The King's Achievement: A Novel

Linda Kracht reviews a newly reissued novel by Robert Hugh Benson.

What a book! I could hardly put Robert Hugh Benson's The King's Achievement down and do other things. The story is riveting. This book was originally written in 1904, then reprinted in 1944 and more recently reprinted by Cenacle Press at Silverstream Priory in Ireland. It takes a while to get used to the older style of writing, but it's worth it.

The Letter to the Romans reminds us,

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22-23)

This book clearly depicts the groaning (both interior and exterior) that took place within the English culture, the Church, due in part because of the influence and orders of King Henry the Vlll of England. He ordered the utter destruction of many monasteries and many king pleasers simply went along for the ride. For many it was easier to go along to get along than to protest in good faith. 

The King's Achievement depicts amazing, actual historical heroes and heroines and horrible villains and malefactors. It depicts authentic love vs. avenging hatred; authentic faith vs false faith; and positive and negative familial relationships. The book encourages the reader to forgive even the most unforgivable characters; and to pray for them. We come face to face with the same types of cultural and religious groaning that occurs today. As it was then, this interior and exterior groaning is the consequence of becoming the forever sons and daughters of Christ.

Copyright 2022 Linda Kracht
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