A young priest taking over a rural parish tries to discharge his duties even as he struggles to relate to the congregation and the cold realism of his nearest colleagues, all the while, coping with a mysterious stomach ailment.

Though little known or discussed in English speaking countries, French author Georges Bernanos made a critical impact, inspiring several films in France, most notably by director Robert Bresson.

This novel (his 3rd) deserves a place beside even Dostoyevsky's most psychological novels. Though often dismissed as a 'merely Catholic' writer, Bernanos' humanism and touching portraits of compassion, doubt and suffering at its limits are sure to captivate both secular and religious readers.

André Malraux rated the works of Georges Bernanos even above Sartre, Camus and Gide.

Also of note: Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver) recently wrote and directed the 2018 film "First Reformed" which is loosely based on both this book as well as the film by Robert Bresson of the same title...