The trailhead was exactly what Dan Geary had expected. Which meant, strangely, that it looked like nothing he’d ever encountered before.
Thus begins the journey of one man through Purgatory, imagined as one vast and beautiful outdoor landscape the soul must hike through to recognize all its imperfections and be purified for heaven.
I read this book a few months ago in just a couple days, and the spiritual nourishment I felt from this book has stayed in my heart recently. At the time I greatly enjoyed both the insights the author has of Purgatory and the stories of the main character as he prepares himself for heaven. I previously never bothered to read academic books about the topic, and some stories I heard made me feel a little intimidated by it. But this book makes Purgatory feel approachable through the lens of fiction. And I have to say- both the explanations of it and the healing process of the main character made me feel my own deep yearning to grow closer to God, grow in ways He is calling me to, and reach heaven.
It reminded me a lot of The Five People You Meet in Heaven, but make it explicitly Catholic ;)
While I would stay the elements of fiction in this book were a masterpiece, I absolutely recommend this book for what it is: a light read that keeps you entertained while presenting in a real way the joy and consolation of approaching heaven. Having lost my grandmother recently, this book brings a new consolation that, if she’s not already basking in the glory of heaven, then she is at least running through the majestic mountains in pursuit of it. That is a gift that I will always be grateful to the author for.
Consider reading this book as we approach our newsletter series on redemptive suffering, starting July 25th!
If you liked this review, let me know in the comments! I’ll be publishing monthly book features to help you discover literature that is rooted in faith.
And as always, check out more of my work at ofwoodandword.com
Through Christ,
Stephanie Petters