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sdriscoll05's review against another edition
4.0
Started out slow but got really good. A very interesting read that made me want to research more into this terrible world.
jim_b's review against another edition
4.0
Thought provoking and somewhat challenging, this easy to read book tackles a confronting subject with sensitivity to both sides and above all with intelligence and respect.
tien's review against another edition
3.0
Truth to tell, I wasn't that keen on reading this. I was shying away from the thought of child abuse and/or pedophilia. Thankfully, it wasn't as graphic as I feared so I managed to enjoy it a little... only a little because I found it hard not to argue and/or concur with the different thought presented in this book. In light of the current trial of George Pell (who, by the by, has plead not guilty), I thought this was a good reminder that there were many horrific things committed by the Church and/or within the Church BUT that all priests (or churchmen) are human and they are NOT infallible. They can be tempted and they can fall into temptations but there are some good people within the Church. I like that the main character is a priest who was exiled due to his political views on the Vietnam war, who is essentially a good man who has had his own temptations (not in relation to any child, btw), and who has a radical sort of viewpoint from the Church's point of view. The main thread of the story is set in the mid-90s but we do have some flashbacks into the past to fill in readers on what's transpired then that affected present relationships. Author, Tom Keneally, did finish his seminary education but did not choose to be ordained so it seems to me (a non-Catholic) that he knows what he's talking about when he's talking about the church though not clear where he stands in terms of faith. It's clear, however, that misbehaving priests need to be held accountable; God may forgive them if they repent but it does not mean that they need not be held accountable now in this world as they are citizens of the world.
jlrmac's review against another edition
4.0
I gave this book a 4 star rating because it has stayed with me and I have been reminded of this book many times since. The book didn't read smoothly for me, but I think the way priests who prey on children were portrayed was interesting. That Keneally (author of [b:Schindler's List|375013|Schindler's List|Thomas Keneally|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348163457s/375013.jpg|3127624]) trained as a priest gives credibility to the story. The priests' rationalizations, eg.: "this young boy has been given to me by God to meet my needs." The way the bishops covered up the sexual misconduct of the priests. The courage of those who go public with their accusations is awesome. Seems that the situation in the Catholic church in the USA is a lot like that in Australia. And now with all the "me, too" movement it's not a surprise that men have been sexual predators for a long time, and it has been ignored by their peers.
penny_literaryhoarders's review
4.0
This was excellent. Not the gut-punching read I was sort of anticipating when first starting out. Rather, this is a graceful acknowledgement and a love letter in a way to victims both directly and indirectly impacted by the priests and Church. An indirect character, Maureen, was perhaps one of my favourites to read about - I've put many sticky notes throughout her parts, but throughout the whole book. She was great and so interesting to read about. Really, all the characters are great (well, one is not). It has some tones of what was found in [b:The Bishop's Man|6713808|The Bishop's Man (The Cape Breton Trilogy #2)|Linden MacIntyre|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1391572610s/6713808.jpg|6909840] - definitely in the characer of Father (Dr.) Docherty and his torment and struggles with doing right by people but remaining called to his faith, and some of [b:A History of Loneliness|19381636|A History of Loneliness|John Boyne|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1406253051s/19381636.jpg|27452553]. Both of which I was hoping for here in Crimes of the Father. ([b:Faith|9592213|Faith|Jennifer Haigh|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442288818s/9592213.jpg|14479209] is another excellent read that is similar to all of the above if you are interested.)
In the Acknowledgments, Keneally writes about his friend, Father Pat Connor - he was expelled similarily for reasons like Docherty in the novel. Of Connor, Keneally says, "It was above all your example that caused me to retain a belief in the authenticity of Catholic spirituality, even if I am no archbishop's model Catholic." And I think this is how he genuinely wrote Crimes of the Father - to acknowledge the crimes of some priests and the Church, but expressing the spirituality and strength in the Catholic faith - separate from the institution and some of the people in it. If that is making any sense, and not me blathering on incoherently. I stayed up late trying to finish last night, because I was truly glued to the pages, but my eyes were fighting me every chance, so I finished just now on my lunch hour.
In the Acknowledgments, Keneally writes about his friend, Father Pat Connor - he was expelled similarily for reasons like Docherty in the novel. Of Connor, Keneally says, "It was above all your example that caused me to retain a belief in the authenticity of Catholic spirituality, even if I am no archbishop's model Catholic." And I think this is how he genuinely wrote Crimes of the Father - to acknowledge the crimes of some priests and the Church, but expressing the spirituality and strength in the Catholic faith - separate from the institution and some of the people in it. If that is making any sense, and not me blathering on incoherently. I stayed up late trying to finish last night, because I was truly glued to the pages, but my eyes were fighting me every chance, so I finished just now on my lunch hour.
pgchuis's review
4.0
Frank Docherty is exiled by his order to Canada (from his native Australia) after speaking openly on topics such as the Vietnam War. In Ontario he studies and works as a psychologist specializing in sexual abuse by priests. He returns to Australia to give a lecture and visit his mother, and receives information suggesting that the brother of a very close friend has in the past abused both teenage boys and girls. This brother is (on behalf of the church) currently seeking to make small monetary payments to people abused by other priests in exchange for confidentiality agreements. Frank is obliged to follow his conscience, even though this may jeopardize his chances of returning to Australia for good.
I found this novel interesting, although in a rather cerebral way. There was tension in the way the narrative explored how the church would respond to allegations and whether Frank would persevere. However, some of the story was quite technical and there were chunks which read like a history text book. I found plenty to ponder in connection with the consequences of demanding celibacy of priests and whether those entering the seminary were already a self-selected group of men running from sexual difficulties. The portions dealing with the failure of the church to allow contraception were very interesting to me, but seemed to be making a different point altogether. Indeed there were discussions between characters in the novel about following individual conscience or blind obedience to the Pope/church. Again, these were interesting, but it was like listening to a lecture rather than relating to fully rounded characters facing decisions in their own lives.
Having said all that, I would be interested to read other novels by this author.
I found this novel interesting, although in a rather cerebral way. There was tension in the way the narrative explored how the church would respond to allegations and whether Frank would persevere. However, some of the story was quite technical and there were chunks which read like a history text book. I found plenty to ponder in connection with the consequences of demanding celibacy of priests and whether those entering the seminary were already a self-selected group of men running from sexual difficulties. The portions dealing with the failure of the church to allow contraception were very interesting to me, but seemed to be making a different point altogether. Indeed there were discussions between characters in the novel about following individual conscience or blind obedience to the Pope/church. Again, these were interesting, but it was like listening to a lecture rather than relating to fully rounded characters facing decisions in their own lives.
Having said all that, I would be interested to read other novels by this author.
theunreadshelf's review
3.0
“As for priests, I don’t have to tell you. We’ve been exalted above our merits. We have been given too angelic a burden for ordinary creatures and the thing turns rancid in us.” [#gifted @pageonebooks]
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The crimes of Roman Catholic fathers against the young and vulnerable of the Church has been an ongoing crisis for years. As a Protestant Christian, I’ve watched from the sidelines, bewildered at how such wide-scale horrors could have existed for so long, also aware that my own religious communities were not exempt from such sins.
•
This is a very difficult read, unlike any I’ve encountered before. I feel I might have a better grasp on Catholic politics and history, on how victims work through abuse (or don’t), and what convoluted lies perpetrators tell themselves to justify their acts. And triggers abound - a few flashback scenes definitely make this an “R-rated” read, so proceed with caution.
•
Crimes of the Father was my first pick by @pageonebooks (#gifted) and I am fascinated to see what they choose for March! If you’re interested in trying out their personalized book subscription, there is a 10% off coupon in my link in profile.
•
What challenging books have you read that helped you grasp a difficult topic?
•
The crimes of Roman Catholic fathers against the young and vulnerable of the Church has been an ongoing crisis for years. As a Protestant Christian, I’ve watched from the sidelines, bewildered at how such wide-scale horrors could have existed for so long, also aware that my own religious communities were not exempt from such sins.
•
This is a very difficult read, unlike any I’ve encountered before. I feel I might have a better grasp on Catholic politics and history, on how victims work through abuse (or don’t), and what convoluted lies perpetrators tell themselves to justify their acts. And triggers abound - a few flashback scenes definitely make this an “R-rated” read, so proceed with caution.
•
Crimes of the Father was my first pick by @pageonebooks (#gifted) and I am fascinated to see what they choose for March! If you’re interested in trying out their personalized book subscription, there is a 10% off coupon in my link in profile.
•
What challenging books have you read that helped you grasp a difficult topic?
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