The Keys of the Kingdom

by A.J. Cronin

AJ Cronin’s inspiring novel of a controversial Scottish priest on a mission in China, where he learns the true meaning of humanity—and of faith.   Francis Chisholm—a kindhearted and straightforward Scottish priest—walks a path of his own, making him unpopular with other members of the clergy. Ostracized by the clerical community and looked down on by his superiors, Chisholm takes a position in China where he supervises a mission beset by poverty, civil war, and plague. He encounters fierce resistance from the local Chinese who distrust his motives, especially as they do not understand or condone his faith. Despite enormous obstacles and temptations, Father Chisholm continues to live in accordance with what he holds as the ultimate truth—serving humanity is the one true religion of the world.  The Keys of the Kingdom was adapted into the 1944 film starring Gregory Peck as Fr. Francis Chisholm, a role for which he earned his first Best Actor Oscar nomination.   Hailed as “a magnificent story of the great adventure of individual goodness” by the New York Times Book Review and “full of life and people and color” by Harper’s Magazine, The Keys of the Kingdom is considered by many to be AJ Cronin’s finest work.  

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, China, Religion, British Literature, Asia

458 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1941

About the author

Archibald Joseph Cronin was a Scottish novelist, dramatist, and non-fiction writer who was one of the most renowned storytellers of the twentieth century. His best-known works are The Citadel and The Keys of the Kingdom, both of which were made into Oscar-nominated films. He also created the Dr. Finlay character, the hero of a series of stories that served as the basis for the long-running BBC television and radio series entitled Dr. Finlay's Casebook.
-Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.J._Cronin

Reviews

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s NEVER over!

When I was 13 years old, my wonderfully wise grandmother came to live with us.

My parents had turned me and my younger siblings into the pampered offspring of a double-income, upwardly-mobile fifties family 6 years previous to this, and the plans for their proud acquisition of a new and modern split-level home - when I turned thirteen - had had enough gracious foresight to provide an ensuite apartment for my grandmother.

“Gagi”, as I had brokenly mispronounced the word Granny at 18 months, had stuck as her revered sobriquet. And each visit she made to our previous little bungalow, before the big move that summer, had been for me like Alice following the March Hare into Wonderland.

She always had fantastically imaginative stories to tell us kids! And that’s not all - for that magical summer of the move, after she came... her THOUSANDS of books were soon to follow her - in a huge Moving Van.

That same van included furniture, artwork and antiques. Many of those were irreparably damaged in the long haul from central Utah. Strangely, that was inconsequential to the young, spoilt kid I was.

For her BOOKS arrived in mint condition!

That summer I PORED over them gluttonously.

She must have seen the gleam in my eyes, for in her will she bequeathed them all to me. And when my wife and I made the big move to OUR house in 1984, my Dad passed them on to us. And THIS - this was the first old book I unpacked - and then READ voraciously, cover to cover.

For I was now Catholic, and recognized Francis Chisholm’s Dark Night of the Soul as my own!

Yes! And this story of a shiningly idealistic young Scottish priest made a HUGE impression on me. Francis - yeah, right, sounds like Fergus - Chisholm is idealistic, but he has one ACHILLES HEEL: he says whatever’s on his mind, no matter how awful it sounds.

Like I always did - the same thing. Come heck or high water. I could relate, as you’ll soon see...
***

It was a stressful day seven years later.

All Heck arrived on my doorstop. And just like Father Chisholm’s long, forced purgatory in China, it took me down a few pivotal pegs!

QUITE a few. Right down the Rabbit Hole, in fact.

Then, later on, again - when 1991 came, the free world was basking in the reflected Glory of Glasnost.

And I?

I was chomping at the bit with suppressed fury at the clubbish oligarchy of a few clannish old boys that ruled my then-current privileged position.

Because privilege has its hard and fast obligations. And I was a free spirit.

So - VERY unwisely - that day I pulled a Pierre Élliott Trudeau and quite uncouthly told my boss to fuddle duddle, if you remember that historical vignette. Google it if you don’t.

Stark silence greeted me.

Then ALL of hell’s fury broke open.

Within three working days I was dropped from my privileged (and upwardly mobile?) middle management platform, to a kick-butt sweatshop of an office supervising a small but defiantly opinionated cadre of clerks.

I (again, unwisely? Yet still honestly) let it be widely known that I was quite pleased with my challenging new rôle - and would never again demean myself by such a surge toward rapid promotion.

Some would say I was pretty dumb. I simply thought myself honest.

But in coming clean I wiped my star-rated career slate clean, as well. At least I no longer had dirty hands. I had broken free.

And now had to prove myself ALL OVER AGAIN.

Now, did my dear grandmother’s A.J. Cronin novel lead me to THAT?

Well, our Maker works in circuitously serendipitous ways, and I don’t know much about serendipity, but I do know life can be awfully rum, as one of Stephen Dedalus’ buddies said.

And you know what else?

If Father Chisholm could buck ecclesiastical authority and STILL find a home in Glory...

Maybe there was still hope for me! And...

With a few EXTRA points for outraged ingenuousness, perhaps?

Haha. I know, fat chance.

That final, burnt-out year, still a middle manager, I was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.

But I was FAR from being ALONE in that honour. Many, MANY more were also awarded it in the Jubilee year.

Many, Much More Deserving, Thousands of Canadians -

But at least... I had given it my Best Shot!

I can say that now honestly.

What stuck with me most about that day, and after all these years I remember them, I still feel their effect...

Were the words our tough-as-nails DG, Gord Hunter, said to me at that moment he put the gold medal on my sagging chest:

“That’s Fantastic, Fergus. You’ve earned it - and I REALLY Mean That!”

Like, you know what I mean?

Like a Million Dollars...

And just like Father Chisholm, at the end of this book:

I had won a Pyrrhic Victory.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that one LIKES to read for light fun and escape, then there are books one SHOULD read because they make one stretch and become a better person. This book falls into the "should read" category.

A deep, moving, beautifully written book. It is pretty heavy but in a good way. I found I could read for awhile and absolutely love it but would have to take breaks, then come back for more. It takes time and thought to ingest the messages being taught in the story.

[Chrissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5-star book for me.
The author's long standalones are my favorites.

A.J. Cronin is an author who received wide public acclaim in the past. He deserves wider recognition today!

This story is about a Catholic priest. We follow him from his childhood in Scotland, through his seminary work in Spain, his thirty-five years of missionary work in China and final return to Scotland at old age.

I am not a religious person. I put the book off because of this. I feared I might not be able to relate to the book’s religious content. This proved to be completely wrong. The book is satisfying to all who value moral principles and admire people who don’t give up when confronted by life’s challenges. In my eyes, the central character is a hero.

The book will appeal to those who demand realism in the telling of a tale. Lots of problems occur. The book focuses on the surmounting of t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e difficulties.

Lots happens. The book is never boring. Exciting episodes pull the reader in.

ALL characters are well woven into the story. Characters met at the start re-enter the tale again later. None are extraneous. Some you will like. Some you will dislike. Each and every one is believable.

This is a book of historical fiction. It is informative. The reader learns about events in China during World War One, Chinese missionary work and the epidemics that scourged the land.

The story has a love thread. That is all I’ll say—no spoilers here!

Important themes are covered. Is war and killing sometimes necessary ….or not? If so, when and under which circumstances? Religious tolerance is essential. The poor and disadvantaged are worthy of our respect. Views such as these are stressed.

The audiobook is read by Tore Bengtsson. I could only get the book in Swedish. I’m happy to have been able to get my hand on it. Of course, I would have preferred it in English. Bengtsson’s Swedish narration is fine, by that I mean lt’s easy to follow, so three stars for the narration.

I recommend this book highly, particularly to those readers who appreciate realism and a central character whom one admires, a person with strong principles willing to fight for what they believe is right. Even in the worst of times there remains hope because such a person will not give up!


****************************************

Standalones:

*The Keys of the Kingdom 5 stars
*The Stars Look Down 5 stars
*A Thing of Beauty 4 stars
*The Citadel 4 stars
*Adventures in Two Worlds 4 srats
(autobiography)
*The Judas Tree 4 stars
*The Spanish Gardener 4 stars
*Hatter's Castle 4 stars
*Beyond This Place TBR
*Three Loves  TBR
*The Northern Light TBR
*Vigil in the NightTBR
*Grand Canary TBR

Duologies:
1,The Green Years 5 stars
2.Shannon's Way 3 stars
--------------------
1.A Song of Sixpence 5 stars
2.A Pocketful of Rye 3 stars

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” — Christ to Peter

The Keys of the Kingdom by A.J. Cronin has long been one of my favorite books having read parts of it many years ago. During summers spent with my grandparents, the first thing I would do would be to take it from an end table graced with classic books such as Jane Eyre and For Whom the Bell Tolls. But this one has remained my favorite and I must say, after vowing to read it in its entirety after all of these long years, it is so much richer than I remembered. This was thought to be A.J. Cronin’s masterpiece and I heartily agree, a true and beautiful work of art. Each time I close the book I am speechless and in awe.

This is a subtle and very spiritual story of a Catholic missionary priest and his humble fortunes of a priest from his troubled boyhood in Scotland through his long and turbulent years a a missionary in China. This is the sweeping view of Father Francis Chisholm, a Scottish parish priest spending much of his life in missionary work in China. Over the long years in China’s mission field, Father Chisholm demonstrated that he had the vigor and fervor to carry God’s grace into the world despite many hardships and obstacles such as war, natural disasters, and the plague.

This beautiful introspective novel begins as Francis returns home as an elderly and weary man in his sixties, returning to Scotland after spending over thirty years in China. As the novel unfolds, it takes a reflective turn, delving into the past of Father Francis Chisholm through a series of flashbacks. This is a Dickensian story of a young boy left orphaned at a young age enduring a childhood of hardship and neglect until his Aunt Polly comes to his rescue and becomes a lifelong love and benefactor in this young boy’s life.

Despite his calling to the church Francis struggled with his vocation and whether he was right for the priesthood. But alas as sometimes happens, one meets a kindred spirt destined to be a mentor throughout his life in Bishop Hamish McNabb, the seminary head. But he was always known to Francis as Rusty McNabb. He encouraged him to continue his vocation to the priesthood and ultimately sends him on his mission to China. This was a beautiful relationship between these two Scottish men that added so much to the narrative. I am still smiling at their relationship and all of the joy that it brought to the book.

This is the story of a saintly man who does much good along the way in such an effortless way. It made me more in touch with my spiritual self. I am in awe of A.J. Cronin’s finest work. And I am happy to know that all of those years ago, my teenaged self was able to discern fine literature. This is truly a beautiful book, especially today as it may have more resonance in a different way.

[Manybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because I am basically a pretty much entirely non observant Catholic (and have always had huge issues with many parts of Catholic dogma and how the Pope is supposed to be considered infallible), I was at first (and in my opinion naturally so) more than a bit worried that A.J. Cronin's 1941 novel The Keys of the Kingdom would (or rather could) emerge as simply being a glorification and celebration of all things Catholic and all things Christian. But no, I truly and fortunately need not at all have worried, and that yes, The Keys of the Kingdom has been both a surprisingly and gloriously delightful personal reading experience for me and one that does certainly also make me consider Cronin as not only a talented writer but equally as someone who pens his words gracefully, emotionally, tenderly and is textually able (and willing) to feature such fraught with potential issues and controversy topics like religion, like Christianity and in The Keys of the Kingdom bien sûr Catholicism without heavy handedness and over-used morality (or religious criticism for that matter).

For while The Keys of the Kingdom textually, narrationally deals with Catholicism, faith and missionary work rather old fashionably and non rebelliously (not surprising with the 1941 publication date), A.J. Cronin's presented text for The Keys of the Kingdom also wonderfully, delightfully demonstrates to us as readers that one can be a priest, that one can do God's chosen and ordained work (and to be helpful towards humanity in general) without adhering in any manner too slavishly to religious based and themed dogma, and with first and foremost, The Keys of the Kingdom having Cronin present that for the main protagonist, that for the Scottish Father Francis Chisholm, doing God's work quietly, being helpful and caring is considerably more important and essential than being evangelical, and that it makes far more sense for Father Chisholm to ONLY choose to convert those people to Catholicism who really and truly want and desire this than to present to the Vatican masses of often dubious converts, who might consider turning to Catholicism as a way to improve their lives and to become increasingly politically and socially powerful. Therefore, while outwardly in The Keys of the Kingdom (and in particular in the eyes of the Vatican, its structure of power and glamour and the all important tenet of conversion and evangelisation) Father Chisholm might be regarded, might seem to be rather a failure (both as a curate in Scotland and during his years China), actually, Father Chisholm's few converts are all shown by author A.J. Cronin as having come willingly and with a truly desire of converting, and that Father Chisholm's life of service and humility makes him truly a follower of Jesus Christ and much of serving of receiving the so-called keys to the Kingdom (and hence of course also the book title being The Keys of the Kingdom).

Descriptive, humanistic, a celebration of life, faith and that doing good deeds quietly is more essential and of much greater spiritual value than bombasticity, religious fervour and being rewarded and accoladed having on the surface and visible success with missionary work etc., The Keys of the Kingdom has been a very much appreciated, enjoyed and also a solidly five star novel for me (and that I am now definitely planning on reading more and more A.J. Cronin).

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the most significant book I've ever read. It has shaped who I am and how I approach life more than any other book. I have a very old copy from my grandmother that I reread whenever I feel the need to do a little soul searching.

The book description doesn't do it justice. I strongly recommend it. It is not, not, not a book that tries to convert you to any particular religious belief (the main character is a priest, but his best friend is an atheist, and the main character is sure that there are Buddists in heaven). And, the character could be anyone, which is amazing since most people wouldn't relate to a priest to a good representation of all humankind, but the guy isn't sitting around saying, I'm a priest, therefore... He's saying, I think this is the only way to show love to others, therefore...

It's a heavy book, but it's wonderful.

[DROPPING OUT · Rating 5 out of 5]

A colleague and friend recently reminded me of the movie of this book in 1944 that starred Gregory Peck. It got me to thinking that it has been easily forty years since I read any A.J. Cronin.

Loyola Press is to be commended for including this novel by A.J. Cronin in its list of Loyola Classics. Cronin (1896-1981) is sadly forgotten today, but I recall in my youth the buzz at my local public library whenever a new book by Cronin appeared.

Three of his better novels, Keys of the Kingdom, The Stars Look Down, and The Citadel made successful transitions to the silver screen and are considered classics of their era.

The figure of Father Francis Chisholm, from his poverty-stricken childhood in the 1870s, through a ministry (largely in China as a missionary from the end of the 19th century until the eve of World War II) perceived by his peers as mediocre, to his old age and retirement, is one that is not easily forgotten. Some of his universalist bromides would most definitely been out of place in the Roman Catholic Church at the time, but Fr. Chisholm is the kind of maverick many of us cannot help but admire.

[Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did it have to end?! Why?!
There are two categories of books, Books and "The books", The Keys Of The Kingdom belongs to "The books" category..
A.J. Cronin, took us to different places, diffrent states of mind and diffrent moods, through happy times, cruel situations, heartbreaking events, terror moments, made us smile, get angry and weep..
It's Francis Chicholm, one of the most amazing characters I've ever met, the incarnation of humanity, dignity and sacrifice..
From being mistreated in England by his relatives after the death of his parents to his aunt Polly's arms where he felt much happier to Hollywell religious school, then comes china, where he went as a missionary to Pai Tan, a lost spot with no hope.. There he faced ignorance, plague, nature, wars.. he had been wounded, but he stayed humble, to the end, a pure spirit who always gives and never waits for anything in return.. This was a little resumé, a lot of things happened, the kinda stuff that gets you glued to the book, yes, this is the kinda books you cannot put down, I remember my sister suggesting it, I started it few years ago but left it after few pages.. one thing is sure, I almost missed one of the best books I've ever read!

[Roula · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 αστερια.

[NILTON TEIXEIRA · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author.
I enjoyed the writing and the storyline, especially Francis Chisholm’s character. Such a sweet and kind man who had an open mind for the time.
Unfortunately I was not completely hooked, especially emotionally.
Sometimes I was bored. I did not feel engaged while reading it.
I found this book a bit cold or dry. I don’t know exactly why. Perhaps because I was expecting too much I felt disappointed.
This book was adapted for the screen, back in 1944, featuring Gregory Peck as the main character. I have never watched it, but after this book I’m planning on.
It may help me to appreciate this book a bit more.

[Joy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covering over sixty years in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this book tells the life story of Father Chisholm, a Scottish priest. He has had a most difficult childhood, losing his mother at a young age, and being ill-treated by the relatives who initially took him in. Eventually, his fortunes change, and he is brought to live with his caring Aunt Polly and Uncle Ned. He falls in love with a local girl and is torn about whether or not to pursue the priesthood. The second half of the book follows Father Chisholm to China, where he establishes a mission. While in China, he confronts many trials and tribulations, such as poverty, famine, plague, natural disasters, and war.

This is a story of a good man trying to do his best to follow his faith. He exhibits behaviors and beliefs that put him at odds with the church hierarchy, so he is eventually sent to China. He is compassionate, humble, and tolerant. He would prefer to convert only those who truly believe rather than amass numbers of so-called converts who are joining the church for appearances or to receive payment for duties.

The first half is a coming-of-age tale, and the second is one of perseverance in the face of many obstacles. The first half establishes the background of Father Chisholm and the life events that shaped his character. The second is much more eventful. The primary strength of this book is Father Chisholm. His character is deftly drawn. He has his flaws and recognizes his failings. He comes across as an eccentric who does not yield to pressures to conform. Published in 1941, it can seem a bit old-fashioned at times (e.g., colonialism is an accepted part of life), but it is hard not to enjoy a story about a brave and kind man struggling against the odds to help people.

4.5

[Антонія · Rating 5 out of 5]

Чудова книга. Без солодкавості, інколи - як холодний душ. Але цей священник захопив мене своєю справжністю, самопожертвою, пошуком Бога там, де Його найважче знайти. Він не підлабузнювався, не навертав нікого, не рекламував Церкву і навіть не приймав у неї тих, хто не знав до кінця, у що вірить.

Нарешті притомна книга про те, скільки коштує справжня віра

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vidi il film con un indimenticabile Gregory Peck, tanti anni fa, forse il 1969, e portavo ancora i pantaloni corti. Mi piacque molto e devo dire che faceva giustizia al libro che ho letto solo molti anni dopo, occasionalmente capitatomi in mano. Di grande respiro, profondamente spirituale e umano, il libro andrebbe letto e meditato anche e forse proprio nel nostro tempo.
"Non pensate che il paradiso sia nel cielo, è nel cavo della vostra mano, è dovunque e non importa dove..."

[Natalie Ethington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a long time ago and rediscovered this recently. A Catholic priest thinks he has not done anything to really make a difference in the world but the story tells of the things he has done that have changed people's lives. Read it if you are ever feeling discouraged or unappreciated!

[Vishwanath Praveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires and a touch that never hurts" - Charles Dickens
Not sure if Dickens had written a prelude to Father Francis Chisholm's character, but this quote symbolises what the protagonist in A.J.Cronin's beautifully written novel "Keys of the Kingdom" stood for.
This proved to be one of the most un-putdownable non-mystery/thriller books for me. I think the book is a biography of Cronin's friend(to whom this book is dedicated) who was a missionary in China for 20 years. It chronicles the life of Father Francis Chisholm right from his young days in Scotland to his years as an unconventional Catholic priest who struggles to setup a mission in China. His ecclesiastical methods(sometimes borderline blasphemous) are always debated by his peers leading to a parish investigation after his return to Scotland from the mission after 20 years. But his deeds outweigh the methods and he eventually comes out unscathed.
The underlying theme of the book is the resilience of the human spirit as demonstrated by the main character. Despite innumerable personal tragedies that he encounters during the course of his life, Father Chisholm always stands up for what he believes is the ultimate truth, that humanity is above all religions. His spontaneous goodness rather than his position as a religious man strike a chord with people he meets.
The narrative flows seamlessly from the beginning to the end. Almost all characters in the novel are well developed but the ones that stood out barring Father Francis were Aunt Polly and the German nun Mother Maria-Veronica.
One might wonder about the seemingly conspicuous absence of 'grey' shades that are quintissential in a human being.But again there lies the strength of Cronin's writing. The Father does have shades of grey like firmly believing in what is right and doing the right thing at the cost of moral conflicts with himself.
What moved me the most was the Father's strikingly 'human' nature, one that was bereft of holy pretensions.
I wouldn't want to delve into any part of the plot and spoil the joy of discovering this wonderful classic that Cronin has so artfully crafted. But I can say with certainty that Father Francis Chisholm is sure to go down as one of the most loved characters in the annals of literary history.

[Ksenija · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Світ - це одне живе, дихаюче тіло, чиє здоров'я залежить від мільйонів клітин, що складають його... і та кожна мала клітина - це людське серце..."

"Ключі Царства" - книга, яка запала в душу, вразила в саме серце!
В мене не вистачає слів, щоб передати наскільки це чудова книжка!
В романі ми спостерігаємо за життевим шляхом священика Френсіса Чізгольма, який був дуже "незручним" у своєму колі, мав свою точку зору на віру і життя, тому його послали нести слово Боже в Китай, де він провів 35 років свого життя.
Які різні емоції зазнала я читаючи цей роман. Обурення і гнів, смуток і радість, захоплення та безкінечну любов до отця Чізгольма. Настільки, це світла, щира і скромна людина. Через численні незгоди, серед яких чума і війна, проніс він любов і добро, співчуття і віру.
Кожен раз коли отець Чізгольм зустрічався з несправедливістю і жорстокістю, моє серце краялось. З кожною маленькою перемогою священика, я відчувала піднесення.
Але окрім головного героя, в романі ще є чудові, колоритні персонажі. Це незламна тітка Поллі, це друг дитинства - грубуватий лікар Туллок, подружня пара американських місіонерів.
До цього роману я читала інші твори Кроніна, це "Замок Броуді", "Зірки дивляться вниз", "Цитадель" та "Могила хрестоносця" від яких була в захваті, я вважала, що краще бути не може.
Але виявилося що, може - "Ключі царства".
Дуже рекомендую прочитати саме цей роман у Арчибальда Кроніна.
Він посів особливе місце в моєму серці, і я неодноразово буду ще звертатися до цього твору.
Думаю, не треба наголошувати, що Кронін один з моїх найулюбленіших авторів.

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book when I first read it back in October 2007. Rereading it eight years later I am somewhat less enamored. It's still an excellent story about an amazingly selfless British priest who serves in China at the beginning of the 20th century. Despite the title and main character, the book is ecumenical, although it does tend to be a bit romantic.

Worthwhile read.

[Deyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was ready for a book recommended for "innate goodness" and this worked! I would probably have scored it a 4.5, but I am rating up for the lasting value of this novel. A dear Russian friend recommended it as one of her all time favorite English reads. It did take me a little while to get caught-up in it. I felt at the beginning like I was revisiting Dicken's young Pip or David Copperfield. The setting and background were stark and the people indigent, but the trials and tribulations forged a most forgiving and sensitive main character.

Once this maverick minister landed in China the story definitely soared for me. This visionary man cared. The poverty of his childhood perhaps enabled him to adapt and to optimistically find a way to help his new community. I found myself with pen in hand generously underlining passages and even beliefs. His religion was not based on dogma but rather on humility, kindness and a belief that you can look for and find good in diverse places and with diverse people. He would be just as likely to quote Buddha as St. Paul.

I wish I still had the book to reference, but I have already shared it with a granddaughter. Truthfully, I confess that the end brought tears. That is unusual for me. The characters are strong and they grow. The book was uplifting and my take-away is that I want to strive to be a better and kinder person. I choose love.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book at 14 so here's my memory:

A romantic view of a dedicated man who surrenders everything to serve God (and later be well-played by Gregory Peck). He goes to China, and is beloved by all but the Mother Superior with whom he serves God. But in the end she has to respect his dedication and integrity. He is intellectually gifted but sometimes pragmatically challenged & quirky and although he inadvertently flies in the face of Catholic authorities because of his true holiness they (as of course Catholic authorities do so often!) forgive him his trespasses because they admire his honesty.

He is a wonderfully drawn character & a great ad for priesthood and Roman Catholicism. It was also the perfect way for me to begin to enter the history of China in the early-mid 20th century.

I don't remember the prose style, but I read it with ease at 14. I loved the descriptions of the small Welsh village the Father comes from as well as rural China and relished being transported into completely different cultures, both early-20th century (or late 19th century?) Wales and rural China.

I learned a lot (and if I remember correctly, the information presented was factually accurate) and enjoyed myself enormously.

Of course, I'm a very romantic Roman Catholic kind of girl.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as a teenager in a translation, I still remember how much I enjoyed it and that it actually gave some good advice about how to live your life, I have a feeling it profoundly offered basic values to last if not a lifetime then for a long time to come.

[Vladimiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

La lettura non mi ha coinvolto quanto avrei voluto, ma il libro mi è piaciuto. Un po' perché è stato un periodo travagliato, un po' soprattutto perché prima del romanzo ho visto l'omonimo film, che del libro è una trasposizione molto fedele, che oltre a raccontare quasi tutti gli avvenimenti del romanzo, lo fa anche cogliendone lo stesso spirito. Quindi in sostanza il "messaggio" del libro per me era già passato prima della lettura.

Comunque! Il romanzo racconta la biografia di Francis (che diventa Francesco nella non convincente traduzione italiana) Chisolm, scozzese cattolico, dall'infanzia alla vecchiaia. Il tema della fede è centrale, in quanto il nostro, dopo varie disavventure di gioventù si fa prete - convinto della scelta, sì, ma non così tanto - e finisce a dirigere una missione in Cina tra mille difficoltà.

Il romanzo è degli anni '30, ma esprime senza dubbio le tendenze moderniste (tolleranti e con cenni di sincretismo) della Chiesa, che avrebbero poi trovato espressione nel Concilio Vaticano II. Il cristianesimo di Chisolm non è dogmatico; decisamente, non esprime una visione tradizionale della religione. Ecco dunque la critica ai "preti di mondo" cui si contrappongono i "buoni atei" che cristiani lo sono nei fatti; la riluttanza, quasi, con cui Chisolm cerca di convertire i confuciani cinesi (Confucio saggio quanto Cristo, dice Chisolm!) e molto altro.

Confrontandolo con un romanzo "simile" per tematiche, cioè "Silenzio"di Shusaku Endo, si può dire che questo "Le chiavi del regno" è di un gradino inferiore, in particolare per lo stile; forse è demerito della traduzione italiana, non lo so, ma il tono generale non mi ha convinto, in particolare la gestione un po' confusa del punto di vista.

Lo consiglio se, appunto, siete interessati ai romanzi che riflettono sulla fede. Il punto di forza del romanzo è proprio questo: la descrizione di un cristianesimo "piccolo" ma non per questo meno importante.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 NOV 2021 - sometimes when I am up and working around the house at the most unfriendly hour of 4:30 a.m., I am rewarded with a treat - today is such a day. Keys to the Kingdom in film! This is a wonderful old black-and-white starring Gregory Peck and Vincent Price. A powerful scene of love of friendship and respect for an individual occurs when Father Francis' friend is dying. To be allowed to die as one lived, is a true comfort.

"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19

I own a very old copy of this book. I feel I now need to read this book.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating: 3,5 stars

Even if this book is another masterpiece written by the Scottish writer AJ Cronin, my favorite book still remains as "The Citadel."


4* The Spanish Gardener
3* Lady with Carnations
5* The Citadel
3,5* The Keys of the Kingdom
TR Hatter’s Castle
TR The Stars Look Down
TR The Green Years

[Elettra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il protagonista di questo bellissimo lavoro di Cronin è un prete atipico, non interessato alle carriere ecclesiastiche o alle convenzioni sociali. Chisholm è un sacerdote profondamente umano, con le sue fragilità e i suoi dubbi. Ma la sua forza risiede nella profonda compassione nel senso letterale del termine, nella sua umiltà e nella sua incrollabile determinazione a fare del bene, anche a costo di sacrifici personali. Le sue caratteristiche, invece, il suo temperamento franco e la sua insofferenza per i formalismi ecclesiastici, lo rendono malvisto dai suoi superiori. Ma proprio con questa figura Cronin cerca di esplorare la tensione tra la vera spiritualità e l'istituzione ecclesiastica, tra la fede vissuta e i dogmi formali. Le "chiavi del regno" non si trovano nel potere o nell'adesione cieca alle regole, ma nel servizio disinteressato, nell'amore per il prossimo e nella capacità di vedere Dio in ogni essere umano, indipendentemente dalla religione o dall'origine. La narrazione è coinvolgente, perché lo stile di Cronin è fluente, dettagliato e capace di creare atmosfere intense, sia che descriva i paesaggi scozzesi dell'infanzia, sia le sfide della missione in Cina. L’impatto emotivo è spesso toccante.

[Kate Thibodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally, I reserve 5 stars for books that are literary masterpieces in all areas, specifically within the story telling and artistry of the work. However, Francis Chisholm is a character so close to my heart now that I won't soon forget this one. He's sympathetic, strong, and with real flaws. This was a masterpiece in regards to character development and a truly very good story.
Best book of my 2021.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro me ha recordado un párrafo de 'Tartufo', obra del gran Moliére: “Cuantos son como vos razonan lo mismo, porque quieren que todos sean ciegos, al igual que ellos. Tener buenos ojos es ser libertino y el no reverenciar vanas afectaciones es carecer de respeto y fe por las cosas sagradas. Pero vuestros discursos no me amedrentan; que sé lo que digo y el Cielo ve en mi corazón. No hay por qué ser esclavos de esos fingidores, que hay tantos falsos devotos como falsos valientes, y así como no se ve que, allí donde el honor los conduce, los verdaderos valientes sean los que más bullicio hacen, así los buenos y verdaderos devotos, merecedores de que se sigan sus huellas, no son los que tanto gesticulan.”

[Ints Brunenieks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turpinu iepazīt Kronina daiļradi. Grāmatā Kronins vieglā formā atstāsta kāda angļu katoļu garīdznieka Frānsisa Čizema dzīvesgājumu on bērnības līdz pat sirmam vecumam. Lai gan stāsts ir par katoļu garīdznieku, tomēr par reliģiju kā tādu grāmatā ir tieši tik daudz , lai neliktos pārāk daudz. Vairāk grāmatā pat ir par autora amata lietu - medicīnu. :) Bet patiesībā grāmata ir par cilvēka dzīvē patiešām svarīgajām lietām. Frānsisa dzīve ir kā zebras sāni: melnais mijas ar balto, melnā un pelēkā ir vairāk kā baltā, bet baltais ir kā godalga par sūro darbu un neļauj paklupt un saļimt zem sūrās dzīves nastas. Dzīves pāŗbaudījumi un grūtības parādās no negaidītas puses un pat negaidīti lielos apmēros. Brīžiem pat liekas, ka atliek tikai nolaist rokas un ļauties liktenim. Bet tikai ne Frānsiss.. Grūtības viņu tikai norūda un rada jaunus dzīves izaicinājumus, kas ved pie jaunām uzvarām. Jo īpašs pārbaudījums Frānsisam ir misionēšana Ķīnas necilā provincē, kur viņš spēj izveidot spēcīgu baznīcas draudzi. Bet tas prasa tik daudz...
Var tikai apskaust Frānsiss mērķtiecību, godīgumu apzinīgumu un godīgu darba tikumu. Un tikai tā ar tīru sirdsapziņu ir jādzīvo, tā , lai nekas nav jānožēlo un mierīgi var paskatīties spogulī dzīves nogalē.
Cauri visam romānam nepiespiestā veidā vijas Frānsisa mīlestība pret Noru, kas pāriet uz viņas meitu un tālāk mazdēlu. Nebeidz paŗsteigt Frānsisa altruisms un cilvēkmīlestība, spēja uz lietām skatīties vienkārši un neko nesarežģījot.
Kā salīdzinājums romānā figurē Frānsisa bērnības draugs Anselms Mīlijs. Viņš it kā nav negatīvais tēls, bet tomēr viņa dzīvesgājums izvēršas pavisam citādāks nekā Frānsisam. Viens dzimtenē atgriežas no Ķīnas kā parasts prāvests, otrs kļūst par bīskapu. Viens izveido spožu karjeru, otrs - ir vienkāŗši cilvēku mīlēts un cienīts mācītājs. Kurš ceļš ir pareizāks, lai katrs lemj pats.

Citāti:
"Ko jūs saucat par kristieti? Vai to, kas vienu dienu no septiņām iet baznīcā un pārējās sešas zaimo, melo un krāpj savus līdzcilvēkus? Doktors Teloks tā nedzīvoja. Viņš mira, citiem palīdzēdams."

"Elle sākas tad, kad mēs vairs nespējam cerēt."

"Pie viņa griezās ar visdažādākajām kaitēm: ādas slimībām, vēdergraizēm, klepu, zarnu iekaisumiem, briesmīgiem ausu un acu pūžņiem, kas lielākoties bija netīrības vai arī pārapdzīvotības sekas. Bija pārsteidzoši, cik daudz līdzēja tīrība un vienkāršs, rūgts toniks. Graudiņš kālija permanganāta maksāja tikpat daudz zelta , cik svēra pats."

"Laikam viens no lielākajiem mūsu morāles un sirdsapziņas pārbaudījumiem ir noskatīties otra panākumos"

[Brenda Selner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all-time favorite, I’ve read this book over and over. In my early years in teaching, it was a perennial summer read. A favorite scene is when the Father, the Methodist minister and his wife, are captured by the Communists and he begins to see the couple in a different light. Not Catholic or Methodist, I love how Cronin depicted the kinship between true believers.

[Nelleke Plouffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Cronin does not disappoint. While I do not agree with the universalism preached in this book, it is still a beautiful picture of the value of personal integrity, and of Christ-like loving and giving of self. I highly recommend this author.

[Will Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few things to note at the outset: this book is written from a half-Catholic-half-universalist-half-postmodernist perspective. There is a smattering of the "all-roads-lead-to-heaven" belief throughout the book, sometimes presented implicitly, sometimes explicitly, which is not to be commended. (This belief system is presented in very noble garb, but let the reader remember that the end which universalism and postmodernism achieve is nothing less than the complete collapse of a society's morals and culture, something which this author never lived to see but which we are seeing abundantly in the West at present; "tolerance" as a virtue is no virtue at all.) Though much of the book is based on real-life stories, as indicated by the book's dedication, it is ultimately, and most regrettably, a work of fiction, and therefore much of it is exaggeratedly and fantastically written.

And yet, all those things being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is incredibly well written. The author employs a vocabulary and a writing style the likes of which modern authors do not and cannot imitate. It is as if the author knows how to write without wasting words.

Most of all, this book gives its readers, in the form of the protagonist, a picture of what endurance and longsuffering look like in the Christian life. That concept alone, woven into the fabric of the book and almost never overtly in-your-face, makes this book worth its reading time. The Christian life is not some emotional high to chase, but it is also not a bore. To follow in Christ's example, by faith, requires an endurance and perseverance the likes of which the modern church in the West has almost surely and completely lost. To suffer the persecutions of the world and the wrongdoings of fellow Christians in difficult, and joyful, silence... well, I suppose we all might could learn something about this. And I am the foremost in need of that lesson.