Communion of Life with Christ through Mary by Fr Tadeusz Dajczer ([email protected], £3 inc p+p). Written by the late Fr Dajczer and promoted by Fr Bryan Storey of Tintagel, this small book explains the theological role of Mary in relationship to her Son. Marian spirituality was important to Fr Dajczer since his seminary days in Warsaw. Following the latter’s death, Fr Storey, who revised this book, has worked to bring its author’s insights to a new readership. Key to Fr Dajczer’s thought is the prayer of entrustment: putting oneself into Mary’s hands so as to come closer to Christ.
Francis, Bishop of Rome by Allan Figueroa Deck SJ (Alban Books/Paulist Press, £16.99). The author brings his own Jesuit insights to Pope Francis’s pontifical style. Starting with the Pope’s family and youthful influences, as well as the development of his vocation to the priesthood, Fr Deck examines the decisive role played by Ignatian spirituality in the Pope’s spiritual formation. Also addressing the poor and an understanding of the missionary nature of the Church, this book helps to provide the reader with a rounded portrait of the Holy Father and his understanding of his role.
Pour Me by AA Gill (Weidenfeld and Nicolson, £12). In this combative memoir, restaurant and television critic AA Gill gives his trenchant opinions on everything, not least his own long battle with alcoholism (which he won, aged 30), his forays at art school and early ambition to be a great painter and his sorrow at the disappearance of his younger brother, Nick, who vanished in 1998. Funny, infuriating and moving by turns, the book provides a glimpse of a restless, driven and pugnacious man with a facility for words and images – but who often takes himself too seriously.
Long Time Lost by Chris Ewan (Faber and Faber, £12.99). Nick Miller has a company that provides a very specialised and unique service. For a price, it will relocate at-risk individuals across Europe. But when Miller tries to stop the attempted murder of one of his charges, his world is torn apart. Ewan has made a name for himself as a purveyor of stylish, literate action thrillers set in exotic locations. Long Time Lost is no different, ranging from the Isle of Man to Rome to Prague, the tension ratcheting up with each chapter as old secrets are slowly brought to light. This is a great, old-fashioned thriller.
A Passing Fury by AT Williams (Jonathan Cape, £25). Between November 1945 and October 1946 what became known as the greatest trial in history was conducted in the German city of Nuremberg. Among the defendants were Nazi leaders such as Göring, Hess, and von Ribbentrop, as well as many lesser functionaries. But more Nazis escaped than were caught and many saw the trials as mere showbusiness. Williams, a human rights lawyer, asks in this book: was justice done? This is a gripping and original look at the Second World War.
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