Announcement: An Award for Kenogaia

And why not? I ask

I have discovered that the Catholic Media Association gives out yearly book awards, because I have just won one. Among the various (very numerous) genres covered by the CMA judges is one called “Escapism,” which is divided into two categories: books by Catholic authors and books by authors from other traditions. In the latter, the first place prize went to Kenogaia. (Could there be a better designation for a “Gnostic Tale” than “Escapism?”) I am grateful that the CMA took account of the book, and more grateful that they gave it the laurels (so to speak). Below is the award notice (written by someone who strikes me as having magnificently good taste). Please take this as an encouragement to buy several dozens of copies for all your friends, relations, and pets.

First Place

Kenogaia (A Gnostic Tale), David Bentley Hart, Angelico Press

This intelligent and thoroughly engaging novel will envelop you in a spiritual universe of unparalleled imagination. Author Hart draws from and expands creatively upon an ancient Gnostic tale, The Hymn of the Pearl, to create an epic narrative of over 420 pages. (You’ll enjoy recognizing other influences, among them the Bible, Lewis Carroll, and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry). You’ll want to savor each page for its exquisite writing, well developed characters, compelling theology, and driving narrative. There is much food for contemplation within these pages. A profound and engaging work of art.