Set in 1980s suburban Quebec, "Thorns of Piety" is a gripping family drama that explores the dark undercurrents of religious devotion and manipulation.
The Bailey family - Frank, Liliane, and their children Shannon, Tommy, and Grace - find their lives increasingly intertwined with their charismatic parish priest, Father Dale. As Liliane grapples with past trauma and seeks validation through her relationship with Father Dale, Frank struggles with guilt from his work in the military-industrial complex, clinging to Catholic doctrine as a form of redemption.
Their children navigate this tumultuous environment in their own ways: Shannon quietly plans for her future independence, biding her time until she can leave home and set out on her own; Tommy acts out through art and rebellion; and young Grace bears silent witness to the family's unraveling. Father Dale's influence grows, exploiting the family's vulnerabilities and blurring the lines between spiritual guidance and manipulation. His actions set off a chain of events that threaten to tear the family apart, forcing each member to confront their beliefs, desires, and the true nature of faith and devotion.
"Thorns of Piety" delves into themes of bodily autonomy, religious hypocrisy, sexual awakening, and the struggle for individual identity within oppressive systems. As secrets are revealed and tensions mount, the Bailey family must decide whether to cling to their illusions or face the painful truth of their situation.
Running parallel to René Lévesque's Québec sovereignty movement, the story serves as a battle cry for independence, self-determination, and the freedom from manipulation of corrupt institutions and the people who stand to gain in service to them. This compelling saga offers a nuanced exploration of faith, family, and the human capacity for both self-deception and growth, promising readers a thought-provoking journey through the complexities of belief and belonging.
