From Publishers WeeklyMoore's lofty reputation stands on The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne, Catholics, The Doctor's Wife and other widely different novels. All, however, center on characters one cares about and remembers. In this story, the protagonist is Catholic Cardinal Stefan Bem of an unnamed communist satellite. After he is the target of an assassination, Bem is taken by security officers to a remote house for his "protection." But the cardinal knows he is a prisoner, magnifying his suspicion that factions in the clergy and laity plan a demonstration against Soviet oppression at a religious ceremony only days away. Escaping the "raincoats," who use desperate means to try to stop him, Bem hastens to the church, where he dons the princely robes. Thousands are gathered when the cardinal appears to prevent a riot and the murders of both the tyrants and the tyrannized. The novel surges with tensions that never relax, from the hair-trigger opening to the jarring close. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. why do i love reading books The Color of Blood
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A good read raising challenging "what if?" questions about the pastBy keetmomFor setting and mood, this is a 5 star read capturing the tensions and looming violence in a Soviet bloc country where workers and people have had enough. The role of the Catholic Church as an agent of change in the midst of anger, violence, betrayal and fear comes to the fore as it did in Poland in the 70s and 80. Brian Moore captures all of the confusion and tension very effectively through a range of characters and experiences. His central figure is Cardinal Stefan Bem a gentle, deeply spiritual man who is thrown into the thick of things and must act entirely on his own in very frightening and confusing circumstances. For pace and action, Moore's writing has been surpassed by new generations of thriller writers so this comes across as more understated. Nonetheless "The Colour of Blood" remains an illuminating and thought provoking read.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A driving story of a good man in a world turned upside down.By Margaret FioreThough he is a cardinal, Bem has successfully managed to avoid the sin of pride, and is attempting to do the will of his god, within his church. Surrounded by gentle and religious people, immersed in the day-to-day details of his regime, he is totally unprepared for the sudden intrusion of personal violence in his life. An attempt is made on his life, followed by his kidnapping and incarceration. Suddenly, he finds himself struggling against hidden enemies, and struggling to find and feel the will of his god.This is perhaps the most taut and action-packed of any Brian Moore novels. Right down to the last word, this book will keep you riveted and straining. And in Cardinal Bem, Moore has perhaps created one of his most simply admirable and likeable protagonists ever. But he lacks none of the inner honesty and complexity that mark Moore's protagonists. In addition to being an incredibly suspenseful thriller, the book is as emotive and thought-provoking as anyone could ask. It is a beauty.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A cracker paced political thrillerBy A CustomerI was lucky to have found this out-of-print Booker Prize nominated title in a second hand bookshop. I was attracted to its setting in an unidentified Eastern bloc country and its tale of political intrigue involving the Church and the State. It also has at its centre the fascinating character of Cardinal Bem whose faith is fully tested as he battles dark forces threatening to unleash chaos on his tension fraught country. The plot moves at a frenetic pace which leaves you breathless. I found myself in the midst of an attempted assasination within the first pages of the novel and propelled into a plot which twists and turns and doesn't let go until the last shocking word is spilled. The ending had a sense of inevitability about it - you could smell it coming. I finished the book in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down. Moore's cracker paced thriller makes an excellent read. I can't recommend it highly enough.