In short chapters, Karen Edmisten retells the stories behind well-known figures' conversions to Roman Catholicism towards the end of life. Most of these are not literal "deathbed conversions", but all take place when the person involved is in poor health and death is drawing near. Individuals profiled include creative types such as Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley, actors such as Patricia Neal, Gary Cooper, and John Wayne, and even a criminal (gangster Dutch Schultz).

At first glance, I had low expectations for this book. I thought the experience of reading its term-paper like chapters might be like grading a bunch of earnest undergraduate essays. However, despite my initial reservations, I grew to like this slender volume. Ms. Edminsten, who is herself a convert, clearly rejoices in the tales of late-in-life redemption. If you find other peoples' spiritual journeys inspiring, you may enjoy it as well. ( )

Highly readable, humorous, touching...and that's just Karen Edmisten telling her own conversion story in the first chapter. ( )