A Priest and a Boy is a work of fiction reflecting real-world events. In 1956, Peter Madigan is an eight-year-old altar boy in a Sydney parish. Bernard Cassey is the parish's assistant priest. The story recounts the growing relationship between the two key characters, one that begins with grooming and culminates in sexual abuse. It tells of the confusion and struggles that both characters suffer across the twelve years that the story covers. Peter endures a troubled adolescence and a fractured early adulthood, haunted by the abuse. Cassey progresses through the church's ranks, protected by the church, while burdened by continuing personal struggles. Attempts by Peter and his family for justice are met with stonewalled resistance.
The setting is the Australian Catholic Church of the 1950s and 1960s. Catholicism is an exclusive culture that determines all matters of faith and morals for its members. Following the dictates of the Church offers eternal salvation. Straying from those dictates promises eternal damnation. The Pope, together with his bishops and clergy, are the gatekeepers of the path to salvation. Their word is law and their personal lives beyond reproach. It is in that setting that the story deals with the impact of institutional sexual abuse on victim, perpetrator, and the standing of the institution itself.
A Priest and a Boy is a work of fiction reflecting real-world events. In 1956, Peter Madigan is an eight-year-old altar boy in a Sydney parish. Bernard Cassey is the parish's assistant priest. The story recounts the growing relationship between the two key characters, one that begins with grooming and culminates in sexual abuse. It tells of the confusion and struggles that both characters suffer across the twelve years that the story covers. Peter endures a troubled adolescence and a fractured early adulthood, haunted by the abuse. Cassey progresses through the church's ranks, protected by the church, while burdened by continuing personal struggles. Attempts by Peter and his family for justice are met with stonewalled resistance.
The setting is the Australian Catholic Church of the 1950s and 1960s. Catholicism is an exclusive culture that determines all matters of faith and morals for its members. Following the dictates of the Church offers eternal salvation. Straying from those dictates promises eternal damnation. The Pope, together with his bishops and clergy, are the gatekeepers of the path to salvation. Their word is law and their personal lives beyond reproach. It is in that setting that the story deals with the impact of institutional sexual abuse on victim, perpetrator, and the standing of the institution itself.
Recent decades have seen passionate debate in the Church about the nature of priesthood. Cardinal Vanhoye's classic study, originally published in English in 1986, provides a much needed exegesis...
Joe Morgan thought he had done his time. A New York cop for forty years, he was going to take it easy from now on.But it's hard to ignore a serial killer on your own doorstep. Harder still, if you...
Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australiand online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles,
Shop Trending Books and New Releases
Explore our new releases for the most recent additions in romance books, fantasy books, graphic novels, crime and mystery books, science fiction books as well as biographies, cookbooks, self help books, tarot cards, fortunetelling and much more. With titles covering current trends, booktok and bookstagram recommendations, and emerging authors, BookLoop remains your go-to local australian bookstore for buying books online across all book genres.
Shop Best Books By Collection
Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialised collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.
Sign In
your cart
Your cart is empty
Menu
Search
PRE-SALES
If you have any questions before making a purchase chat with our online operators to get more information.
