The Art of Disappearing

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27925

Title

The Art of Disappearing

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this dramatic tale of faith, betrayal, and redemption, a young man's life is irrevocably altered by a train wreck that introduces him to a mysterious priest. As he navigates a world of exiles, political intrigue, and religious fervor, he witnesses the tragic death of a loved one and the profound transformation of a charismatic leader. Blending romance, melodrama, and spiritual reflection, the story explores the 'art of disappearing' as a metaphor for finding purpose amidst personal loss and societal...

Summary up to 500 words

In John Talbot Smith's *The Art of Disappearing*, the narrative follows Horace Endicott, a young man whose life is transformed by a tragic train collision near Boston. The accident introduces him to Monsignor O'Donnell, a prelate who administers holy oils to the dying fireman, Tim Hurley. This event shatters Horace's innocence, exposing him to profound themes of mortality and faith. The story expands to include a complex cast, notably the ambitious Anne Dillon, her daughter Honora, and the charismatic Arthur Dillon. Arthur Dillon emerges as a central figure, leading a community of exiles and building a magnificent cathedral in the American West. His relationship with Honora, who struggles between a worldly life and a vocation for the convent, drives the novel's emotional depth. The plot weaves through settings ranging from taverns to grand religious ceremonies, contrasting the 'red' of political strife and the 'green' of Irish heritage against the 'white' of religious purity. The title's 'art of disappearing' represents more than physical absence; it signifies a spiritual and social shedding of old identities to embrace a higher purpose. The narrative explores the tension between cynicism and faith, illustrating the enduring power of love and community amidst tragedy. The story concludes with a sense of spiritual resolution, suggesting that while humans act as instruments of will, true history is made by God. Through the eyes of Horace and others, the novel depicts the struggle to find meaning in a world marked by loss, ultimately finding triumph in the dedication of the new cathedral and the acceptance of a new order of things.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• New York
• Irish Americans
• Catholics
• Runaway Husbands
• Disguise