SOURCE: A review of "Will I Go to Heaven?" in The New York Times Book Review, October 10, 1976, p. 31.

Walsh was an American writer, educator, and Episcopal priest. In the following review, he acknowledges the difficulty in writing about heaven and hell but concludes that however brave the attempt, Mayle's effort in "Will I Go to Heaven?" falls short.

Peter Mayle is well known as the author of two successful books—Where Did I Come From? and What's Happening to Me? He now moves to explore the reputed life beyond death [in "Will I Go to Heaven?"], and with mixed results.

He begins well enough, with a sensible chapter on why people die. Next he discusses various concepts of the afterlife—reincarnation, the Happy Hunting Grounds, the Valhalla of the Viking warriors. Abruptly the focus shifts to Hell, and unfortunately this is by far the most memorable section of...