Day's End

The story traces how a chain of events affects the lives of those caught up in it. At its center is Father George Kolbe, a Roman Catholic priest, who finds the body of Samantha, known as Sam, in his local park. She is the daughter of Rosalynd Taylor. George alerts the police and goes in for questioning the next day. His involvement deepens when Jonathan Smith, who only occasionally attends church, comes to George for confession and admits to killing Sam. George advises him to surrender, and Jonathan does so. He is charged and held on remand in the local prison.

A number of other people shape the narrative. Alan is the full-time prison chaplain. Bishop Dermot Kelly is George's bishop, and Father John is Dean of the group of churches that includes George's parish. Lee is a deacon who is ordained toward the close of the book. Michael Moore is a young man from George's congregation who hopes to become a priest. George helps with Sam's funeral and gives Rosalynd support. He testifies as a witness at the trial and later visits Jonathan in prison. He forms a close friendship with Alan and begins attending the prison every Thursday as its official Roman Catholic chaplain.

Rosalynd keeps framed photographs of Sam on her wall. Seated in front of them, she senses that Sam is near, and Sam appears to her at that time and on other occasions. George also sees her toward the end of the book. Rosalynd becomes George's housekeeper, and the two grow very close and eventually marry. She also becomes involved in prison work, and they share many experiences together. George leaves the priesthood on very good terms with everyone.

After the wedding, the couple travels to a monastery not far away, where George is well known. Alan drives them there, and members of the monastic community meet them in the nearby village. As Alan watches them walk away, he sees a light following them, and he knows it to be Sam.