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Suffer the Little Children
Clutching her eight-week-old sister in her arms, Frances Reilly was abandoned by her mother outside the gates of The Poor Sisters of Nazareth Convent. It was Christmas morning 1956 and Frances was 2 years old. For the next 13 years Frances experienced institutionalized cruelty under the care of her new guardians: she was beaten, raped, and molested on numerous occasions. The nuns stripped her of everything—her best friend, her innocence, even her name— but they could not suppress her spirit and her never-ending hope of a better life. Written with great honesty and integrity, this moving account of childhood suffering is a tragic yet inspiring story. Through it all Frances refused to be broken. This is her account of her resolution to survive and defy the evil that stole her childhood.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 24, 2019
I have had this book on my shelves for quite a while until I picked it up at random yesterday, began to read and found myself compulsively reading it. I remember as a young Catholic girl in the 1940s on my way to school each day I would pass this large bleak looking building with high bricked walls and hugh locked gates. I soon found out by listening to the local gossip that this was a Convent "Nazareth House" an institution run by nuns to look after unwanted or orphan children and old people with no homes. There was no talk of the Nuns being cruel to these children. On the contrary they were generally believed to be "Angels of Mercy" We had various collections for them to help them care for these unfortunate children. I often thought about the children, when I passed those high bricked walls on my way to school and back each day and they were always included in the prayers of our nearby Catholic schools and Churches. No one ever saw the occupants who lived in this place.
I began reading this book yesterday and it was written by Frances Reilly. She and her sisters were suddenly placed with no warning in one of these Convents in Belfast as young children by their Mother without warning. How terrifying that must have been.
As I read on... although I know there have been many proven stories by various people both male and female re the emotional, physical and sexual abuse they suffered as children by Nuns and Priests this was the first time I have ever read such a detailed, shocking and harrowing record of what some of these places were really like. The Nuns in this lady's story like all Nuns were supposed to be good and holy! I couldn't believe what I was reading and I cannot find the words to describe the suffering those children went through.
The almost unbelievable situation was that nobody ever began to believe what these children went through. Surely someone would wonder why there was so many "escapes" but apparently everyone without exception outside of these prisons, for prisons they were... seemed to have no idea.
Didn't anyone ever see the wounds, the bruises, the general condition physically of all those children who managed to escape? They were allegedly beaten into submission and too terrified to ever speak of what the true situation was. It beggars belief yet there are many such testimonies by emotionally damaged adults, who after many years... now feel able to reveal their tragic tales of unmentionable abuse.
I just couldn't stop reading all day. I was horrified! Although Frances Reilly hurries the latter end of the book and gives little detail about what is described as her successful court case against these monsters, who called themselves "good holy Nuns" I hope they did get the punishment they deserved though I doubt it very much. I could never say I enjoyed this book... yet I was impelled to read on all day and I finished it this morning.
Perhaps some of my initial interest in reading this book came from my own personal memories of my education in Catholic schools. In my junior school I saw "good holy Nuns" thoroughly enjoying whipping youngsters before the whole school for minor offences. The headmistress had two long canes one with a black tassel and one with a red one. The whole school would be summoned to witness the whipping which was cruel. The Headmistress would bend each cane backwards and forwards and slowly decide with slow deliberation which cane she would choose while the boy (it was always a boy) was bent over a table waiting for his punishment. I still have such clear memories of the times we were all summoned to witness this dreadful scene.
When I passed the scholarship as it was then in the forties, I was sent to the Catholic grammar school again attached to a Convent and the Nuns were a teaching order. I could write a book of my own about that place but I will limit my words to a little of the cruelty which went on there with me personally. The abuse was never physical. It was always verbal and emotional. Sufficient to say that in my case all these years later I still feel damaged by how I was treated due to something I did which in the eyes of the Nuns just wasn't on...namely I took my school beret off outside the Convent. My sharings seem so little in contrast to the testimony of Frances and all the other other writers or those giving evidence to so many examples of abuse, but nevertheless it happened. I am sure there are many horrific examples of abuse going on even today. Where does it end? How does it end?
I began reading this book yesterday and it was written by Frances Reilly. She and her sisters were suddenly placed with no warning in one of these Convents in Belfast as young children by their Mother without warning. How terrifying that must have been.
As I read on... although I know there have been many proven stories by various people both male and female re the emotional, physical and sexual abuse they suffered as children by Nuns and Priests this was the first time I have ever read such a detailed, shocking and harrowing record of what some of these places were really like. The Nuns in this lady's story like all Nuns were supposed to be good and holy! I couldn't believe what I was reading and I cannot find the words to describe the suffering those children went through.
The almost unbelievable situation was that nobody ever began to believe what these children went through. Surely someone would wonder why there was so many "escapes" but apparently everyone without exception outside of these prisons, for prisons they were... seemed to have no idea.
Didn't anyone ever see the wounds, the bruises, the general condition physically of all those children who managed to escape? They were allegedly beaten into submission and too terrified to ever speak of what the true situation was. It beggars belief yet there are many such testimonies by emotionally damaged adults, who after many years... now feel able to reveal their tragic tales of unmentionable abuse.
I just couldn't stop reading all day. I was horrified! Although Frances Reilly hurries the latter end of the book and gives little detail about what is described as her successful court case against these monsters, who called themselves "good holy Nuns" I hope they did get the punishment they deserved though I doubt it very much. I could never say I enjoyed this book... yet I was impelled to read on all day and I finished it this morning.
Perhaps some of my initial interest in reading this book came from my own personal memories of my education in Catholic schools. In my junior school I saw "good holy Nuns" thoroughly enjoying whipping youngsters before the whole school for minor offences. The headmistress had two long canes one with a black tassel and one with a red one. The whole school would be summoned to witness the whipping which was cruel. The Headmistress would bend each cane backwards and forwards and slowly decide with slow deliberation which cane she would choose while the boy (it was always a boy) was bent over a table waiting for his punishment. I still have such clear memories of the times we were all summoned to witness this dreadful scene.
When I passed the scholarship as it was then in the forties, I was sent to the Catholic grammar school again attached to a Convent and the Nuns were a teaching order. I could write a book of my own about that place but I will limit my words to a little of the cruelty which went on there with me personally. The abuse was never physical. It was always verbal and emotional. Sufficient to say that in my case all these years later I still feel damaged by how I was treated due to something I did which in the eyes of the Nuns just wasn't on...namely I took my school beret off outside the Convent. My sharings seem so little in contrast to the testimony of Frances and all the other other writers or those giving evidence to so many examples of abuse, but nevertheless it happened. I am sure there are many horrific examples of abuse going on even today. Where does it end? How does it end?
May 30, 2011
This book was okay. I have read several memoires of terrible childhoods before and that's probably the reason why throughout the whole book I had the feeling that I had heard this story before. If you're reading this genre for the first time, you'll definitely love the book and warm towards author Reilly.
However, no matter how many memoires one can read, one can never tire of thinking and saying out loud "It has to stop" - whoever the tormentors are.
However, no matter how many memoires one can read, one can never tire of thinking and saying out loud "It has to stop" - whoever the tormentors are.
September 5, 2015
I got a copy of this book at a book club meet up where everyone brought a book with them and swapped it for a book they hadn't read. I actually had my eye on To Kill A Mocking Bird but it had gone before I could get to it. Out of all the books left this one actually appealed to me more.
I have read a lot of books on abuse but this one was quite different to the usual books I have read, the abuse is at the hands usually by a family member but the majority of mental and physical abuse in Suffer the Little Children is astonishingly by the hands of nuns!
Suffer the Little Children is a non fiction book written by Frances Reilly who with her sisters were sent to the convent when their mother decided she was not capable of looking after them.
Not only does Frances have to put up with the cruelty that is so often to common from other children she has to face daily beatings and telling offs by the nuns themselves. Even when things seem to be looking up for Frances, evil and horrible people never seem to be far away.
It is really hard to rate a book like this especially when the author themselves has been through such atrocities. It probably isn't the best written book but the content and the empathy you feel for Frances herself and some of the other girls there is quite heart wrenching. Even after Frances left the convent, the after effects from the cruelty she suffered went on to affect her and all her sisters lives.
Suffer the Little Children will certainly have you going through a whole load of emotions, mainly shock, horror and sadness. It is a story that is worth reading though as sadly Frances' story is just one of many that unfortunately took place in those days and one that should definitely be heard.
I have read a lot of books on abuse but this one was quite different to the usual books I have read, the abuse is at the hands usually by a family member but the majority of mental and physical abuse in Suffer the Little Children is astonishingly by the hands of nuns!
Suffer the Little Children is a non fiction book written by Frances Reilly who with her sisters were sent to the convent when their mother decided she was not capable of looking after them.
Not only does Frances have to put up with the cruelty that is so often to common from other children she has to face daily beatings and telling offs by the nuns themselves. Even when things seem to be looking up for Frances, evil and horrible people never seem to be far away.
It is really hard to rate a book like this especially when the author themselves has been through such atrocities. It probably isn't the best written book but the content and the empathy you feel for Frances herself and some of the other girls there is quite heart wrenching. Even after Frances left the convent, the after effects from the cruelty she suffered went on to affect her and all her sisters lives.
Suffer the Little Children will certainly have you going through a whole load of emotions, mainly shock, horror and sadness. It is a story that is worth reading though as sadly Frances' story is just one of many that unfortunately took place in those days and one that should definitely be heard.
February 27, 2019
Reading this you cant help but feel anger towards the hypocritical nuns who punished girls for things that they had no control over (like starting their menstrual cycle, really?). My heart ached for Frances and all the bad luck she has had in life, but writing this book and suing the nuns who caused her so much pain has proven that she is not letting everything that has happened weigh her down. Her experiences highlight the veil that people used to wear when it came to hearing anything bad about the Catholic church and it can be argued that some people are still wearing those veils. I'm sure that if someone had actually look closely at some of the girls in those convents, it would have proven that their "stories" were very much real life. I'm sad for Frances in that she is no longer close to her sisters, but as she stated the one thing that held them together brought up too many painful memories. The abuse they suffered continued to effect their lives even after they left and i dont think some people realise the longitudinal consequences of abuse.
August 11, 2013
As I reflect through my notes on this book, I feel the overwhelming to get something off my chest about this book, but I'll retain my composure and explain my review calmly. These girls put trust in the nuns who cared for them, and that was totally dashed once they abused their position as a nun. While you read this book, you will feel many emotions. You will feel everything poor Frances goes through, and in some ways you will feel the urge that you need to help her.
As the story continues, you will uncover Frances special powers after she loses her father. After reading the next chapter, I became very annoyed, maybe this was because I felt every word that was being said. This happened throughout reading this book, and in some ways I was glad to finish the book. Now, don't misunderstand me, the book was fantastic and I would read it again, but my sadness was contained within me as I read every word.
I'm glad that Frances was able to sort her life, and to find justice against those who did her wrong. No one deserves what the girls went through, and I do hope Karma comes around and bites them on the backside because all they did was abuse their position, and they knew no one would second guess them because of who they were.
Enough said, a fantastic book, and well worth reading!
As the story continues, you will uncover Frances special powers after she loses her father. After reading the next chapter, I became very annoyed, maybe this was because I felt every word that was being said. This happened throughout reading this book, and in some ways I was glad to finish the book. Now, don't misunderstand me, the book was fantastic and I would read it again, but my sadness was contained within me as I read every word.
I'm glad that Frances was able to sort her life, and to find justice against those who did her wrong. No one deserves what the girls went through, and I do hope Karma comes around and bites them on the backside because all they did was abuse their position, and they knew no one would second guess them because of who they were.
Enough said, a fantastic book, and well worth reading!
October 13, 2022
It’s a pitty this book didn’t portray the **truest version of the story and suffering (renamed) Sinead went through, or the fact her “sisters” abandoned her even in death! Or the suffering that was then passed down to another generation. Yes, this book has direct links via the commentor. I personally read the book, three times, and with second hand from first hand information (from Greta F), I feel the story was portrayed from a very one sided pain frame, thus eliminating the pain caused to the others too.
When reading this book, I want readers to be aware the pain and suffering of the others that were affected after the fact and consider the pain and suffering of the little sister “Sinead” Aka Catherine she was abused so much physically and mentally that she became a bipolar, alcoholic abuser to her eldest son and losing the remainder of her children. When in the end she lost her life in 2002 her insurmountable pain from losing daughter Kelly in ‘84 and the never ending haunting memories of what the Nuns did to her in that convent, and others (men), she found peace. Truth is Francis abandoned her little sister and Francis later publicised and capitalised from HER suffering. The book should have been titled “Suffer the little Sister”!
When reading this book, I want readers to be aware the pain and suffering of the others that were affected after the fact and consider the pain and suffering of the little sister “Sinead” Aka Catherine she was abused so much physically and mentally that she became a bipolar, alcoholic abuser to her eldest son and losing the remainder of her children. When in the end she lost her life in 2002 her insurmountable pain from losing daughter Kelly in ‘84 and the never ending haunting memories of what the Nuns did to her in that convent, and others (men), she found peace. Truth is Francis abandoned her little sister and Francis later publicised and capitalised from HER suffering. The book should have been titled “Suffer the little Sister”!
February 27, 2025
Terrible sad story but needs to be told
November 7, 2024
A devastating true story on growing up in a catholic convent in Northern Ireland. The darkest sides of religion and all pushed under the rug at that time. I can only imagine the scars that the children have brought with them throughout their adult lives.
April 12, 2013
Spent the early years of my schooling growing up with nuns. They can truly be some of the cruelest people around. This book is a very disturbing account of how it was to grow up in an orphanage run by nuns.
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February 8, 2017Words are not enough to describe the brutal treatment of children by an Order of nuns.
October 29, 2019
A true life story about a little girl called Frances. One morning she is woken up to get ready for a trip to Belfast. Bored of Omagh Frances and her older sister Loretta are excited to go on such a trip, of course their baby sister Sinéad is not expected to remember it as she is a baby. Frances felt sorry that the boys Micheal and Sean would not be going and instead would visit their aunt for the day.
Once the girls are bundled into a waiting car, the excitement dies down and now Loretta and Frances are aware that something is not right. Suddenly they stop after hours of driving. There mother gets out of the car and tells them they are there. Loretta doesn't mind as she stretches her legs. Not long later they find themselves standing by a gate, Loretta holding baby Sinéad. Suddenly their mother shoves a letter in to Loretta's arms and tells her to give it to who ever comes to the gate. With that the mother runs to the car, gets in, the car pulls away like it is in a high speed chase.
It would be comforting to say that this was a rear story, but in an honest and open world stories, or rather truths like this are not rear. Is power the reason behind all these events? There is no denig that the Catholic Church most assuredly held power. Even in the book one police man tells another, "This is the Catholic Church we're talking about. You don't want to take them on. They're above the law they do what they like."
Suffer the Little Children does work as a book but more importantly it is a truth and for some an opening to the true nature of those who hold power. No one is incorruptible not even those married to god.
While this is a biography it is also a well written one. Reilly manages to show and not just tell us about her experience. While she does not use flowery language and keeps her writing in a casual style it is not repetitive which can be a problem with some biographies. People tend to use the same expressions or turn of phrase, Reilly hasn't done that here. Even something that has come up before is expressed in a new way.
People say religion brings people and communities together but here is proof of how it can tare families apart. It is not difficult to see how abuse of all kinds affects a person long after the fact. Given the physical and sexual abuse Frances suffered it in obvious that it went on to effect her adult life. I would say if there was anything to learn from this book I would say it is to never give up and no mater the cost try again and again.
Once the girls are bundled into a waiting car, the excitement dies down and now Loretta and Frances are aware that something is not right. Suddenly they stop after hours of driving. There mother gets out of the car and tells them they are there. Loretta doesn't mind as she stretches her legs. Not long later they find themselves standing by a gate, Loretta holding baby Sinéad. Suddenly their mother shoves a letter in to Loretta's arms and tells her to give it to who ever comes to the gate. With that the mother runs to the car, gets in, the car pulls away like it is in a high speed chase.
It would be comforting to say that this was a rear story, but in an honest and open world stories, or rather truths like this are not rear. Is power the reason behind all these events? There is no denig that the Catholic Church most assuredly held power. Even in the book one police man tells another, "This is the Catholic Church we're talking about. You don't want to take them on. They're above the law they do what they like."
Suffer the Little Children does work as a book but more importantly it is a truth and for some an opening to the true nature of those who hold power. No one is incorruptible not even those married to god.
While this is a biography it is also a well written one. Reilly manages to show and not just tell us about her experience. While she does not use flowery language and keeps her writing in a casual style it is not repetitive which can be a problem with some biographies. People tend to use the same expressions or turn of phrase, Reilly hasn't done that here. Even something that has come up before is expressed in a new way.
People say religion brings people and communities together but here is proof of how it can tare families apart. It is not difficult to see how abuse of all kinds affects a person long after the fact. Given the physical and sexual abuse Frances suffered it in obvious that it went on to effect her adult life. I would say if there was anything to learn from this book I would say it is to never give up and no mater the cost try again and again.
January 14, 2026
This memoir hit me with an intensity that was both heartbreaking and impossible to put down. It follows the author’s journey through one of the most challenging and emotionally charged periods of her life, documenting the struggles, injustices, and personal resilience required to face unimaginable situations. The story doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but it also highlights moments of courage and determination that make the narrative both powerful and deeply human.
The author’s voice is raw, honest, and utterly compelling. She doesn’t just recount events; she allows the reader into her mind and heart, making you feel the weight of every decision, every fear, and every triumph. The people she encounters, from colleagues to those affected by the circumstances she navigates, are portrayed with nuance, revealing both the complexities of human nature and the consequences of systemic failure. Their presence adds depth and gravity, making the story resonate far beyond the individual experiences recounted.
The writing is precise, gripping, and emotionally charged, keeping the narrative moving while never losing its humanity. The setting, whether institutional or personal, is vividly drawn, providing context without overshadowing the emotional core of the memoir. The blend of reflection and recounting works perfectly in this genre, giving insight into both the external events and the internal struggle they provoke. It’s a heartbreaking, enlightening, and ultimately empowering story that lingers long after the final page.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
The author’s voice is raw, honest, and utterly compelling. She doesn’t just recount events; she allows the reader into her mind and heart, making you feel the weight of every decision, every fear, and every triumph. The people she encounters, from colleagues to those affected by the circumstances she navigates, are portrayed with nuance, revealing both the complexities of human nature and the consequences of systemic failure. Their presence adds depth and gravity, making the story resonate far beyond the individual experiences recounted.
The writing is precise, gripping, and emotionally charged, keeping the narrative moving while never losing its humanity. The setting, whether institutional or personal, is vividly drawn, providing context without overshadowing the emotional core of the memoir. The blend of reflection and recounting works perfectly in this genre, giving insight into both the external events and the internal struggle they provoke. It’s a heartbreaking, enlightening, and ultimately empowering story that lingers long after the final page.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
January 30, 2019
My god but this book is a tough read. The true story of Frances Reilly's life will make you shudder at the cruelty and injustice of her life and make you want to rail against the religious that tried so hard to kill her spirit.
I'm glad I finished it because not to finish it would feel disrespectful to her life but I will admit to there being some parts of the book where I had to almost skim over some particularly harrowing paragraphs.
The writing style appears to become more rushed in the last number of chapters and lacks the level of detail evident in the earlier chapters.
I'm glad I finished it because not to finish it would feel disrespectful to her life but I will admit to there being some parts of the book where I had to almost skim over some particularly harrowing paragraphs.
The writing style appears to become more rushed in the last number of chapters and lacks the level of detail evident in the earlier chapters.
February 3, 2025
Geez it was a punishing read. I skimmed a lot of it, just because the abuse was so brutal and written in excruciating detail.
I was actually really hoping to learn more about her life as an adult. But the book ends abruptly when she is released from the orphanage.
I hope this writer and others like her find justice and healing.
I was actually really hoping to learn more about her life as an adult. But the book ends abruptly when she is released from the orphanage.
I hope this writer and others like her find justice and healing.
February 10, 2018
Unfortunately, this book seemed to plod along while at the same time speedily glossing over certain aspects of the story. I do commend Reilly for having the courage to write this memoir that at its core is a seriously messed up childhood.
May 13, 2018
A harrowing true story of the life and abuse of an abandoned child in a Belfast Convent. Parts of this book are difficult to read, more so due to the author retelling the story of her traumatic upbringing.
Well written and graphic detail of life in the convent.
Well written and graphic detail of life in the convent.
October 28, 2024
Religious leaders who abuse and terrorize children will have to answer some day for their monstrous actions. The author is very brave to unveil all she experienced and remind the world to never assume a literal or figurative cloak of religious identity means a person is trustworthy or admirable.
December 23, 2024
5 ⭐
Heartbreaking true story about Frances and her sister Loretta and The Poor Sisters Of Nazareth.
Appalling and hard to read in places.
Couldn't put this down and read in a day.
Would highly recommend 💕
Heartbreaking true story about Frances and her sister Loretta and The Poor Sisters Of Nazareth.
Appalling and hard to read in places.
Couldn't put this down and read in a day.
Would highly recommend 💕
January 8, 2026
This book has to be the sadest book I’ve read in a long time. I can’t fathom a child had been experiencing this level abuse from the age of 2. My heart goes out to the author and to the other children on convent.
April 13, 2019
Parts of this were awful and really emotional to read, especially as a Mother. I just wanted to rush in and save the girls being put through such disgusting abuse
July 20, 2020
Interesting read and I really feel for the author but glad she’s getting justice
April 15, 2024
Easy read
January 20, 2025
Do you think the nuns went to heaven or hell?
May 28, 2025
Abrupt ending, not the best. The book leading up to the ending was tragic but so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
Heartbreaking to know how common this situation was/is. Great story.
November 14, 2016
It sadden me to hear of any child in suffering. Children are the future of us, it make no sense to maltreat them, beat them or kill them.
It is difficult to imagine that a child can bear such amount of suffering and I don’t only talk about this novel but about all the children who is living in such situation or in other such as wars, crimes, famine.
I am glad that Frances shared her story, sometimes it struck me how we can become blind to the truth and we just accept what is wrong because the community said so.
It is difficult to imagine that a child can bear such amount of suffering and I don’t only talk about this novel but about all the children who is living in such situation or in other such as wars, crimes, famine.
I am glad that Frances shared her story, sometimes it struck me how we can become blind to the truth and we just accept what is wrong because the community said so.
October 13, 2011
I liked this book very much. It was very interesting, i felt so sorry for Frances and all the pain she had to endure in that terrible convent. Beatings were daily and extreme. The nuns saw her as the devil child and tormented her. Luckily she found the courage to stand through her pain, with her sisters by her side. This is a very moving sotry and once I started I couldn't put it down.
March 3, 2015
A harrowing true story about the authors suffering at the hands of nuns. Her treatment, and the treatment of other girls at the convent, was nothing short of barbaric. The only thing that I would have liked was a more extended epilogue, purely as I would have liked to see justice prevail. I would also like to read more about the authors life after she got out, similar to Dave Pelzer.
March 25, 2009
book full of questions that need to be answered.most of the story's belong to other children much older than frances.frances was alway's protected by her big sister.nazareth house was not as bad as this book make's it out to be.
August 18, 2013
This story is so sad. It made me think that the girls suffered horribly and no one cared for them. The religious orders stole these children to profit off of state money and they were treated worse than slaves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews