The Absence of Goodness

The Absence of Goodness is the title of a novel written by Isaac Morris, soon to be published by iUniverse.
The title refers to the notion, taught by Saint Augustine of Hippo, that evil is , but a privation, or lack. The Latin expression is privatio boni.
The protagonist, Margaret Donovan, is a former Sangamon County, Illinois deputy sheriff who enters the Dominican order. This is a first novel, and was given Editor's Choice status by iUniverse, in part because of the novelty of the author's approach. The nun is not just a supporting character, but is the leading lady.
Set in Springfield, Illinois, the novel tells how Margaret, now Sister Margaret, becomes involved in a murder investigation and ties it to a 30 year old unsolved murder of another high school student that may have been covered up to protect some influential people.
The story was reportedly inspired by the still unsolved murder, in 1958, of a Springfield Catholic high school student. The author acknowledges the influence of the event, but insists that the book is purely fiction.
Some controversy has attached because of the secular attitudes--and language--exhibited by Sister Margaret, who cannot seem to shake her persona as a law enforcement officer.
The novel is set for publication in early 2009.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu