Literary Executive Review: The Deacon by Thomas Fargnoli, “The Deacon: An Unexpected Life”
by ReadersMagnet | December 1, 2025 | Literary Executive Review | 0 Comments
Now, I’ve covered one of Thomas Fargnoli’s other books before. On the other hand, The Deacon: An Unexpected Lifeis actually his first book, and I’m really intrigued by the differences between it and the others.
Because even from the back cover, I could tell this one deals with much heavier topics than the rest. It shares a more personal story (if not the most personal story). The subject matter is suicide (which I’m obviously obliged to put up as a disclaimer). The book is his detailed account of surviving the suicide of his first wife, and how it started him on the spiritual journey he is still on today.
However, such heavy subject matters only add to the importance of sharing, and just the fact that I’m holding this book and being allowed to read it is a privilege.
That aside, here is just a quick refresher about who Thomas Fargnoli is for those who may be stumbling upon our reviews for the first time. He is a former Catholic deacon as well as a retired systems engineer. He started publishing books as a way to share his faith while also sharing his unique way of “making the complex, less complex.” He is also a talented stage magician on the side, so expect a bit of that as well from his work.
Back on the subject of The Deacon now, I might actually recommend this as the very first thing to read from his work. This isn’t to say his books are best read by publishing date. It is just that this book, in particular, can share a lot about where he is coming from as a storyteller. Readers would have a better appreciation for his style by reading this book first!
Thomas’ Unexpected Journey
The book begins with an anecdote about Thomas being with his second wife and then receiving a call from Rick, a reporter for the Courier-Post. Rick was doing a story on Catholic deacons and took particular interest in why Thomas left the diaconate and his ministry as a hospital chaplain.
The start here is already a good one, because it sets the readers up with the right questions. It reminds them that this is a person’s life story being shared here. You could sense the weight of it as Thomas talks about preparing for his interview with Rick.
And much like a lot of life stories, the first few chapters tend to cover more occupational stuff. In Thomas’ case, I got to learn more about what he did in the hospital as a deacon.
We also get a lot of very good information, such as what differentiates them from priests. There is a good run-down of their formation, and then the wonderful people who spiritually mentored him. But all throughout, you also get a strong, sincere sense of calling. It is not purely technical! You can really feel how dedicated and devout he was to his calling to alleviate the spiritual and emotional burdens of people at the hospital.
This is most evident in the way he described what drew him to serve in the first place. I think this is something best left for readers to learn for themselves, so I’ll only say it is genuine.
At this point, though, I’d like to follow Thomas’ example when it comes to crediting Rick. Readers should definitely expect his interview with the author to fill the entire structure of the book. It was he who initiated Thomas’ decision to share his story and have a sort of catharsis in retelling it in the book. It is clear that even having the interview at all was proving to be a very good part of healing from the trauma.
Handling the Contrast of Trauma and Pursuing Spirituality
As I read further, I was really surprised at how complicated the chain of events in the book actually was. If you think the back of the book tells you everything, then I must honestly tell you that it just scratches the surface!
Thomas really, if not painfully, shares how a suicide is not something isolated. Without giving it all away, you can see how it is something that can really impact many people’s lives, even behaving in a manner similar to an epidemic!
Yet despite it all, and despite it leading Thomas to consider some other path in finding God, Thomas still chooses to believe.
Regardless of denominational differences or how various churches handle difficult problems, this should always be commended. From holding on to faith to still striving to be a positive and uplifting force in the world despite all tragedy, his is a story that demands to be shared.
As I’ve mentioned earlier in this review, it was a real privilege to read about his story. I wholeheartedly encourage others to do the same if they are also sincerely searching for answers about how people of faith can still hold on despite going through so much.
Those who would like to read the painful yet powerful story of The Deacon: An Unexpected Life can find it available at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
