5 Novels to Get You Through Lent

"Leisure is a form of silence, not noiselessness. It is the silence of contemplation such as occurs when we let our minds rest on a rosebud, a child at play, a divine mystery, or a waterfall." - Fulton J. Sheen

Throughout Lent, we strive to seek meaningful ways to engage in reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth. While traditional Lenten practices such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are essential, exploring the world of literature can also provide valuable insights and opportunities for introspection.

Fiction, with its power to transport readers to different times, places, and perspectives, offers a unique opportunity for introspection. While reading may not be as austere, novels provide a lens through which to contemplate themes of sin, redemption, and the search for meaning. 

As you navigate this Lenten season, here is a selection of fiction books that can enrich your Lenten journey and prompt deeper reflection on matters of faith and spirituality.

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

Set in the small town of Gilead, Iowa, this novel is a luminous meditation on faith, grace, and the passage of time. Written as a series of letters over three generations, from the Civil War to the 20th century, it is a story about fathers and sons and the spiritual battles that still rage at America's heart.

This novel celebrates the intricate dance between life's inner and outer dimensions. While the novel's focal point is the spiritual journey of one man, its overarching concern is universal: how do we confront the end of our existence without succumbing to despair or resorting to existential evasions? Can we greet death with gratitude and perhaps even joy?

Robinson's portrayal of religion is nuanced; rather than offering a simplistic cure-all, Christianity serves as a lens. It provides a framework—a stable ground and a shared language—to navigate the novel's existential inquiries.

In the end, the subtle conclusions drawn in Gilead—that life's experiences are to be treasured as precious gifts, that amidst the mundane hustle, we often overlook the profound beauty surrounding us, and that love and kindness possess transformative power—are not confined to religious or secular realms. The novel reflects on the beauty of ordinary life and the presence of God in the everyday. Robinson's lyrical prose and profound insights into the human condition make Gilead a poignant companion for Lenten contemplation.

The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene

Set in Mexico during a period of anti-Catholic persecution, this novel follows a nameless “whiskey priest” who is on the run from authorities. Too human for heroism, too humble for martyrdom, the priest is nevertheless impelled toward his squalid Calvary as much by his compassion for humanity as by the efforts of his pursuers.

As he grapples with his moral failings and the challenges of ministering to a persecuted community, the priest confronts questions of sin, redemption, and the nature of grace. While the story is fraught with tension as the priest flees from his pursuers, Greene takes us along on a moral journey that is more captivating. 

Graham Greene's gripping narrative and complex characters make The Power and the Glory a compelling exploration of faith under duress. He shows that martyrdom for true faith can happen even in the squalor of a sinner’s life and that the power and the glory may sometimes be found in places where you least expect it.

Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset

This trilogy follows the life of Kristin Lavransdatter, a Norwegian woman living in the 14th century. Set against the backdrop of medieval Norway, the story explores themes of sin, repentance, and redemption as Kristin navigates the complexities of love, faith, and family. 

As a young girl, Kristin is deeply devoted to her father, but when as a student in a convent school she meets the charming and impetuous Erlend Nikulaussøn, she defies her parents in pursuit of her desires. Her saga continues through her marriage to Erlend, their tumultuous life together raising seven sons, and finally, their estrangement as the world around them tumbles into uncertainty.

Through the protagonist Kristin's journey, readers encounter the consequences of her moral choices, the weight of guilt and remorse, and her quest for forgiveness and spiritual transformation. By engaging with Kristin's struggles and triumphs, Catholics can reflect on their relationship with sin, the need for repentance, and the profound mercy and grace offered by God, themes central to the Lenten season. Additionally, Kristin's spiritual journey serves as a reminder of the power of redemption and the hope of new life that Easter brings, making Kristin Lavransdatter a meaningful companion for Catholics during Lent.

Silence by Shusaku Endo

Set in 17th-century Japan, Silence follows the journey of a Portuguese Jesuit missionary who travels to Japan to find his mentor, who is rumored to have apostatized. The young priest fears capture and torture but assumes that Christ will help him when the time comes. However, as he witnesses the persecution of Christians and confronts his faith in the face of suffering, he grapples with profound questions of God's silence and the nature of martyrdom. 

The book is allegorical in several ways, not only in the priest comparing his suffering to Christ’s, but in his having his own Judas who sells him out to the authorities for a handful of silver coins. Endo's novel is a powerful exploration of faith and doubt. As readers journey with the protagonist through trials and tribulations, they are prompted to confront their own beliefs and grapple with the complexities of faith.

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

Set in England between the two World Wars, Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is a captivating exploration of faith, family, and the complexities of human relationships set in the interwar period in England. 

The novel follows the protagonist, Charles Ryder, as he becomes entangled with the aristocratic Flyte family, particularly through his friendships with Sebastian and Julia Flyte. Through Charles's eyes, readers are introduced to the devoutly Catholic world of Brideshead Castle, where they encounter themes of sin, redemption, and the search for spiritual meaning. As Charles navigates the ups and downs of his relationships with the Flytes, he grapples with questions of belief and morality, ultimately undergoing his own spiritual journey of conversion and reconciliation.

At its core, Brideshead Revisited is a deeply introspective novel that delves into the intricacies of Catholicism and the human condition. Through its richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, the novel explores the tension between worldly desires and spiritual aspirations, as well as the transformative power of grace and redemption. Brideshead Revisited invites readers to contemplate their own relationship with faith and morality, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read for Catholics seeking to deepen their spiritual understanding during the Lenten season.

As we journey through the Lenten season, let us open our hearts and minds to the wisdom and beauty found in the world of fiction. Whether through the medieval landscapes of Kristin Lavransdatter, the torture and introspection of Silence and The Power and Glory, the quiet reflections of Gilead, or the overt Catholicism of Brideshead Revisited, these novels offer windows into the human soul and opportunities for spiritual growth. May our Lenten reading deepen our understanding of ourselves, our faith, and the boundless love of God!