I've tried reviewing this several times, and not because it's hard to put into words, as much as the subject matter wasn't really handled well. I just felt I wasn't the person to read this book or discuss it's subject matter, and the bits I managed to read and work through made me feel as if there was a subtext that was trying to be implied and I just couldn't get at it.

i really enjoyed reading this book, I felt bad for Frank and felt like he was a real person. I look forward to more from the author.

this book was I am afraid dreadful. I am sorry but despite struggling manfully this was just not one i could get through. Not only is the focus the way Priests mistreated children in their care and so not easy to read but it is also a woeful narrative that just generates no pace or interest - I could not finish it

I found this an unusual and intriguing book. The amount of detail regarding Catholicism was incredible, but not surprising when one considered the authors experience. It is hard hitting at covering the practices that young boys experienced at this religious institution. I found it incredible that more whistleblowing did not occur given that 80 boys shared a dormitory. It raises many issues which stay with you long after you finish reading. It is very well written and despite its subject matter makes for a riveting read.
I will definitely follow up more titles from this author.

Not for me, this one. I found that the subject matter wasn’t well-served by the style, which is flat and gives no indication of interiority or nuance. Too much is told rather than shown. It tackles some dark and important issues but left me cold as I couldn't relate to the main character. It’s narrated in quite a childish way, which is fine when it’s about childhood but it remained too simplistic as the boy grows and matures.

I'm not really sure why, in some places, this is still being advertised as a "Christian romance" novel. It's not. Please do not think it is. While there are, obviously, religious aspects of the book and there is romance, it's not that kind of book. It is gritty and real.