“It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite when Ali announced that the archbishop had come to see me.”
Chapters 1-10
The novel opens with Kenneth Toomey, an aging homosexual writer, reflecting on his life. He recounts his early years, his complex relationship with his brother-in-law Don Carlo Campanati (later Pope Gregory XVII), and his literary career. Toomey’s memories intertwine with historical events, including World War I and the rise of fascism.
Chapters 11-20
Toomey’s life becomes entangled with religious and political intrigue as Campanati rises in the Catholic Church. The narrative explores themes of faith, power, and corruption, with Toomey witnessing miracles and manipulations. His own struggles with sexuality and artistic integrity contrast with the dogmatic world of the Church.
Chapters 21-30
As World War II unfolds, Toomey’s experiences in Europe and America highlight the moral ambiguities of the era. His relationship with Campanati deepens, revealing the latter’s ambition and eventual ascension to the papacy. Toomey grapples with his own cynicism and the shifting cultural landscape.
Chapters 31-40
The latter part of the novel delves into post-war Europe, the Cold War, and the changing Catholic Church. Toomey confronts personal tragedies, including the death of loved ones and his own declining relevance. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation between faith and skepticism.
Final Chapters
Toomey, now elderly, reflects on his life’s contradictions—his literary success, failed relationships, and disillusionment with religion. The novel closes with a meditation on power, both earthly and divine, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of good and evil.
Key Ideas
- Exploration of religious hypocrisy and institutional power
- Conflict between personal morality and public dogma
- The role of art in a morally ambiguous world
- Homosexuality and societal repression
- Historical fiction blending real and fictional events
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | None | No major adaptations to date |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of complex, philosophical historical fiction
- Readers interested in religious and political themes
- Those who appreciate dense, literary prose