The Saint and the Warrior

William Blackburn is a professor of English at the University of
Calgary.

The Saint and the Warrior is the story of the friendship of two men, Mata Doire, warrior, and David Fillan, leper, priest, and saint. The novel chronicles the adventure of these two men as they move from eighth century Ireland to Scotland, where they found a settlement which, we are asked to believe, is the seed of the nation of Scotland. Contending with Scots, Picts, and Vikings, our principals enjoy many adventures before the novel finally tracks them to their deaths.

C.E. Dewar has seized the bones of an action-crammed plot. His interest in his subject is personal — he is a lineal descendant of Mata Doire — but he lacks the depth of technique necessary to do justice to his subject. Dialogue frequently has the unmistakable ring of tin; the author’s inadequate grasp of his historical period is revealed in many matters of detail. The monotony of his prose style likewise does less than justice to his material. As Plutarch once observed: “It is a fine thing to be well descended — but the glory belongs to one’s ancestors.” It is to be regretted that Mr. Dewar’s lack of skill leaves him sadly unfit to follow his dream.