The Sabbatical

A Novel

By: Michael D. O'Brien

Narrated by: Kevin O'Brien

Dr. Owen Whitfield is the elderly Oxford professor of history who first appeared in Michael O'Brien's novel The Father's Tale. In the events of The Sabbatical - which occur sometime later - Dr. Whitfield is looking forward to a sabbatical year of peace and quiet, gardening in his backyard, and tinkering with what he calls his latest "unpublishable book".

As the year begins, he is drawn by a series of seeming coincidences into involvement with a group of characters from across Europe, including a family that has been the target of assassination attempts by unknown powers. During his journey to Romania, the situation in which he finds himself becomes more sinister than it first seemed.

The story deals with the tension between fatalism and the providential understanding of history, with the courage and love that are necessary for navigating through a confusion of signs, and with the triumph of faith and reason over the forces of destruction.

©2021 Ignatius Press (P)2021 Ignatius Press

A tail of our times

Loved this story. It was slow at first but gained momentum as it enfolded! Beautifully written and full of intrigue. An ordinary professor becomes involved in secrets and life and death struggles. Mr. O'Brien is ever the creator of masterful writing and prophetic tales of adventure.

Fascinating, intelligent story

This is a fun interweaving of philosophy, history, and suspense, a mysterious action novel that raises the ultimate questions about life and humanity. The reading, though, was not great. The voices the reader used for children and young men were pretty bad. This is probably one to read rather than listen to, because there is plenty of richness and enjoyment in the story.

The truth will prevail

Paints an accurate picture of the isolation that the truth seeker experiences in a world where overwhelmingly powerful forces promote lies and evil.

Hoping for a sequel

So grateful Michael D. O’Brien’s books are coming out on audio. I’ve read this book 3 times and just listened to it through Lent with my teenager kids. Kevin O’Brien’s read is masterful.

Classic O’Brien!

I’ve loved every one of O’Brien’s books! This one is no exception. In the style of A Father’s Tale which is alluded to toward the end, one keeps on listening because the writing is so wonderful and the story so intriguing. The performance was extremely well done. The talent of the reader in portraying so many different ages, genders, and even nationalities enhanced the story greatly! I hope to hear other O’Brien books on Audible.