Fiction Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

To say that Sigrid Undset is compelling would be an understatement. Catholic convert, Nobel Prize winning Norwegian novelist , her works invoke the poignancy of the fall and the hope that is found in the act of redemptive suffering. "Ida Elisabeth" is a tremendous work. Great literature helps us practice the virtues. We may never encounter the situations the characters do, but watching how they navigate through the emotions and morals of the moments, help us to exercise our own virtues and responses to the underlying sin that propels the characters forward...and helps us to avoid recognize in some way the traps laid before us. Vivian Dudro joins us once again to discuss Sigrid Undset, her life and her times, and some other works of this important author. "Undset is a realist in the truest sense of the word. She sees the real world in which people face the bitter consequences of selfish choices and in which suffering is unavoidable and yet potentially redemptive. In her acclaimed historical fiction, Undset shows us that the acceptance of suffering is the beginning of wisdom and also, paradoxically, the path to peace and lasting joy." - Joseph Pearce, Author, The Quest for Shakespeare The post IP#137 Vivian Dudro – Sigrid Undset’s “Ida Elisabeth” on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

It is with great delight to once again have a conversation with Vivian Dudro about another standout Catholic author.  This time we discuss the prolific Meriol Trevor and her work of historical fiction entitled “Shadows and Images”.  Trevor, who had already authored a two part biography of John Henry Cardinal Newman, sets him into this ... Read more The post IP#281 Vivian Dudro – Meriol Trevor’s “Shadows and Images” on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

What great fun and an outstanding resource all in one fantastic book. I love Jane Austen...I love this book. Elizabeth Kantor gets it so right! The book description says it best: Women today are settling for less than we want when it comes to men, relationships, sex, and marriage. But we don’t have to, argues Elizabeth Kantor. Jane Austen can show us how to find the love we really want. In The Jane Austen Guide to Happily Ever After, Kantor reveals how the examples of Jane Austen heroines such as Elizabeth Bennett, Elinor Dashwood, and Anne Elliot can help us navigate the modern-day minefields of dating, love, relationships, and sex. By following in their footsteps—and steering clear of the sad endings suffered by characters such as Maria Bertram and Charlotte Lucas—modern women can discover the path to lifelong love and true happiness. Charged with honesty and humor, Kantor's book includes testimonies from modern women, pop culture parallels, the author's personal experiences and, of course, a thorough examination of Austen's beloved novels. The post IP#155 Elizabeth Kantor – The Jane Austen Guide to Happily Ever After on Inside the Pages appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Michael O'Brien has gone beyond his previous work to bring us an incredible tale of love,forgiveness...holiness. "A Father's Tale" is a pilgrim's journey told in a way that stands up with greats like Tolkien and Lewis. The prayerful reflection he pours into his work is born from his skill as a writer of icons. Here, his pallette consists of words, and he layers them as carefully as he does his works of art...in plot, character and storytelling. "A Father's Tale" is deeply statisfying and leaves you desiring more. Our conversation with Michael is is a wonderful one. This is the book you'll enjoy spending time with. The post IP#123 Michael O’Brien – A Father’s Tale on Inside the Pages appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Here is an absolute GEM!!!!! The "Happy Catholic" Julie Davis told me that an audio was available of Flannery O'Connor actually reading "A Good Man is Hard to Find" ...and indeed there was (is...whatever). This was recorded shortly before her death of lupus at a talk given at Vanderbilt University. Take a listen to the "Master" in her own voice...priceless! The post “A Good Man is Hard to Find” read by Flannery O’Connor appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

"Toward the Gleam" is a fantastic novel written by T. M. (Tom) Doran! I love the adventure, but also the philosophical discussions which take place in the context of the story. The post IP#108 T. M. Doran – Toward the Gleam on Inside the Pages appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.