THE POWER AND THE GLORY is gloomy but interesting because it is historical fiction. There really was a time in Mexico when conditions were as described here, when the Catholic Church was outlawed. Several priests in Mexico were executed and have since been declared saints.

Unfortunately, I found the writing too simplistic. Therefore, it was difficult for me to read; my mind tended to wander and I would have to reread frequently.

But this book has been in circulation since 1940. It has obviously appealed to a great many others.