long fall, The

By Penelope Wilcock

Book Description

When a beloved monastery leader faces the devastating aftermath of a stroke, an entire religious community must confront the fragility of human existence and the depths of compassionate care. Peregrine, the respected abbot of St Alcuin's monastery, finds himself stripped of his former strength and voice, beginning a difficult path toward healing within the monastery's infirmary walls.

Brother Tom, the young monk who shared the closest bond with his leader, struggles with his own limitations as he witnesses his mentor's profound suffering. The sight of Peregrine's condition overwhelms him, creating an emotional distance that challenges everything he thought he understood about faith and friendship. As Tom grapples with feelings of inadequacy and fear, he must discover whether he possesses the inner strength to walk alongside someone in their most vulnerable moments.

The story explores the complex dynamics of a religious community facing crisis, examining how relationships transform when words can no longer bridge the gap between souls. When Peregrine makes a mysterious and troubling request of Tom, the young monk faces an impossible choice that will test his loyalty, conscience, and understanding of what it truly means to serve others.

Set within the contemplative world of medieval monastic life, this narrative delves into themes of courage, sacrifice, and the profound challenges of maintaining connection when traditional forms of communication fail.