Welcome to Litsy!

So an American Pope in Rome. And he has a degree in science. Interesting #worldreligion #conclave2025

An interesting historical fictional novel set in the 18th century in China. The characters were quite interesting. The explanations of many different aspects of life, such as religion. I liked the main character Li Du, was a librarian and very intelligent. He has wisdom to share. 4/5⭐️

Recent acquisition:

📖 Sun Dancing: A Vision of Medieval Ireland by Geoffrey Moorhouse

I so get the varied opinions on this one. Not a book for everyone. I, however, seem to be drawn to books lately about living in isolation (side effect of reading the news I am sure) and found that I really enjoyed this book about three monks who set out to find the island envisioned in a dream. It is slow but anxiety filled as you see them struggle with the elements and the requires blind obedience to a leader who does not deserve it.

The sense of isolation and the double-edged sword of obedience are strong in this novel. The sound of the waves comes through the writing. The pace is slow, and the interactions are frustrating as we follow the development of relationships through hardship. I appreciate the reflective nature of this novel even as I'm not sure I would recommend it except in specific circumstances.

Photo: Somewhere near Half Moon Bay, California, 2005.

From my nightly read. #poetryandpsalms #nunlit #nunlitquarterly
The author attended the Benedictines‘ chanting of the Divine Office, which often included psalms.This brings to mind Louise Penny‘s book,The Beautiful Mystery.