Raised in a strict Catholic family, Luca seemed destined for priesthood. His safe spiritual world is shattered after just one kiss with a college roommate. Luca enters a period of self-discovery as his journey of love opens his eyes to joy he never thought possible. Along with his new-found love comes unfathomable pain and self-doubt. Years later, a newly ordained bishop is at the pinnacle of his … his career when a chance encounter with a lover from his youth threatens to upend his prestigious career and comfortable life. His vow of celibacy and vocation are called into question as he struggles with his faith, loneliness, and need for love. How do these seemingly disparate characters come together to make sense of the unexpected twists and turns in their lives? How do they balance their bodily desires with their soul’s search for meaning?
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THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
14st May, 2019
TITLE: Body and Soul
AUTHOR: Mario Dell’olio
Star Rating: 4
‘A gripping story of sexual awakening and coming to terms with the need to be loved. Highly recommended!’
REVIEW
There are many aspects to Body and Soul which are excellent. Firstly, the characters. Here is the strength of this novel. The author knows his characters, very, very well; this shows in the consistent and very individual way they act. This is not a plot-driven story; it’s character-driven. In this book, the characters are the jam which holds everything together.
There is a lot of self-discovery going on in this story, particularly for Luca. I must say, it is very well-written. It can get a little drawn out here and there, slowing the pacing slightly. But, overall, it’s insightful and very much helps the reader to not only understand Luca, but also start to care about what happens to him. The author also understands how important ‘speech’ is to not only develop the characters, but also the plot.
This is a story of self-discovery; of a man who is trying to balance his work with the church with his feelings for another man. The ‘sexual’ elements of the story are well-handled and always sensitively written. And the dilemmas the characters must face are interesting and thought-provoking.
I would happily recommend this novel to anybody who enjoys a character-led story. Also, the LGBT community might very well enjoy – and relate to – many of the problems facing this young man. Finally, anybody who is interested in the topical subject of church and how it’s possible to be a member of a church and also be gay, would find this interesting.
Overall, a stimulating and well-constructed story.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
http://www.thewsa.co.uk
Body and Soul is another book that just knocked me off my feet. I was completely riveted by this Mario Dell’Olio book and couldn’t put it down.
This story takes place over two time periods. Brad and Luca dated back in the 1970s. The author alternates between the past and the present.
For Brad and Luca, college was a coming of age time and a time for self- discovery and self-reflection. These two roommates dated, but Brad was never perfect and Luca wanted to be a priest. They were closeted and ended on bad terms, with a whole lot of heartache and pain.
Fast forward thirty years to 2015 and they have a second chance, if they can work things out.
Luca and Brad’s relationship is beyond complex. The lengths one will go to in order to cover up their pain is insane. They are lying to themselves and to others. Both live a life of lies, pain, and hurt.
Their story illustrates the fear of ones’ own sexuality and sexual desires. It captures the power of money and being obsessed with the almighty dollar. It demonstrates the power of one’s fears to cause pain for oneself and for others.
The writing is good, but the author head hops at times, which is frustrating to the reader. He also tells the story in 3rd person, with multiple points of view. It’s a little strange when we get the pov of a 3rd character, so just be prepared.
Overall, I found the book riveting, yet also confusing. Some of it just doesn’t make sense. There’s nothing for the reader to like about Brad which confused me. If you’re looking for some redeeming character trait, you’ll be left waiting. I was also confused by Luca dating Brad while wanting to be a clergyman. If he knew he wanted to be a priest, why bother setting himself for such pain.
In the end, Body and Soul is a complex and emotional story. It wonderfully illustrates that abuse is not always physical, while also exploring the internal struggle with being gay. I absolutely enjoyed it, despite not loving it.
Body & Soul readds a bit like a personal memoir more than a novel and it feels very intimate. Mario Dell’Olio’s focus on his character Luca’s thoughts and reflections were what tugged at my heart strings the most and made me connect with the novel the most.
This is an interesting look at sexual identity and in particular, how it relates to religion. One critique I have is that this book jumps from the past to the present, along with switching POVs, and it felt a bit confusing at times. I think I would have rather just learned the story through Luca’s POV with some flashbacks and background information to get the necessary info.
I think Mario Dell’Olio handled this topic with care and grace, which is important if you decide to write about these two subjects. I think this book is thoughtful and reflective. I’m happy to have given it a read.
3.5 rounded to 4.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com