Chrism Press is dedicated to stories informed by Catholic and Orthodox Christianity that contain a sacramental and incarnational vision. Whether Christian themes are presented overtly, subtly, or symbolically, Chrism Press publishes Spirit-filled fiction in all genres, such as:
A Bloody Habit (Ignatius Press, 2018), and Brother Wolf (Chrism Press, 2021) by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson. A gothic horror universe presents the supernatural battle of good and evil (through fiction) from a vampire-slaying Dominican priest to demons, curses, and werewolves.
Markmaker (2022) by Mary Jessica Woods, a story of an alien tattoo artist. A first-time author, Woods infuses her Byzantine Catholic faith in the story, using the iconography of tattoos to highlight the possible conflicts between tradition, truth, and mercy - science fiction with a deeper spiritual meaning. [Note: I might personally disagree with some of her conclusions about the 'conflict' between truth and mercy.]
Other new Chrism Press novels by Catholic authors: Maya Sinha’s The City Mother (domestic noir); Kaye Park Hinckley’s Shooting at Heaven’s Gate (Southern Gothic); Roseanna M. White’s Shadowed Loyalty (historical romantic suspense)
Wiseblood Books publishes books of all genres (fiction, poetry, and philosophy) that reflect the splendor of truth. Some novels include:
Infinite Regress (2022) by Joshua Hren founder of Wiseblood Books; author of How to Read (and Write) Like a Catholic, Joshua Hren’s debut novel is rich on many levels: plot twists, character development, narrative style, religious faith and human concupiscence. A complex, gripping story and pinnacle example of Catholic fiction and satirical critique of contemporary American life. Joshua also has the short story collections This Our Exile and In the Wine Press.
Works of Mercy (2022) by Sally Thomas, a Catholic poet and novelist, her short novel of mercy and forgiveness explores the spiritual complexities of even mundane human relationships, like the reclusive widow who cleans the rectory.
I don't really have a place for short stories, but here's a quick online read by a good writer: Heroes - by Augustine Himmel a Catholic convert whose essays have been published in America Magazine, the National Catholic Register, and OnePeterFive.
His new novel Seeing Red (2024) has been described as a “sort of Orwellian fiction noir set in Detroit” that is “darkly—and consistently—funny”. An entertaining thriller that explores the value and God-given dignity of every human life. A number of characters embrace Catholic beliefs and values and are willing to risk their lives for those convictions.
George (2022) is a debut novel by Catholic philosopher Siobhan Nash-Marshall, who gives a fictional retelling of St. George (the dragon-slayer) but in a time of Covid, lock-downs, and the radical modern developments of society.
The fourth historical novel in the Heaven Intended Civil War series addresses the evils of slavery while following a forbidden romance of two young adults with the same Catholic faith but very different racial and socio-economic backgrounds. Their partnership demonstrates the power of faith in God and doing what is right no matter what “society” or the law might dictate (also in Audiobook). Book 1, A World Such as Heaven Intended was 2016 Catholic Arts and Letter Award (Young Adult Category)
Other CMA awards for books that are highly appealing book for young Catholics (ages 17-21)
Masaru by Michael Thomas Cibenko (2021)
A creatively told story of a young boy in 16th-century Japan who chooses to pursue the path of Christianity. Embedded in the story is the history of St. Paul Miki and his and his companions who were crucified on Nishizaka Hill in 1597. The author weaves the intrigue of the shogun tradition, the life and work of the Spanish and Portugese Jesuits, the various dictators opposed to Christianity, and the faith of “hidden Christians” who, even without priests, baptized and otherwise carried on the faith. A beautiful and intriguing story with enough action throughout to keep readers engaged.
On Rumor’s Deadly Tongue by Deanna Rutledge (2021)
Second in trilogy, history buffs will especially enjoy this complex tale from 12th Century England, filled with intrigue and exciting chases, escapes and maybe a path to redemption. Intriguing, fast paced and riveting, a story of faith immersed in the Middle Ages.
Loving Gabriel by T. M. Gaouette (Faith & Kung Fu series, Bk 4, 2021)
Faith is the foundation for a complex and modern romance, a mature story, with real characters.
A new (Sept. 2021) favorite, Joe B. is a modern-day telling of the story of Job by a Catholic priest, which does an excellent job (no pun intended) of addressing the problem of evil and suffering, while being solidly written. A book that will heighten your awareness of the spiritual combat, while learning to trust God has a loving plan no matter what happens.
A mystery-adventure novel about a parish priest and his Knights of Columbus who try to "collar" a human trafficking ring. Note: some dark themes intended for a mature audience. Well written by a new author (about Juliana Weber, book reviewer for Humanum).
His latest novels (two of a coming trilogy, also in audiobook) Original Prin (2019) and Dante’s Indiana (2021) are a comic tale of a middle-aged Catholic university professor looking to live his faith in what Boyagoda calls a 'good-bad Catholic' novel. Prin is serious about his faith, he stumbles and falls, he makes mistakes, but he is trying. Part two expands the story as protagonist Prin seeks to be true to the faith amid increasing secularism and the diminishing influence of religious faith in general.
Brendan Hodge, Catholic writer, blogger (see his Darwin Catholic blog), and author of the new book (Ignatius Press, July 2020) dealing with honest questions people have about the place of faith in their lives.
A somewhat whimsical, somewhat historical novel about a group of nuns who join the French Resistance in fighting the Nazis during WWII. A fast-paced story that explores complex moral dilemmas and themes of personal denial and redemption. (I have not researched the history this book is based on, but apparently there was a nun's rifle group that was disbanded by the pope, and one of the nuns left the convent and joined the resistance.)
I've read Amy Welborn for years as a Catholic author with many books on various themes of spirituality, saints and history. The first title is long enough to call a novel about mothers, daughters, and why we believe what we say we believe - thought provoking and beautifully done, the others are a short stories that evokes great Catholic writers of the 20th century (dare I say Flannery O'Connor.)
A collection of short stories by a priest and writer, about the ordinary and extraordinary lives of priests, revealing their humanity (and flaws) but also the power of grace. Realistic and faithful to the life of priests, it provides a reflection on the working of God's mercy in every vocation.
An international best-seller by a debut Spanish author, this novel is more of a fairy tale. A coming of age / love story that's really a story of conversion - a modern feminist woman encounters an eccentric Catholic village and employer, which challenges her views and invites a return to elevated culture and a simpler life. Catholicism and tradition are in the background throughout, set in a counter-cultural village that provides a critique of secularism and the emptiness of modernity.
A Catholic novel situated in 19th century England that deals with conversion and growth in holiness, as it interweaves the life of (now a Saint) John Henry Newman and Oxford Movement, with many major events of the 19th century, such as the Industrial Revolution, and the shaping of Victorian England.
Marcus Grodi has written a sequel to his apologetic novel, both stories about the lives of a Congregational minister (and his wife/congregation) who struggles with whether the bible alone is sufficient for faith, giving an intimate picture of the psychological and relational issues that arise from the conversion process.
Brian J. Gail has a trilogy of adult-level, page-turning novels sprinkled with Catholic teaching and apologetics: a sermon, a warning for out age, and a realistic fiction thriller all in one.
Peter Kreeft is the fictional 'editor' who has collected the writings of the son of a Muslim father and Catholic mother, into what is subtitled: "The Autobiography of 'Isa Ben Adam". Ben Adam studies philosophy at Boston College and engages in theological discussions with a motley group of students who represent Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim beliefs - covering a multitude (ocean!) of moral themes and religious questions, including the mystery of good and evil.
A modern retelling of the parables The Good Shepherd and The Prodigal Son. The quiet life of a middle-age widower is turned upside down when his college-age son disappears without a trace, leading him on an odyssey of adventure and peril, stretched nearly to the breaking point by the inexplicable suffering he witnesses and experiences, he discovers unexpected sources of strength as he presses onward in the hope of recovering his son--and himself.
A somewhat historical novel about the man to whom St. Luke addressed his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Not the same story, but similar genre to the 2018 movie "Paul the Apostle"
A dramatic novel of religious faith and divine providence in the midst of great evils, war, suffering, and radical injustice. (Read a review and comments.)
Michael O'Brien is also the author of A Landscape With Dragons: The Battle for Your Child's Mind - an important work on the power and value of literature, with a helpful, lengthy appendix of good books for children of all ages, arranged by level of difficulty and author.
The Gargoyle Code by Fr. Dwight Longenecker. Like the Screwtape Letters, it's a collection of fictional letters of the devils' tricks and temptations. Only its about Catholics who are being tempted, and is written as taking place during the Season of Lent, with a letter for each day... but almost impossible to read just one day at a time.
The Loser Letters by Mary Eberstadt. A series of advice letters from an enthusiastic convert to the cause of the "new atheists" creates a witty satire about the fictional conversion of a young adult Christian to atheism. Aimed at countering bestsellers like The God Delusion and God Is Not Great, Eberstadt deftly exposes the flaws in their views. (Read the foreword and reviews at ignatius.com/loser-letters.)
Dr. Ralph McInerny while known for his Thomistic philosophy and strong Catholic identity in academia (he was a daily communicant, died in 2010), is also well-known for his many novels (See wikipedia for the full list):
The Death of a Pope - Piers Paul Read creates an engrossing thriller, centered around a terrorist plot at the conclave following the death of John Paul II. His astute observation of modern legal and political culture, as well as the state of the church 40 years after Vatican II, make this much more than just an ordinary thriller.
A Postcard From the Volcano: A Novel of Pre-War Germany by Lucy Beckett. A historical narrative that takes place in Prussia from the outbreak of World War I to the eve of World War II. A well researched historical novel that shows the impact of war and individuals struggling to deal with the incredible challenges. (See also her first historical novel: The Time Before You Die.) And now The Leaves Are Falling: A Novel the sequel to A Postcard From the Volcano set in the aftermath of World War II; it can be read standalone and explores similar questions of how to live integrity in poisonous surroundings.
The Tripods Attack! - Sophia Institute Press, 2008. John McNichol has created a fictional account of a young G.K. Chesterton, whose adventures during a Martian invasion lead him to Catholic values through encounters with H.G. Wells, Fr. Brown and other fictional friends. Highly recommended if you like C.S. Lewis or Tolkein, or just want a Catholic alternative to Harry Potter.
And now the sequel: The Emperor of North America (2011) - The Young Chesterton Chronicles Book 2 re-imagines the famous Catholic author as a young man living in an alternative Edwardian age of steam-driven wonders.
John McNichol also has a fast-paced light-hearted Catholic science fiction novel appropriate for junior-high / middle school: The King's Gambit (2012)
"Dorsetville" series by Katherine Valentine, published by Doubleday
This series focuses around the life and times of the inhabitants of a small New England town. The books in order of publication date are:
Marvelous mystery novels that are a delightful blend of mystery, history, and romance (in the old and best sense of the word).
Alice Thomas Ellis
An English writer who died just a couple years ago. A Catholic convert, mother of seven, and a great cook, she wrote on food, family, and faith, with an incredible caustic wit. Some of her novels include:
The "Loyola Classics" series, edited by Amy Welborn, published by Loyola Press
This series features re-released versions of classics by Catholic authors. The books include:
Catholics by Brian Moore (1972 novella of Catholic monks who celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass and the Vatican lackey sent to shut them down. The story has eerie parallels to our present day.)
The Edge of Sadness by Edwin O'Connor - O'Connor won the annual Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1962 for this novel, the story of a middle-aged priest in an unnamed New England city with a cathedral that is probably modeled on Providence, his birthplace.
Rumer Godden, a British convert to Catholicism and acclaimed author of over sixty works of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, often peopled her books with nuns and priests, and many were flavored with a yearning towards God. She had a talent for looking into the heart of what makes us truly human, both good and bad - she looks unflinchingly at evil, but examines the depths in order to reveal the heights, with light and redemption as the ultimate goal of many of her works, such as: China Court, An Episode of Sparrows, The Battle of the Villa Fiorita, and Thursday's Children.
The Wild Orchid and The Burning Bush, two volumes together make up her Nobel Prize-winning novel The Winding Road about a freethinker who converts to Catholicism set during the Great War.
Robert Hugh Benson, the son of the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, was a convert to Roman Catholicism and was ordained a priest in 1904. A dynamic preacher and author, Benson wrote dozens of novels, and is most known for his dystopian novel Lord of the World
The Satin Slipper a sweeping drama set in the Spanish empire at the turn of the sixteenth century by Paul Claudel - a French poet, dramatist, and essayist, a convert to Roman Catholicism, and a six-time nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature (see also A Poet Before the Cross - meditations on Christ’s seven last words on the Cross, and his essays: Ways and Crossways and Poetic Art).
The Mill on the Po trilogy by Riccardo Bacchelli, Italian historian, literary critic, and novelist renowned for his ambitious and outstanding historical novels.
All in the Family by Edwin O'Connor, the story of a dynamic, dynastic, and dysfunctional New England family that has echoes of the Kennedys (an American novelist who became known for The Last Hurrah and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1962 for The Edge of Sadness)
House of Cards by Alice Curtayne presents the concrete difficulties, fraught decisions, and testing freedoms in the coming-of-age life of a young woman (see also the essays of this Irish author, critic, journalist, and lecturer Borne on the Wind and A Recall to Dante)
Abruzzo Trilogy is a visceral depiction of upheaval and desolation during the reign of Mussolini, by Ignazio Silone, an Italian political leader recognized during World War II for his forthright anti-Fascist novels, he was nominated ten times for the Nobel Prize for Literature.
The Complete Wodehouse Collection, ten early novels of Sir Pelham Grenville (P. G.) Wodehouse, English author and playwright and one of the premier humorists of the twentieth century, his masterpieces of comedy and inimitable prose makes each of his stories worth reading.
Lilith, a haunting exploration of the ultimate mystery of evil by George MacDonald, a Scottish author, poet, and clergyman whose fairy tales and fantasy novels inspired and influenced such literary masters as G. K. Chesterton and C. S. Lewis. See also The Princess and the Goblin together with The Princess and Curdie
Men in the Field eighteen short stories by Father Leo L. Ward, C.S.C., a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, professor of English, and the author of numerous widely acclaimed short stories.
Catholic novels about young love, the challenges of chaste relationships, and the heartaches and rewards of living the Gospel message without compromise, a unique way to portray John Paul II's Theology of the Body in an engaging way. See more info at courtshipnow.com/infopage.html
The first, an adventure story for junior-high students, filled with reverence for God and respect for faith, blends humor and suspense with a hint of romance. The second is a novel for adults, especially young adults, a coming-of-age story beautifully written with a surprising plot of faith and forgiveness - musicians will love this book about a gifted young pianist with a distrurbing family past. While not explicitily about religion, Mrs. Ashleigh's Catholic faith certainly defines how she sees the world.
Theresa Linden, a wife, homeschooling mom, and Secular Franciscan, is the author of award-winning Catholic fiction, especially for teens. Over a dozen published books all have the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval, and three of her books won awards from the Catholic Press Association.
Tortured Soul, a 2020 Catholic Press Association winner, is unlike her other writings and young adult fiction. Based upon apparitions of a soul in purgatory, this story is at times dark, and a little frightening. But it will really get one praying for the deceased and studying church teaching on purgatory.
Karina Fabian is an author of science fiction, fantasy, comedic horror and other genres from short stories to full novels. In non-fiction, she had written writing classes, articles on parenting, and a devotional. She's been involved with the Catholic Writers Guild Since it's inception, and is passionate about Catholicism, Fantasy, Fiction and writing in general.
For example, Discovery is a great science fiction story which handles religious themes, all set in a space context. The sisters of Our Lady of the Rescue are brave pioneers of safety and rescue in space. A story of exploration, friendships, religious vocation, and also survival.
Leslie Lynch is a Catholic who mentions subjects like theology of the body. Her Appalachian Foothills trilogy is a series of adventure-romance style novels about young women with dark troubled pasts who find healing through friendship, love, and the Catholic church. Kudos for a positive portrayal of Catholics, but also a warning that Lynch’s books are darker than most other Christian fiction, involving subjects like rape, abortion, and addictions. Watch an interview with Leslie on Cath-Lit Live
Paul McCusker, an award-winning author known for works including the Adventures in Odyssey series, the Adventures of Nick & Sam (for first readers), and the Imagination Station book series. He converted to Catholicism in 2007 and now writes for the Augustine Institute, including Radio Theatre productions about St. Francis, St. Patrick, St. Cecilia, etc. His newest release, the Virtue Chronicles trilogy written for 10-to-14-year-olds, is historical fiction featuring the time-travel journeys of 12-year-olds Andrew Perry and Eve Virtue that draws readers into epic adventures of men and women who bravely served Jesus and his Church, exploring many saints (and sinners) who have impacted history. ((Purchase the box set.)
Jim Sano is a husband, father and life-long Catholic who has worked as a teacher, consultant, and businessman. A member of the Catholic Writer's Guild with graduate studies in Catechetics and the New Evangelization. His books have popular reviews for the Father Tom Series being solidly Catholic, blending apologetics and theology into compelling stories: The Father’s Son (2019), Gus Busbi (2020), and Stolen Blessing (2021).
Kathryn Griffin Swegart OFS is a professed Secular Franciscan with a passion for family, reading, and writing for young readers.
Perilous Days (Brave Hearts Book 1) is historical fiction set around real events and people during World War II, from the unusual perspective of a young man who is drafted into the German Army. Although written for a tween audience of 9-14-year old’s, it would be enjoyed by adults as well. Catholic Writer's Guild Seal of Approval Award.
Teenagers and adults will enjoy this trilogy of historical novels about conversion to the Christian faith and the resulting persecution the early Christians faced in Rome. Plus a glimpse at how Christianity grew so rapidly throughout the Roman Empire: from the witness of the actions of one Catholic at a time.
A supernatural adventure novel written by a Greek Orthodox priest from Seattle, based on his extensive travels, it is historical, fast-paced and full of fascinating characters, who have a strong overall sense of Christian values, morality and providence. Written for teens but will be enjoyed by adults.
A Catholic coming of age story that appeals to both men and women with an engaging combination of adventure and romance in one man's search for healing as he learns to love and sacrifice for his family.
This Catholic author creates a cliff hanger adventure trilogy about a parallel world that will be enjoyed by adults and teens alike, teaching morality and faith through fiction novels.
William Granger is a Catholic father of 3 sons, who has written two (of a trilogy) young adult action-adventure books about a boy, Anabar, who struggles with deciding what he wants to do with his life. He ultimately has to choose whether to seek peace, even if it means risking everything. Not overtly Catholic, but written from a Christian perspective.
Crown of the World--Book 1: Knight of the Temple by Nathan Sadasivan (a home-schooled teen) - A historical novel (first in a trilogy) about the Crusades presents a balanced picture of these historical times.
The first two volumes in Regina Doman's Fairy Tale Novel series, we follow two sisters on fantastic adventures in New York City. Suitable for teens, these are Catholic stories, involving encounters with realistic priests and religious, and also seeing the girls learn and grow and rely on their faith.
Brian Doyle (1956-2017) - a mostly non-fiction essayist, whose insightful and thought-provoking writings reflect his conviction of the power of a story to heal, to justify and raise up our humanity
Chicago - an observant and often hilarious novelized memoir of a year he spent living in Chicago and writing for U.S. Catholic magazine after his graduation from Notre Dame.
The Adventures of John Carson in Several Quarters of the World - an intriguing work of historical fiction, published two short months before Doyle’s death at age 60 in May 2017. This novel attempts to do for 1870s San Francisco what the author achieved in his first novel for 1970s Chicago.
Mink River - his fiction debut as omniscient narrator following dozens of memorable characters living in a small coastal Oregon town.
Bruce Marshall (1899-1987) was a prolific Scottish writer and a Catholic convert, with many religious themed books. Dale Ahlquist describes Bruce Marshall as: "One of the best and most underrated novelists of the 20th century."
Ronald Knox (1888-1957) was an Anglican convert, ordained a Catholic priest in 1918. Besides many writings as a theologian, while Catholic chaplain at the University of Oxford (1926?1939) he wrote classic detective stories. See the Ronald Knox Society of North America
James Plunkett, a prolific practicing Catholic writer, not well known outside his native Ireland, shows a great empathy for the poor, lonely and suffering; his stories are filled with spiritual and emotional pain, in which every character has an inherent dignity, no matter their station, weaknesses and flaws.
Strumpet City is his bestselling novel, an epic portrayal of the industrial strikes in Dublin. Themes of brotherhood, self-giving and forgiveness are among the novel's highest virtues.
A wife and the mother of 3, one of America’s most distinguished novelists, Alice is a practicing Catholic, and her Catholicism certainly has shaped her use of language and metaphor. Her 8 novels (best-sellers and multiple award-winners) about ordinary Irish-Catholic families living in Long Island, NY strike universal themes of love, longing and loss. McDermott recognizes the centratility of the Church and faith for her characters, presents committed religious individuals sympathetically and respectfully, and does not shy away from writing about priests and nuns, their ideals and failures, their faith and life. For example, see Sister Lucy in After This (2007) or Sister St. Saviour in her most recent novel, The Ninth Hour (2017). She won the 1998 National Book Award for her novel Charming Billy.
Tim Powers, a practicing Catholic, has won the World Fantasy Award twice for his novels Declare and Last Call. Disney optioned his book On Stranger Tides for a Pirates of the Caribbean movie (skip the movie and read the book.) His novel The Anubis Gates is one of the seminal works of the sub-genre now known as "steampunk". While The Stress of Her Regard and the Last Call trilogy are classics in their own right, Declare is likely his best novel. Powers lists Charles Williams, one of the less famous Inklings as one of his influences and shows how Catholic literature can and should include science fiction and fantasy. Forget Dan Brown and pick up a 'secret history' like Three Days to Never.
Gene Wolfe, a Catholic convert who died in 2019, might be one of Best Science Fiction Writers of the 20th Century. He is not a household name and under-appreciated (not just by Catholics) yet he did receive 9 Hugo Award nominations, 20 Nebula Award nominations (2 wins) and 14 World Fantasy Award nominations (5 wins). Wolfe is best known for his Book of the New Sun series (four volumes, 1980–1983), what Fr. Michael Rennier calls "one of the greatest novels I’ve ever read". His Catholicism pervaded his writing in subtle ways, and the worlds that he created in his imagination were enchanted, not by magic or fantasy, but by a belief that the universe is a love note from God. Wolfe wrote many more novels after The Book of the New Sun. Among the best were the three-volume Soldier trilogy (a sophisticated blend of historical fiction with fantasy) and the two-volume The Wizard Knight (a 20th-century American boy becomes a hero in a universe based on Norse and Arthurian myths).
Somewhither by John C. Wright (first in a series) is a space-opera/fantasy, densely packed with action, imagination and engaging characters. While not explicitly Catholic, he can display the hellish horror of evil side by side with glimpses of heavenly beauty, an evocative writer with a sparkling humor.
S. Kirk Pierzchala is a lay Dominican and novelist living in the Pacific Northwest.
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A multi-million, best-selling author, Koontz is a Catholic who mostly writes in the "horror" genre. Therefore some of his books may contain disturbing scenes including violence, gore, frightening portrayals of great evil, and some sexuality. Yet many praise the novels deep themes, such as faith and morality, the confrontation of evil and the supernatural.
Another bestselling Catholic, whose romance novels have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide in more than 50 languages, and seven of his sixteen books have been made into movies. Sparks is a father of five. His works are not explicitly Catholic, but sometimes contain elements of faith, forgiveness, and charity. His realistic Christian characters resonates with readers, and he doesn't write about things like adultery.
A mom of four, with degrees in English and elementary education, she worked for her local Catholic diocese as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and writes junior-high children's books with unusual, very compelling storytelling. Moon Over Manifest (2010) is a coming of age story about a 12-year-old girl, which won the 2011 Newbery Medal (becoming the first debut author to achieve the feat in thirty years and the first Kansas native to ever win it.) Navigating Early (2013) which earned Mathical Honors is about the poignant friendship of two heartbroken boys.
Anthony Doerr was raised Catholic, and says he grew up reading C.S. Lewis and Tolkien and Stephen King, so those things shape his compelling fiction. His writing is not explicitly Catholic or Christian, but his character unveil virtues.
All the Light We Cannot See a Pulitzer Prize winner, set in World War II, give glimmers of hope even in the darkest of times.
Fiorella De Maria together with K.V. Turley, This Thing of Darkness a novel exploring Hollywood and horror films through "interviews" with the star of Dracula.
A science fiction work about a group, including Jesuit priests, sent on the first expedition to an alien world. Deals with spiritual questions and the meaning of suffering. Also see the sequel Children of God
Others by Mary Doria Russell include A Thread of Grace - a meticulous researched historical novel tracing the little-known but true story of the network of Italian citizens who saved the lives of 43,000 Jews during the final phase of WWII.
Some Non-Catholic authors - good books with Christian values, its hard to limit to Catholics
A story of joy and childlike sense of wonder, even amid sadness and cruelty. Becoming immersed in Piranesi’s mysterious world, you find yourself navigating through its endless halls and passages as if you've been there. Susanna Clarke, a Methodist-Anglican-AngloCatholic, says that Piranesi’s connection to his house, to his surroundings, and to the world was influenced by Owen Barfield, who is one of the Inklings, so you will find nods to C.S. Lewis's Narnia and Tolkien that help deepen the spell of her storytelling and bring an eerily familiar quality to her portrait of Piranesi’s world.
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger, a young American Evangelical Christian
Although not Catholic, faith permeates this novel, but it's not sweet piety of the shallower sort, but a truly Christian novel with both humor and plot. It includes a dramatic story (about murder and repentance), a portrait of Christian fatherhood (and manhood), the struggle with personal sin, injustice, and humiliation.
C. J. Sansom
Although I don't think he's Catholic, his historical "crime novels" in the Matthew Shardlake series depict different aspects of the English Reformation (under King Henry VIII) and seem to accurately portray the religious tumult of the time. A "closed setting" mystery set in a monastery with Dissolution, a "quest" with Dark Fire, a "political thriller" with Sovereign, and now a serial killer novel with Revelation.
Marilynne Robinson, an American Calvinist, includes Christian ideas about sin, salvation, grace and suffering in her novels, and introduces theology even to readers who do not believe in God.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Gilead (2004), Home (2008), and Lila (2014) form a sort of trilogy, being set in the fictional town of Gilead, Iowa. Readers will be led to ask questions about what life is and why it happens.
A popular Italian novel about World War II and its aftershocks. While a great historical novel with its epic scope, it also contains the underlying spiritual dimensions of faith and hope in a world of cruel hatred.
Perhaps on its way to becoming a classic of Catholic fiction: A Confederacy of Dunces (1980) by John Kennedy Toole
This comic masterpiece won the Pulitzer Prize, has an introduction by Walker Percy, and is set in a strong and unique Catholic milieu.
Joris-Karl Huysmans - a French author who turned away from the Roman Catholic Church during childhood, but his disillusionment with the drab secularism at the turn of the century and fascination with the sacramental ethos of Catholicism led him to return.
The character Durtal is a thinly disguised self-portrait. The later Durtal novels, En route (1895), La cathédrale (1898) and L'oblat (1903), explore Durtal/Huysmans' conversion to Roman Catholicism. En route depicts Durtal's spiritual struggle during his stay at a Trappist monastery. In La cathédrale, the protagonist is at Chartres, intensely studying the cathedral and its symbolism. In L'Oblat, Durtal becomes a Benedictine oblate. He finally learns to accept the world's suffering.
The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi) - this 19th century Italian novel, set in northern Italy during a plague in 1628, involves a completely Catholic worldview (and various priests and religious, some saintly, some not) - and simultaneously is a page-turning adventure story.
Hilaire Belloc, described by Fr. James Schall, S.J. as 'simply the best essayist in our language' has a 1911 novel The Four Men: A Farrago describing a secular pilgrimage through Sussex by 4 men in a half-real, half-fictional allegory of life; a kind of sequel to his travelogue memoir The Path to Rome - also a delightful story of his own religious pilgrimage on foot.
A shout out to Paul Horgan, a 20th century Catholic historian who won two Pulitzer's for his histories, the second in 1976 for Lamy of Santa Fe, a magisterial biography of the French prelate and pioneer who was Willa Cather's model in Death Comes for the Archbishop. But he also published fifteen novels and seven books of short stories. I'll mention two: Things As They Are, a series of short stories depicting a wrecked and redeemed world through the eyes of a young Catholic boy who is himself both flawed and heroic (part of a trilogy); and A Distant Trumpet, a historical novel civil war epic that contrasts fallen human nature with heroic virtue.
The Coat Without Seam by Maurice Baring A deeply Catholic novel about a character who spends his life desperately (and futilely) trying to run away from God and everyone else in his life. Baring was a talented writer who died in 1945 and was a friend to the great Catholic writers Hilaire Belloc and G. K. Chesterton.
Myles Connolly, who was editor of the Knights of Columbus magazine Columbia for four years and part of founding the 1928 Catholic Book Club, wrote several novels, but his first, Mr. Blue was his only popular success. Others include Dan England and the Noonday Devil, The Bump on Brannigan's Head and Three Who Ventured. Also The Reason for Ann & Other Stories which contains 6 novelettes. His parable novels both make people laugh while revealing the truth. A humble but supremely talented author who wrote a number of screenplays that became films.
BTW, the 1928 Catholic Book Club announced The Way It Was with Them by Peadar O’Donnell as it's first pick, chosen for the outstanding Catholic novel of the month, a story of struggle and livelihood set on an island off the coast of Ireland, chosen for its critical praise and being "Catholic in its attitude and moral in its recital, no less than skillful in its technique and graceful in its style." Republished in 1988 under the title Islanders by Peadar O’Donnell
Chesterton wrote some 200 short stories, including some plays. His best-known character is the priest-detective Father Brown, while The Man Who Was Thursday is arguably his best-known novel.
