Morte d'Urban by J.F. Powers (1963) - Fiction

A novel about an ambitious Catholic priest who wrestles with the Christian idea of "being in the world but not of it"

If it were not for the renowned American writer Flannery O'Conner I never would have discovered this 1963 winner of the National Book Award. In an article titled, "9 Eye-Opening Books That Flannery O’Connor Wants You To Read" I came across a short blurb on the novel, "Father Urban, the protagonist, is a driven man in a lukewarm religious order, and he tries to build an on-site golf course, presumably to enliven his fellows. 'But Father Urban’s soul is worth saving,' O’Connor observes, 'even…at the expense of the golf course.'”

At the heart this story is Father Urban's struggle to balance life as a priest and life as a normal man- relevant and important to secular society. Watching him navigate this dilemma with jealous co-workers, antiquated leaders, and shifty laypeople is the most propelling aspect of the novel. Father Urban is part the Order of St Clement; an Order in which Urban points out has "labored under the curse of mediocrity, and has done so almost since the beginning" (p. 15). And other times he pines to be apart of others, "Why should it always be left to the Jesuits to be all things to all men?" (p. 14). Although he might not outright confess it Urban considers himself "the star of the Order" (p. 118) and is dumbfounded when he's reassigned from a traveling superstar priest - known for his highly sought after speaking engagements - to a St. Clement retreat center in rural Minnesota.

His restless and lavish personality clash with others as he attempts to maneuver carefully through this foreign environment. Nothing can hold back Urban's ambitious spirit, however, as he accepts a temporary position at a nearby Church - one in which he attempts to capitalize on an opportunity ripe for Church growth. And later the prime opportunity develops as he is the mastermind behind building a golf course next to the retreat center. Being an ambitious opportunists, Urban calculates that this golf course is just what the Order is desperately in need of. He believes "it was high time somebody considered the plight of the one man for whom the Church was perhaps doing too little" (p. 200). This "man" is the unchurched person who'd likely never venture anywhere near a place of religion. But a golf course might just be what draws him near. Of course, others in the Order disagree, and Urban is fair enough to point out some of the arising dilemmas. Like who can actually play at the course? "What about ministers of rival faiths" (p.237)? Should their be a dress code? These types of quandaries-and similar ones throughout the novel-do not stifle Urban's fervent spirit though.

While these dilemmas may seem like trivial questions for some readers, it's in such conflicts that we see one of novel's main cruxes: How do people of faith make the right choice while honoring both religious prudence and ambitious goals? Or even more broadly: how do we navigate towards the right choice while balancing familial or societal responsibilities with personal goals?

While the moral challenges facing Father Urban are engrossing, I found Power's dense syntax and colloquial diction a bit cumbersome. If I were to attempt Md'U as a high schooler I likely would have tossed aside Father Urban for some fiction more young adult palpable (no no nothing like Twilight. Let's not get carried away). It's 336 pages - not terribly long but no quick weekend read either. Power's sentences are rife with interjecting phrases and clauses that require close attention in order to follow some conversations.

And the colloquial language was another hurdle. I made a conscience effort to underline as many unfamiliar words and phrases as I could. There's about one on every other page. Who has heard ever of "Pullman's birth," "bootblacks," "pulling down good dough," "tinkling tankards," or the frequently used expression "office to read"? I'm sure someone more literate than me has, but I guess I need to read more. Also, if you're unversed in the Catholic hierarchy you'll need a dictionary close by. Or better yet, why not just bookmark Wikipedia's Hierarchy of the Catholic Church? (If you're a student of mine please ignore that I just quoted Wikipedia). It's not that you'll be doomed to Dante's 10th circle of hell reserved for the Ignorant, but having a general idea of Catholic-specific language will make your reading of Md'U feel more fluid. Additionally, there's a plethora of characters whom Powers sometimes gives little contextualization to introduce them, so if you desire to fully engage the plot this will take extra effort.

What kept me reading through these difficulties? It goes back to O'Connor's observation: "Father Urban's soul is worth saving." Urban is a bit wishy-washy in his theology, overly luxurious in his tastes, and lackluster in speaking up for himself, but he's a lost cause for the Church. One thing that might help Urban in the long run is if his entrepreneurial and outgoing personality were kept in check with a dose of reality and flexibility. He did swear to a life of obedience which means obedience not only to God, but his human bosses as well. On the other hand, whose to argue that Christian outreach cannot come through fun and innovative methods like a golf course? Urban's soul might be worth saving, but are his choices worth supporting? This is an intriguing question that underlies this novel.

It's important to keep in mind how Urban was brought to the faith in the first place. He was inspired by an outgoing priest named Father Placidus whom Urban remembers best for his baseball coaching and free-spirited road trips. He was joyful and outgoing; seeming capable of striking the balance between "being in this world, but not of it." Something Urban strives desperately for.

Powers has crafted a morally intriguing story without glorifying or totally demonizing anyone in particular. Father Urban is obviously the center of attention; however, there are a host of other imperfect characters too. For example, Urban's boss at the retreat center: Father Wilf. He's tediously obsessed with domestic duties, fiscally frugal, and nosy; all qualities that juxtapose with Urban's personality. Wilf and other frustrating characters highlights Power's ability to navigate nimbly through the murky waters of human morality; thus making these normally hallowed religious leaders more accessible and ultimately more human to lowly laymen like myself.

I'll close with a return back to my earlier critique of Md'U's dense syntax. What I take for dense some readers may just appreciate as a task suited for pensively close reading. This is where some readers, however, would prefer not like to dedicate their time. Md'U does require a concerted amount of effort. But if you're a patient reader who enjoys character-driven plot lines and themes of personal vs. religious ambition and obedience to authority Md'U is worth checking out.

Highest Score - 5 Trophies

Writing: 🏆🏆🏆🏆

Readability: 🏆🏆🏆

Plot: 🏆🏆🏆

Characters: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

Overall: 🏆🏆🏆🏆

August 18, 2020