man rather than a socially warm individual. He and Pope Francis are complete contrasts in this respect.
Finding Hope, compiled by Sister Stan (Columba Books, €16.99 / £14.99)
Every year the resolute and ever active Sister Stan brings out a book of contributions on a set theme to aid in raising funds for her charity Focus Ireland and the Sanctuary in Stanhope Street.
Last year’s contribution was about “finding peace”. The theme of this year’s book is “hope”, which is very much in keeping with these dark days. A remarkable range of people, mostly well known, have been gathered together, and their insights are many and varied. The books have over the years become quite an institution, in this respect making them an ideal bedside book for a brief nightly read.
Sister Stan, like those she has rounded up to write for her, will have had in mind the passage from the ancient Greek poet Aeschylus whom she quotes in her preface:
“He who learns must suffer.
And even in our sleep
Pain that cannot forget
falls drop by drop upon the heart,
and in our own despair,
against our will,
comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God.”
Saint Brigid and Other Amazing Irish Women, by Lorraine Mullholland, illustrations by Matthew Jackson
(Columba Books, €19.99 / £17.99)
In 24 short chapters author Lorraine Mullholland creates a series of “bite-sized” biographies of inspiring women from Irish history that will serve as models for younger readers.
The author is herself a teacher, so this book is styled to provide extra information of all kinds, and even quizzes on the text, which will make it very suitable for family and school use. But it is far from being a schoolbook for it is written with vivacity and charm, and a conviction that women are the real people to get things done.