Dan England and the Noonday Devil

The Cluny Classics edition of "Dan England and the Noonday Devil" is superb. All too often, recent fiction with a theological axe to grind becomes overly didactic -- reading more like a Socratic dialogue at best or, at worst, a moralizing treatise hidden under a superficial "artistic" veneer. Not so with with Connelly's "Dan England." For Connelly, character and story come come first, resulting in a fine novel that edifies while exploring issues of spiritual and moral depth, without a tincture of heavy-handedness. Moreover, the topic is quite timely (really it's perennial), and "Dan England" provides a fine fictional companion to other recent theological explorations of acedia, e.g., Snell's "Acedia and Its Discontents" and Nault's "The Noonday Devil."This edition of Connelly's classic is distinguished by Stephen Mirarchi's introduction and notes. The former provides the historical, literary, and theological context necessary to approach the novel, without forcing a particular reading of the text at the outset. In the notes, Mirarchi moves with facility among the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Chesterton, Belloc, Lewis, Fitzgerald, Euripides, the New Testament, Freud, and Rabelais (to name a few). In fact, just following Mirarchi's references someone could get a good start on a liberal education!

I loved this book because it made me think about what I do with my time in the larger scheme of life - that is, does faith really dictate what I do on a day-to-day basis?Dan is "everyman": As the oldest boy in a poor family with a single working mom, he is focused and faithful as a younger man but over the years he has somehow lost his way - and his faith. His memories of Christmas are stirring. The various conversations regarding what religion, the institution of the Church, the sacraments and the holy days, saints and martyrs and the pursuit of paradise actually mean to Dan and the concept that we are all sinners were especially provocative. Everyday sins of gluttony, drink, laziness and procrastination, avarice, pride, and taking without giving are explored within a group of friends. Those friends, while deeply flawed, also show fierce loyalty, kindness, care and concern, and the characterizations are excellent."Dan England and the noonday Devil" is a true exploration of the human spirit with a final message of forgiveness - and that God sometimes answers our prayers in unanticipated ways!

I did not know that Myles Connolly had written a number of books. I have been a big fan of his "Mr. Blue" for years and read it at ;east once a year. I enjoyed Dan England almost as much. Connolly deals with good morals and Christianity itself in such unique ways that you want to know the characters in his books.

From the meaning of true friendship and to living a life worthy of it's calling this book has plenty to consider and reflect upon. Written in the same spirit as "It's A Wonderful Life" this is a must read.

I enjoyed this book, but it left me wanting more, more understanding of acedia and hopefully a way of overcoming it.the story was curious.

Everyone should read this book. It used to be required reading years ago, and I can see why. I'm happy it is back in print

Great Catholic story

Not too long, nor not too short. Full of wisdom and quotes that I surely won’t forget. An excellent book for any reader.