Battered Soles

by Paul Nicholas Mason

Is faith only for the devout? Can faith be shared across religious boundaries? These are the questions that Paul Mason explores in this hilarious, wise, and utterly fictional account of a pilgrmage from Peterborough, Ontario to St. John's Church in Lakefield, one town over.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0888013051
• ISBN13: 9780888013057
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Turnstone Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Well worth your reading time

In the small village of Lakefield, Ontario, population 2400, a blue-skinned statue of Jesus playing a flute has been seen by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Battered Soles is the focus of one such walk along the Rotary Greenway Trail to St. John's Anglican Church. This is the first time I have been introduced to Canadian playwright, Paul Nicholas Mason. His writing reminded me of the Garrison Keillor, both are great observers of human nature and have a keen ability to perceive humor in obscure moments while maintaining a respectful writing style. Battered Soles is steeped in reminiscing about the choices Paul Mason has made in life, while looking forward to the wisdom each person he encounters on this pilgrimage will have to offer. Many times I laughed so hard my ribs hurt and I could not breathe. As Mason exposed the foibles of some of the more unique characters he met on this pilgrimage, it was apparent he also had compassion and acceptance for them. Definitely I would recommend this book for its comic relief--and its thoughtfulness. Armchair Interviews says: A very good read.

Skillfully scripted novel

Reviewed by Patti Yackulic for Reader Views (1/07) At some point in most of our lives, we experience an imperative need to comprehend the impact that our spiritual beliefs have on virtually every aspect of our existence; hence, we embark on a pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Some of us seek explanations through the biblical study and fellowship offered by religious institutions, while some of us desire to define our sense of spirituality on a personal level. Whether we prefer to exercise our beliefs through public worship or through private prayers, some of us will opt to seek meaning through pilgrimages. "Battered Soles", Paul Mason's account of his fictional journey along the Lakefield Pilgrimage, addresses Mason's curiosity concerning spiritual revelations and healings attained through pilgrimages. Without a doubt, the skillfully scripted novel will appeal to readers with eclectic tastes in literature for Mason's profound messages are delivered through employment of unique characters in an unusual tale. A chance encounter with a mature woman in a bookstore followed by discussions with a former girlfriend and the Anglican minister in Lakefield piqued Mason's (Mason as the main character in the novel) interest in the Lakefield Pilgrimage. Previously, Mason identified the concept of pilgrimages with the Catholic faith; thus, his fascination with this particular pilgrimage magnified as he ascertained that this excursion integrated Hindu overtones with the Lakefield Anglican church. The concept of this non-denominational pilgrimage sufficiently intrigues Mason to reserve a 2003 July weekend for the singular purpose of exploring various shrines and altars along the twenty kilometer jaunt from Peterborough to Lakefield. As his designated date nears, Mason's enthusiasm escalates; hence, as the morning of the pilgrimage dawns, Mason's ripe for the experience. His senses heightened in order to absorb every minute detail do not fail him, nor does his aspiration to enjoy his fellow pilgrims as he immediately adopts an unlikely companion for the journey. In "Battered Soles," Mason's adventure unfolds with his greeting each shrine and fellow pilgrim with a thirst for knowledge and comprehension. With the weekend drawing to a close, Mason is still endeavoring to make sense of the puzzle pieces. Is an epiphany in order for Mason, and, if that be the case, with what wisdom will Mason be blessed?