Not All Of Me Is Dust is an account of the cost exacted by living out a high ideal. Specifically, it tells the story of three members of a particular family: imaginative, high-spirited Clare Engle, whose childhood fantasies of Christian perfection are realized in the shattering actuality of adulthood; her beautiful, conflicted sister, Kathleen; and her brother, Stephen, a priest and poet, and the hero of the novel.
5.0 out of 5 starsA moving story of character and fate.
By Amazon Customer on June 21, 2016Format: Paperback
A moving and powerful book, masterful in its plot structure and the development of its characters. The account of Mary's childhood is vivid, painful, and amazingly real. The scene between Clare and Mother Helena stands out as one of the highlights of the novel. Stephen has many such episodes and is an unforgettable hero. The plot intertwines present-day political problems with lasting spiritual questions. Richardson faces grave matters unflinchingly and involves the reader deeply.
5.0 out of 5 starsAn inspirational, moving, and loving book. The ...
By NG on July 6, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
An inspirational, moving, and loving book. The description of each character, conversation and setting is superb. The tempo of every section flows. This sentence haunted me: Know that someone was here and grieved for you. The young man Clare sees and hears whistling on the darkened street is yet another touch of remarkable and insightful talent. Thank you for a remarkable read.
5.0 out of 5 starsthe perfect read. This brilliantly descriptive story of family
By Amazon Customer Elsie O on December 11, 2016
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Look no further, for you have found in Not All of Me is Dust by Frances Richardson, the perfect read. This brilliantly descriptive story of family, faith and fortitude at once draws the reader into the lives of the three Engle siblings--beautiful, vulnerable Kathleen, who alone holds a family secret; the idealist and dreamer Clare; and Stephen, a Jesuit priest and the hero of the novel-- as they pursue their journeys through life. Each of the Engle children is tested in unique ways as they mature. Their Catholic faith is always their core. One cannot help but relate their stories to one's own family experiences and growth. As I read Part Three, which takes place in Africa,I could not put the book down. The ending is shattering, but ultimately uplifting. This is a positively beautifully written novel.
5.0 out of 5 starsA gorgeous read...
By Mynah on September 10, 2016
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This is one of the most beautifully written and moving books I've read; strong, intelligent and complex. Scenes are painted with such beauty and set the mood perfectly. The characters are so real with believable desires, motivations and interactions. I thought of this story as a tale of siblings as they grow and experience the pain, trials and blessings of their lives.The types of love they encounter - love of their family, love that isn't meant to be and the love of their faith - are written with such truth and purity. As the story unfolded, I smiled as I experienced their joy and cried reading their tragedies. Throughout the book the color white prevails and I wonder what that might mean or if any other readers noticed. Not All of Me is Dust is a beautiful book that I highly recommend reading.
