The Keys of the Kingdom (Loyola Classics) (ISBN 0829423346)

Not the best "Catholic" novel I have read.:
This book was a bit of a surprise. While it is not the best "Catholic" novel I have read, its many good parts provide much to recommend it. I have been familiar with the story line from the Gregory Peck movie which has been a late-show staple. The book is more intricate and nuanced, like novels used to be. Cronin's characters are well-drawn, seem consistent and grow in your imagination like real people. He has a notion of ecumenism that concervative Catholics might find simple-minded and perhaps offensive, but probably reflects his childhood experience, with which many American Catholics could easily identify, that sometimes God lets himself be found extra ecclesiam. In sum, a good book. I am glad I read it. I had trouble putting it down at night.

More than "pious uplift":
It's puzzling that Loyola Press choose to print Joseph Bottum's preface to The Keys to the Kingdom. After reading his preface, I almost returned the book to Amazon. Thankfully, I didn't because I loved reading this story. I disagree with Mr. Bottum on three points: 1- The Keys to the Kingdom was not written by a "hack." Cronin was clearly inspired by an ideal, not money. The fact that Loyola Press reprinted it seventy years later as a "classic" contradicts Mr. Bottum's opinion. 2- The thoughts of the main character may not be "deep," but any philosophy Francis voices is less important than how he lives his life. 3- I did not see the "unique Christian faith" that Bottum claims "shines through" the story. Then again, despite the many examples of less admirable clerics, both Protestant and Catholic, I did not think that Christianity was denigrated. Many things happen in Father Francis Chisolm's life, he encounters many different kinds of people, and he faces many challenges. However, the most engaging aspect of the book, for me, was the mystery of his character. Was he simply born a good person? What was the source of his goodness? Was his humility a virtue and did it help or hinder him? (I also wonder about the ways various people responded to him, but to say more would spoil the story for you.) Each of the characters could easily have belonged to any religion. I didn't feel that I was reading Catholic novel. Cronin rarely points out specific ideas that propel the less admirable characters ("do this or be damned" or "have you been saved") and never explains what guides Father Francis, the Fiskes, Mr. Chia, or Lieutenant Shon. I don't know if that makes this a good book or a poor one, but it made me think and wonder. Joseph Bottum is right in asserting that "When Cronin sets down what he clearly imagines are the profound spiritual revelations of his novel they turn out to be little more than pious uplift, along the lines of "Why can't we all just get along?" and "Aren't all the religions really saying the same thing?" Although described disdainfully, those do seem to be Cronin's ideals. However this is not a naive story and Francis is not a weak person. He is strong and admirable and I admire at his ability to walk through the life he had without losing his love or faith. While I would like to criticize the fact that Cronin does not apologize for the impulse to send missions to China (or to convert an atheist Scotsman), I can't. This book isn't an attempt to promote a particular doctrine; it's not even about China or missionaries. It's about a good man who should be, and sometimes is, an example others emulate. It is a sweet story.

The Keys of the Kingdom:
This is an excellent book. It will give you a more balanced perspective of what means to be a man of Faith, and how society expects this man to actually be.

One of my favorites:
In my top list of books. Made me cry when I read it. That's powerful writing.

A Inspiring Story of Living a Dedicated Life:
A.J Cronin's "The Keys to the Kingdom" is a classic for a good reason. It is an inspiring story of a giving and devout life with respect for others' beliefs. The protagonist is an inspiring example of living a modest and sharing life. As a non-religious reviewer, I recommend this book to both the religious and non religious. This classic can increase understanding and acceptance between these two groups.