World Gone By: The Enigmatic Novel of Father Charles Coughlin

World Gone By: A Novel (Coughlin Series Book 3)

by Dennis Lehane

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4056 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

FREE

In the annals of American literature, Father Charles Coughlin's novel "World Gone By" stands as an enigmatic masterpiece, a forgotten work that offers a profound and unsettling commentary on the human condition. First published in 1935, at the height of the Great Depression, the novel has long been overshadowed by Coughlin's controversial radio broadcasts, which made him one of the most influential figures in American history.

Written in a lyrical and evocative prose style, "World Gone By" transports readers to a dystopian world ravaged by war, poverty, and moral decay. The novel's protagonist, Father John Carroll, is a young priest who struggles to reconcile his faith with the horrors he witnesses around him. As Carroll journeys through this desolate landscape, he encounters a cast of characters who represent the diverse social and political forces shaping the world.

Themes of Faith, Politics, and the Human Condition

At its core, "World Gone By" is a novel about the clash between faith and politics. Father Carroll's struggle to reconcile his religious beliefs with the suffering he witnesses mirrors the broader tension between the spiritual and material realms. The novel also explores the role of politics in shaping the human condition, as Carroll witnesses the rise of fascism and the decline of democracy.

Beneath the surface of the novel's narrative lies a deeper exploration of the human condition. "World Gone By" is a profound meditation on the nature of good and evil, the power of hope, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Carroll's journey, Coughlin offers a unflinching look at the human capacity for both great evil and great good.

Symbolism and Imagery

Coughlin masterfully employs symbolism and imagery to create a vivid and haunting portrait of a world gone astray. The novel's setting, a dystopian cityscape filled with poverty and violence, serves as a metaphor for the moral decay of society. The characters themselves are also imbued with symbolic significance, representing different aspects of the human condition.

One of the most striking images in the novel is that of the "Black Mass," a ritual performed by the novel's villainous characters. This scene serves as a powerful allegory for the corruption of faith and the rise of evil in the world.

Historical Context

"World Gone By" was written and published during the Great Depression, a time of widespread economic and social upheaval. The novel's setting and themes reflect the anxieties and despair of the era. Coughlin's own experiences as a priest and a radio broadcaster gave him a unique perspective on the social and political forces shaping the world.

The novel's depiction of fascism and the decline of democracy also foreshadowed the rise of Nazi Germany. Coughlin was one of the first American voices to warn against the dangers of fascism, and his novel offers a chilling glimpse into the consequences of unchecked political power.

"World Gone By" is a complex and challenging novel that rewards multiple readings. Coughlin's lyrical prose, rich symbolism, and profound insights into the human condition make this a work of enduring power. While the novel may have been forgotten by many, it remains a timely and relevant work that speaks to the enduring struggle between faith, politics, and the human spirit.

In an age of renewed social and political turmoil, "World Gone By" offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of fighting for justice and human dignity. Father Charles Coughlin's enigmatic novel deserves to be rediscovered and celebrated as a forgotten masterpiece of American literature.

World Gone By: A Novel (Coughlin Series Book 3)

by Dennis Lehane

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4056 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

FREE