Father Malachy's Miracle: 05/29/09

In Father Malachy's Miracle by Bruce Marshall an argument between a vicar and a catholic priest over the placement of "The Garden of Eden" dance hall next door to the catholic church results in an unexpected miracle. On the promised date the dance hall and everyone inside somehow vanish and reappear on Bass Rock. The priest is convinced he has won the argument and God is on his side but the miracle causes him more trouble than it solves.

The owners of the Garden of Eden decide to cash in on their misfortune by turning the transplanted dance hall into a fair ground of sorts. The woman who was there becomes a celebrity of sorts. Meanwhile, there is talking of a lawsuit for the unlawful moving of a building and the call for a constable to detain the Holy Ghost for questioning.

Father Malachy's Miracle is a very silly novel. There are lengthy passages of theological debate but done in a very tongue in cheek manner. When I started the novel I wasn't sure what I'd think of it. I half expected to hate it. I ended up loving it and laughing in every chapter.

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