Martyn Offord

Father Jacko's Gozo Stories Martyn Offord

Scruffy, easily distracted and accident-prone, Father Jacko doesn't really belong inside a church. His superiors and family view him with utter distaste and embarrassment; despite nagging and bullying him they find themselves constantly embroiled in the chaos he seems to generate. He doesn't intend to undermine the self-importance of foreign sopranos, estate agents and film directors, but he does. However, amid the rocks and clover of Gozo, the island he adores, his simple wisdom and passion for the lives of the humble people he serves manifests the love of God. His stories are imbued with comic blunders, human frailties, forgiveness and peace. Stumbling in and out of all these is Barry the Englishman who is so insignificant, even to himself, that you spot him everywhere.