The Hawk and the Dove

This is a huge statement, but right now I’m reading the most amazing, life-changing fiction book I have ever read. I had no idea … It’s sat on my mother-in-law’s bookshelf for as long as I can remember. It looked a little odd, the cover looking like it had a Lord of the Rings flavor to it. Then in November, a friend who loves books suggested I read this trilogy called the Hawk and the Dove (click there to see it at Amazon–it’s only $10). Okay, fair enough. It started really slow, and so I started it several times then tucked it away for another time. Several weeks ago, I picked it back and up and decided I’d better give it another chance. I had no idea what I was in for. Now, after every chapter I have to battle the temptation to sit down and try to somehow convey the power and brilliant insight that each chapter portrays. Every chapter leaves me with this aching, with increasing awareness of who God is, what love is, and who I long to be.

The book is simple. A girl is relaying various stories told to her by her mother. Stories of a certain Brigittine monastery, and a certain Abbot Peregrine, a broken man in every way, and the lives of the men under his care. Their lives are so varied, that I see myself in every single one. But most of all the abbot, the broken abbot, is so profoundly Christlike, it’s amazing. I read this book and cannot help but mourn when I consider how far I am from scraping the surface of Christlikeness and humility.

Tonight’s chapter, though, had me weeping in repentance. God’s Wounds it is called. In it we read of a simple story. A boy, privileged, pampered, and spoiled, who comes to see the true utter wretchedness of himself in the presence of God. The story was like holding up the most exposing mirror I have ever seen. My selfishness, self-centeredness, vanity, pride literally made me feel nauseous. I don’t say this to scare you away from reading the book–perhaps to someone like you who is a little less wretched than myself it won’t be so convicting! But not every chapter is like this–it’s also funny, insightful, touching. It gives glimpses into the intricate folds of humanity like nothing I’ve ever read. And it understands the majesty of the glorious God we serve like nothing I’ve ever seen.

So, I think I’d actually qualify this as a plea–read this book. Please read this book. And persevere through the very beginnning. I’d love to hear from anyone else who’s read it. And thanks to Linnea and to Janie. I had no idea what I was in for …