Godric

Frederick Buechner's <em>Godric</em> retells the life of Godric of Finchale a twelfth-century English holy man whose projects late in life included that of purifying his moral ambition of pride...Sin spiritual yearning rebirth fierce asceticism--these hagiographic staples aren't easy to revitalize but Frederick Buechner goes at the task with intelligent intensity and a fine readiness to invent what history doesn't supply. He contrives a style of speech for his narrator--Godric himself--that's brisk and tough-sinewed...He avoids metaphysical fiddle embedding his narrative in domestic reality--familiar affection responsibilities disasters...All on his own Mr. Buechner has managed to reinvent projects of self-purification and of faith as piquant matter for contemporary fiction [in a book] notable for literary finish...Frederick Buechner is a very good writer indeed. -- Benjamin DeMott <em>The New York Times Book Review</em> <p> From the book's opening sentence...and sensible reader will be caught in <em>Godric</em>'s grip...<em>Godric</em> glimmers brightly. -- Peter S. Prescott <em>Newsweek</em> <p> <em>Godric</em> is a memorable book...a marvelous gem of a book...destined to become a classic of its kind. -- Michael Heskett <em>Houston Chronicle</em> <p>In the extraordinary figure of Godric both stubborn outsider and true child of God both worldly and unworldly Frederick Buechner has found an ideal means of exploring the nature of spirituality. <em>Godric</em> is a living battleground where God fights it out with the world the Flesh and the Devil. -- <em>London Times Literary Supplement</em> <p>Wityh a poet's sensibly and a high reverent fancy Frederick Buechner paints a memorable portrait. -- Edmund Fuller <em>The Wall Street Journal</em>