A few weeks ago I was looking for an old book and stumbled across ACTS OF FAITH. It was a book that I read years ago, but perused it again. Even those who love the book will have to admit it is a canned, predictable story. Timothy is a stereotypical Irish potential urchin who later becomes a priest. As a youth he comes into contact with a Hassidic Jewish family. He befriends the son who is about the same age and falls in love with a young woman in the family named Deborah. Tim and Deborah are separated, meet one day and engage in a passionate moment that surprise: results in a pregnancy. Many years later, Tim meets his love child. Meanwhile Daniel, who is expected to follow in his father's footsteps as a Rabbi, but discovers he has to do so in his own way. Very Neil Diamond JAZZ SINGER, if you ask me.
The first time I read the book, I could not put it down. Yes I knew what would happen. What else could be expected from the writer who penned LOVE STORY which contains what may be the gaggiest line in the English language "love means never having to say you're sorry?" Well, just as LOVE STORY had something that compelled readers and moviegoers alike, ACTS OF FAITH does too. Segal knows his Catholicism and his male lead character of Timothy Hogan is not cliché. Deborah, the female lead character has her complexities as well. The characters are so compelling they move the plot, and somehow it all becomes believable. The characters do struggle with life, love, family conflict and faith, issues we all deal with in one way or another.
This is the perfect "waste time" book. It is just taxing enough for a vacation. It is easy enough to read on a hectic subway train or bus while commuting to work. It can make a sick day from work a bit easier to take. It's just an enjoyable read-nothing all that sophisticated but certainly not a waste of time.