A History of Loneliness

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‘Gripping, harrowing and extremely moving… A painfully page-turning read…’ - The Sunday Times

Clonliffe Seminary, 1972. Odran Yates arrives after his mother informs him that he has a vocation to the priesthood. He is full of ambition and hope, dedicated to his studies and keen to make friends.

Forty years later, Odran’s devotion has been challenged by the revelations that have shattered the Irish people’s faith in the Church. And when a family tragedy opens wounds from his past, he is forced to confront the demons that have raged within a once-respected institution, and recognize his own complicity in their propagation.

From the award-winning author of The Heart’s Invisible Furies, comes this courageous and intensely personal tale.Shortlisted for Irish Novel of the Year
A Library Journal Best Book of the Year

“Boyne is a master storyteller. When I arrived at the last page, I knew I had just read an instant classic.” ―Toronto Star
 
“[A] powerful story of guilt, tragedy and control. . . . Boyne’s words [are] both compelling and deeply moving.” —The Guardian (UK)

“A History of Loneliness is deftly complex. . . . Boyne gets its right.” ―USA Today
 
“[A] compassionate portrait of Odran, an anguished man in midlife, confronting his cowardice and shattered by guilt and shame.” ―The New York Times

“The writing is superb. . . . [An] excellent read.” —Irish Times (Ireland)
 
“A History of Loneliness is a catalogue of changing attitudes to the church over the decades from a time when the clergy were infallible to a present day, where because of child abuse scandals they are viewed with suspicion. . . . Powerful.” —The Times (UK)
 
“Incredible. . . . The novel is never less than engrossing.” —Irish Independent (Ireland)
 
“Boyne captures the ghastly rippling effects of child abuse while garnering sympathy for innocent priests, tainted by the actions of others. A stunning but uncomfortable read.” —Irish Examiner (Ireland)JOHN BOYNE is the author of 12 novels for adults, 5 novels for younger readers and a collection of short stories. His 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pajamas was an international bestseller, selling over 7 million copies worldwide. He has won three Irish Book Awards, a Stonewall Honor Award and a Lambda Literary Award. His novels are published in more than 50 languages.US

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