Plague Journal

Author: Michael O'Brien
Publisher: Ignatius Press
Publication Date: 2003-08
Format: Paperback
Pages: 273

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• Summary
• Parents Guide

The Plaque Journal by Michael D. O'Brien This is Michael O'Brien's fourth novel in the Children of the Last Days series, the third book in a trilogy. The central character is Nathaniel Delaney, the editor of a small-town newspaper, who is about to face the greatest crisis of his life. As the novel begins, ominous events are taking place throughout North America, but little of it surfaces before the public eye. Set in the not-too-distant future, the story describes a nation that is quietly shifting from a democratic form of government to a form of totalitarianism. Delaney is one of the few voices left in the media who is willing to speak the whole truth about what is happening, and as a result the full force of the government is brought against him. Thus, seeking to protect his children and to salvage what remains of his life, he makes a choice that will alter the future of each member of his family and many other people. As the story progresses he keeps a journal of observations, recording the day-by-day escalation of events, and analyzing the motives of his political opponents with sometimes scathing frankness. More importantly, he begins to keep a "mental record" that develops into a painful process of self-examination. As his world falls apart, he is compelled to see in greater depth the significance of his own assumptions and compromises, his successes and failures. Plague Journal chronicles the struggle of a thoroughly modern man put to the ultimate spiritual and psychological test, a man who in losing himself finds himself.

Sexuality: Violence & Gore: Profanity: Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking:

Editorial Reviews

"Why couldn't I put this book down? Its characters are unforgettable; its author makes simple goodness winsome, even heroic; and its social indictment is as important as that of Brave New World."-- Peter Kreeft, Author, Back to Virtue

"This is a novel of hope about failed loves, failed lives, and, yes, failed societies. Yet, it touches the heart of things in the lives of those whom O'Brien calls "children of the last days." This is a gripping 'adventure' of Tolkien inspired human beings against bureaucratic 'Conditioners', as C.S. Lewis called them." ---- James V. Schall, S.J. Author, The Order of Things

 "More realistic than fantastic, this is a suspenseful tale of a family's heroic struggle to survive in an afflicted world. Plague Journal is an account of the effect of a spiritual and social pestilence in twentieth century Canada. O'Brien understands what plagues do to society, to friendship and to family. A story that is gripping, moving and enlightening."---J. Christopher Corkery, G.K. Chesterton Institute

Michael O'Brien, born in Ottawa, Canada, in 1948 is a well-known writer on religion and culture. His essays have appeared in several international journals and anthologies concerned with these topics, urging the people of the Western world to examine the negative effects of materialism, and to rediscover authentic spiritual sources in the absolutes of the Christian faith.

Both his written work and visual art have been reviewed and reproduced widely. He is an author of several books, notably his seven volume series of novels published by Ignatius Press of San Francisco. The first volume, Father Elijah, published in 1996, has sold more than 40,000 copies in hardcover, and subsequent novels have also sold well.