This acclaimed series that inspired a hit London Weekend Television sitcom is “a long, gentle breeze of humour” (James Herriot). Based on the author’s real-life experiences after completing seminary and later adapted into a beloved British sitcom, these five novels are a humorous and sweet-natured look at Catholicism in the 1950s. Readers of all creeds will enjoy Father Neil’s adventures at St. … adventures at St. Jude’s parish, a corner of London with a raucous congregation full of Irish immigrants.
Bless Me, Father: Young Neil Boyd has just finished divinity school. A newly ordained priest, his first post is at St. Jude’s parish where he meets the cantankerous, scheming, and brilliant Father Duddleswell and Mrs. Pring, the sharp-tongued housekeeper. Father Duddleswell is willing to do anything to make sure the Lord’s will be done, from placing a bet to obstructing an interdenominational love affair.
A Father Before Christmas: The holiday season is among the most hectic times at St. Jude’s, and this year is no exception for Father Neil. As always, he has his hands full with Father Duddleswell, who has decided to invite all the other sects of Christianity to celebrate Christmas with them. The plan quickly unravels when two religious leaders from another denomination try to convert Father Neil and a clock goes missing—as does the church collection.
Father in a Fix: After six months at St. Jude’s, Father Neil makes a New Year’s resolution to wise up. With the crazy collection of characters at his parish, this will be no easy feat, especially when Father Duddleswell is named the prime suspect in the killing of a gambling parishioner’s smelly pig and a generous attempt to give the suspected butcher a day off goes zanily haywire.
Bless Me Again, Father: After finishing his first year at St. Jude’s, Father Neil finally feels as if he has his feet firmly planted on the ground. But the parish is still full of surprises, and the clergy are confronted with all manner of crisis. First, there is the dilemma of Dr. Daley, whose drinking is causing his health to deteriorate but who worries that sobriety will ruin his personality. Then, much to Father Duddleswell’s chagrin, a new donkey overruns the church, followed by a fresh litter of kittens.
Father Under Fire: As St. Jude’s adds another member to its clergy—Father Abe, an octogenarian with an agenda of his own—the church staff finds themselves embroiled in a rivalry among undertakers, a visit during Holy Week from the bishop with the longest rosary on record, a harebrained scheme to promote holy water as a fertility enhancer, and a night spent under a pool table during a pilgrimage.
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There are not enough stars for this series and i wish the series went on and on…
You don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy the interplay between the Priest, Curate and Housekeeper. Then the bookie neighbor a nd the congregation – if it hadn’t been made into a television series, I would say, “this is perfect tv material!”. I will NEVER delete from my Kindle and will reread many times!!!! THIS SHOULD BE ONE OF THE PBS GREAT BOOKS!!!!!!!
This is a series of four books about a couple of priests — one fresh out of the seminary and the other an aging veteran of the cloth and mentor — and oh, yes, their housekeeper. I still remember some of the hilarious antics. There was something so down-to-earthabout it. I also loved the interaction between these two priests and clergy of other faiths. I would describe this book as “rollicking.” It was funny without being disrespectful of any religion or priesthood in general or lay people.l. Wholesome! A nice change from the cynicism of so many books of late.
I am not Catholic and I was surprised at how very broad the situation is of this young man trying to do his best. The characters in these books are delightful and so much of the time are soooo humorous – I found myself laughing out loud often. Positive material for this trying time.
Got tried the language in it!
This is a collection of five books with the same location and cast of characters. I have finished the first two books of the five. While there are some good moments of humor, it was getting pretty repetitive. I’m not sure I’ll complete the full set.
Very well written and filled with clever stories and hilarious dialogues among likable characters, this is a must-read to lift one’s spirits during the disheartening period of the lock-down for the pandemic.
Didn’t love it. Cute, but a little lacking in drama.
Really developed a liking for all the characters and the easy charm with which they interacted. Left me feeling good when I put the books down. Enjoyable
For the Catholics among us and even other Christians, this series is well written and very insightful on what priest had to deal with in the 50’s. A bit of humor and thought provoking.
These are what I think of as “condiment books”. I turn to them when I need a break from more taxing forms of fiction and some nonfiction as well as the real world. A steady diet of their eccentric plots and characters would be overwhelming. But in small doses, I find them enjoyable and sometimes blessed escapes.
As I read the first chapter of Bless Me Father I kept asking myself “Did I really buy this entire series from Book Bub? ”
The writing is so good. The characters are delightful. I felt I was transported back to the 1950’s of my childhood . I can’t wait to read all of the books. This is a gem that I would never have known about without my Book Bub daily email. If you happen to have grown up Catholic and Irish you will appreciate it all the more. This is going to be fun!
I read the first 2 books in the series. Some of t is amusing but the writing is convoluted. I’ve read British literature for 35 years and this is not the best example. I will probably read the other books since I bought them. Probably to pass the time in a doctors office or a stylist chair.
Are books are really enjoyable to read even if one is not if his faith.I
A lighter time to look at the church,clergy ,and life in general.
This series tells the story of a newly minted priest who is assigned to a working-class parish in London shortly after World War II. His mentor at St. Jude’s is the round and crafty Father Duddleswell. The books are funny and rakish, and at times unexpectedly touching.
Story slow. Not interesting for me.
I wasn’t impressed. It was stupid! I quit reading during the 2nd book.
The perfect light reading for summer, this book is a real Laugh Out Loud in places. Love the characters….bought the entire series as a package and it has been my all summer afternoon tea escape read
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Enjoyed every book. Lovable characters, delightful dialogue. Life and trials of a parish Priest and his assistant in 1950.
I really hated to see this laugh out loud book end! So very funny all the way through.
I’ve only read the first in the series but I plan to read the rest. The books are entertaining but sometimes the dialogue seems a little off. I’d probably find it funnier when read by an actor. Maybe this is a case where the audible version is better?