Rev Steve Stockman, minister at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church in Belfast, has reviewed my latest book, Unity Pilgrim: The Life of Fr Gerry Reynolds CSsR.
It is a wonderful read that has only increased my admiration for both Gladys and Fr Gerry. That Gladys could turn her academic writing skills into such a popular read says much about her. The research skills she used and the fullness of the biography from Fr Gerry’s childhood through to his last days is an astounding achievement.
As Steve notes, Unity Pilgrim is my first ‘popular’ (as opposed to academic) book. It is a relief to have a reviewer confirm that the prose is, in fact, readable — even enjoyable.
I had the opportunity to be ‘in conversation’ with Steve and Rev Ken Newell on Sunday 2 June in a special discussion event about the book at Fitzroy. Steve’s review covers some of the ground of our discussion, concluding:
Fr Gerry Reynolds led a full life. As well as detailing that life, Gladys gets beneath the events and gives us a wonderful character sketch of the man himself. Through Fr Gerry’s diary entries and prayers we get his spiritual motivation, how he felt the Holy Spirit was leading him. We also get his lows and the times he struggled and wondered at what he was doing.
… Unity Pilgrim is an amazing achievement and read in the right posture of faith should encourage us all to love our neighbour, and what the world might define as enemy. It also helps us see the importance of our inner relationship with Jesus that energises such a life. It reminded me of how Fr Gerry’s following of Christ left a trail, like a summer jet, of prayer, humility, grace, salvation and peace.