by James A. Clark

El Nuncio' is an absorbing tale built around the attempts of identical twin brothers to find their preordained roles in life. It is chiefly a counterpoint action and reaction of these two individuals as they search for adult accomplishment. One strives to be a humble cleric seeking to 'serve'; the other hopes for a public personality eager to taste the rewards of political power. They confront their sibling's psyche in the twists and turns that emerge in their attempts to achieve contrasting careers. However, neither can control his destiny, and, at times, their routes cross. But at the hub of their experiences is a quiet liaison affecting the course of events for both of them. Their competition challenges their inherent spiritual and physical strength. Tracing the absorbing lives of the two young men enables a reader to peer into the world of Church policies as well as government procedures while watching the external influences that profoundly alter the personal and professional desires of each. In the fictional land of Ahimsa, they struggle to find personal fulfillment. As they begin climbing their career ladders, other forces, civil and ecclesiastical, take over their country with little regard for their personal aims. We follow Pedro through the challenges that a celibate priesthood requires, and simultaneously we witness Cezar tangle with the disappointments that a political life can inflict upon its participants. Several subplots involve many colorful characters including the Pope himself along with a myriad collection of other personalities. They help turn the novel into a thoughtful contrast of right and wrong, good and evil. The settings, characters, and plots make for a rich knit of fact and fancy.