Super Short Summary

Earthly Powers by Anthony Burgess follows Kenneth Toomey, an aging gay writer, who reflects on his life and career, feeling he never produced high art, while navigating his strained relationships with family and the church. His journey intertwines with that of Carlo Campanati, an optimistic priest up for canonization. Set against major 20th-century events, the novel explores themes of identity, faith, and personal failure. The story involves issues of religious disillusionment and LGBTQ+ identities.