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Blood on the Rosary
A heartfelt, brave and inspiring memoir about the power of speaking out. A brave nun. Her twin brother. The secrets and lies that would tear them apart. There is a special bond that twins share, an ethereal connection that can’t be put into words. Margaret Harrod shared that unique bond with her twin brother Michael. As children they were inseparable and at age 22, together they gave their lives to the Catholic Church. Margaret became a nun and Michael a Salesian priest – it was the proudest day of their deeply religious parents' lives. Margaret cherishes those carefree childhood memories because the brother she adored is now in jail. Father Michael Aulsebrook pleaded guilty to multiple charges of molesting children, some as young as seven. And the unlikely whistleblower was his courageous twin sister. It cost Margaret everything, but she couldn’t stay silent any longer about the damage her brother was wreaking in his community. Margaret knows of that damage firsthand, having had that trust betrayed herself.Blood on the Rosary is Margaret's story – how she sacrificed everything she held dear in the pursuit of the truth, and how she bravely fought her church and her community to bring paedophile priests to justice.'Margaret Harrod's compelling life experience is a truth we all need to understand.' Chrissie Foster, author of Hell on the Way to Heaven
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2019
33 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Sue Smethurst
14 books18 followersSue Smethurst is an award-winning journalist and author. She has written for Australia’s biggest titles, including The Australian Women’s Weekly, The Weekend Australian magazine, The Age Good Weekend, Domain, RM Williams Outback, New Idea, Woman’s Day, the Herald Sun, Victorian RSL’s Mufti magazine. Her work is also regularly featured in international magazines.
Her career has taken her around the globe interviewing a who’s who of celebrities, newsmakers, colourful identities, sports stars, politicians and royalty. In addition to her editorial career Sue has worked in television and radio.
Sue is an award-winning, best-selling author specialising in non-fiction. She is the author of ten books, including her latest title The Freedom Circus which is now available in Poland and the Czech Republic and will soon be available in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Her career has taken her around the globe interviewing a who’s who of celebrities, newsmakers, colourful identities, sports stars, politicians and royalty. In addition to her editorial career Sue has worked in television and radio.
Sue is an award-winning, best-selling author specialising in non-fiction. She is the author of ten books, including her latest title The Freedom Circus which is now available in Poland and the Czech Republic and will soon be available in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
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April 13, 2019*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Blood on the Rosary is another collaboration piece and true account by Australian journalist Sue Smethurst with Margaret Harrod. It delves into the emotionally fraught and complicated world of religion, power, authority, abuse and recovery. It is at times deeply moving and bleak, but it is also empowering. Blood on the Rosary goes a long way in encouraging victims of abuse crimes to seek justice and speak out.
Blood on the Rosary is the moving memoir of twins, Michael and Margaret, who grew up together, entered the church together, but their inseparable bond was severed in the wake of the atrocities committed by Michael. Although their parents were incredibly proud of the twins once they both entered the religious order, Michael as a Salesian priest, and Margaret a nun, their holy image was stained by Michael’s crimes against the innocent. Convicted and jailed for molesting young children, Michael was eventually placed in jail through the assistance of his sister Margaret, who could no longer stand back and watch on as her twin committed these crimes. For Margaret, sending her beloved twin brother to jail was just the start of her ordeal. Years of abuse, trauma and a loss of trust resulted in Margaret’s downfall. As she bravely fought to gain the upper hand over her past, Margaret had to confront the ugly truth of the terrible acts committed against her and many innocents, which were silenced by the church. A tale of both survival and the fight for justice, Blood on the Rosary is an honest and raw memoir.
The release of Blood on the Rosary, which deals with trauma and abuse at the heart of the church comes at a very timely point in Australian society. With the sentencing of Cardinal George Pell and the crisis faced by the Catholic church in the wake of this case, a memoir that is centred on the injustice faced by a former nun is relevant. I do need to issue a trigger warning in approaching this book. There are scenes of abuse of a sexual nature, incest and crimes committed by authority figures. Whilst the details of these acts are not covered in depth, it may affect some readers.
I recently read fictionalised account of a sexual abuse survivor of the Catholic Church, based in Ireland, not Australia. I stated that this book was the hardest book I have possibly read in my reading career. Blood on the Rosary was another heart wrenching read of a similar nature. The cold hard facts and emotionally fraught experiences are laid out by Margaret Harrod. I have to admire Margaret Harrod for her bravery and ability to speak out. It was an incredibly hard process, which the book outlines. However, I do feel that in sharing her story, Margaret make give a sense of ‘we are all in this together’ to fellow victims of abuse. Margaret may also inspire other to seek help, or go to authorities about crimes of this nature committed against them.
I decided to read Blood on the Rosary for the themes of justice covered in the book, which I wanted to link to the book bingo reading challenge I am completing this year. Although this book was harrowing and it was hard to review, it did highlight themes of justice. Here is a taste of Margaret Harrod’s journey.
‘But this is only the beginning of a long journey for all of us. Tougher times would test our mettle. Through my breakdown and the steps to recovery, one thing had become absolutely clear: there was only one antidote that would truly help me heal. Justice.’
While justice is the overriding theme of Blood on the Rosary, so is faith, spirituality, self belief and breaking the cycle of shame surrounding abuse. In confronting her own story and that of her brother, Margaret Harrod was able to feel empowered and resilient. The next chapter in Margaret’s life is about recovery and helping others. The inclusion at the close of the memoir, a full page dedicated to help and services, indicates the important role books such as Blood on the Rosary play in reaching out to those who may need it.
Blood on the Rosary by Sue Smethurst and Margaret Harrod was published on February 1st 2019 by Simon & Schuster Australia. Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.
Blood on the Rosary is book #47 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Blood on the Rosary is another collaboration piece and true account by Australian journalist Sue Smethurst with Margaret Harrod. It delves into the emotionally fraught and complicated world of religion, power, authority, abuse and recovery. It is at times deeply moving and bleak, but it is also empowering. Blood on the Rosary goes a long way in encouraging victims of abuse crimes to seek justice and speak out.
Blood on the Rosary is the moving memoir of twins, Michael and Margaret, who grew up together, entered the church together, but their inseparable bond was severed in the wake of the atrocities committed by Michael. Although their parents were incredibly proud of the twins once they both entered the religious order, Michael as a Salesian priest, and Margaret a nun, their holy image was stained by Michael’s crimes against the innocent. Convicted and jailed for molesting young children, Michael was eventually placed in jail through the assistance of his sister Margaret, who could no longer stand back and watch on as her twin committed these crimes. For Margaret, sending her beloved twin brother to jail was just the start of her ordeal. Years of abuse, trauma and a loss of trust resulted in Margaret’s downfall. As she bravely fought to gain the upper hand over her past, Margaret had to confront the ugly truth of the terrible acts committed against her and many innocents, which were silenced by the church. A tale of both survival and the fight for justice, Blood on the Rosary is an honest and raw memoir.
The release of Blood on the Rosary, which deals with trauma and abuse at the heart of the church comes at a very timely point in Australian society. With the sentencing of Cardinal George Pell and the crisis faced by the Catholic church in the wake of this case, a memoir that is centred on the injustice faced by a former nun is relevant. I do need to issue a trigger warning in approaching this book. There are scenes of abuse of a sexual nature, incest and crimes committed by authority figures. Whilst the details of these acts are not covered in depth, it may affect some readers.
I recently read fictionalised account of a sexual abuse survivor of the Catholic Church, based in Ireland, not Australia. I stated that this book was the hardest book I have possibly read in my reading career. Blood on the Rosary was another heart wrenching read of a similar nature. The cold hard facts and emotionally fraught experiences are laid out by Margaret Harrod. I have to admire Margaret Harrod for her bravery and ability to speak out. It was an incredibly hard process, which the book outlines. However, I do feel that in sharing her story, Margaret make give a sense of ‘we are all in this together’ to fellow victims of abuse. Margaret may also inspire other to seek help, or go to authorities about crimes of this nature committed against them.
I decided to read Blood on the Rosary for the themes of justice covered in the book, which I wanted to link to the book bingo reading challenge I am completing this year. Although this book was harrowing and it was hard to review, it did highlight themes of justice. Here is a taste of Margaret Harrod’s journey.
‘But this is only the beginning of a long journey for all of us. Tougher times would test our mettle. Through my breakdown and the steps to recovery, one thing had become absolutely clear: there was only one antidote that would truly help me heal. Justice.’
While justice is the overriding theme of Blood on the Rosary, so is faith, spirituality, self belief and breaking the cycle of shame surrounding abuse. In confronting her own story and that of her brother, Margaret Harrod was able to feel empowered and resilient. The next chapter in Margaret’s life is about recovery and helping others. The inclusion at the close of the memoir, a full page dedicated to help and services, indicates the important role books such as Blood on the Rosary play in reaching out to those who may need it.
Blood on the Rosary by Sue Smethurst and Margaret Harrod was published on February 1st 2019 by Simon & Schuster Australia. Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.
Blood on the Rosary is book #47 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
May 15, 2021
Incest, paedophile priests, cover-ups, and whistleblowing. Not a pleasant book to read, but important, nonetheless. What a world.
3 Stars = Good. Glad I read it.
3 Stars = Good. Glad I read it.
February 23, 2019
Truth has set Margaret Free
As above I have been liberated from my own abuse and been able to slowly accepted that I was not alone in this horror This book should become a must
As above I have been liberated from my own abuse and been able to slowly accepted that I was not alone in this horror This book should become a must
April 13, 2019
Thanks to Margaret for telling her story, and highlighting the cover up. Her book demonstrated how damaging and traumatic childhood abuse is and how it has long lasting and tragic consequences. Margaret asked a lot of questions in this book, but one I didn’t hear her ask was if her pedophile brother had been a child victim himself - either by their father, or by somebody else, perhaps somebody from within the church? It doesn’t excuse her brothers behaviour, but it’s a question, I, as a reader wondered about and I would have liked to hear her thoughts. I admire her strength in speaking up and encouraging others to do the same in order to stop the abuse and the coverup and I can recommend her book.
August 3, 2019
Some of these crimes occurred where I grew up, and near where I now live; I have no doubt that I have walked closely amongst survivors without even knowing it. Please find the strength to speak out, and know you are not alone.
February 24, 2019
I read this in one day, I just couldn’t leave this story. Thank you Margaret for your strength and bravery. And Rod - what a very special person you are.
June 16, 2019
Heartbreaking Truths
Institutional organisation or any organisation for that matter forget the value of life and dignity when they support the predators of innocents.
The Catholic Church place more value on money than they do on the rights of individuals.
Margaret Harrod has faced the unimaginable from family and people who were respected in the community. She’s fought for justice, truth and has proven that we should all be treated as equal, no matter our station in life.
I too believe in my Catholic faith but in no way do I trust the representatives of the Church any longer.
Everyone is equal in my eyes and heart. Respect and trust should be earned and not given freely because of who you are.
Institutional organisation or any organisation for that matter forget the value of life and dignity when they support the predators of innocents.
The Catholic Church place more value on money than they do on the rights of individuals.
Margaret Harrod has faced the unimaginable from family and people who were respected in the community. She’s fought for justice, truth and has proven that we should all be treated as equal, no matter our station in life.
I too believe in my Catholic faith but in no way do I trust the representatives of the Church any longer.
Everyone is equal in my eyes and heart. Respect and trust should be earned and not given freely because of who you are.
January 14, 2020
My second audio book, I was keen to see the content through, as highly disturbing as it was. I am sorrowful that the Catholic institution is so callous to sentient suffering and so defensive in not changing its culture. I found Margaret's spirit amazing against enormous challenges and betrayals. An amazing feat to have co written this book and move forward with meaning. I cried and was left haunted. And interested in exploring how I can contribute to bring about much needed change to this monolithic institution.
February 7, 2019
Very sad but so very well told. Not too descriptive so should not offend people. Descriptive but not too much information but enough to leave to the imagination.
A lovely lady who struggled with her burdens of abuse it is easy to understand how vulnerable children can be taken advantage of and how easy we as a society tend not to be able to appreciate that people in authority or family members can visit these atrocities on our innocent children.
A lovely lady who struggled with her burdens of abuse it is easy to understand how vulnerable children can be taken advantage of and how easy we as a society tend not to be able to appreciate that people in authority or family members can visit these atrocities on our innocent children.
August 28, 2019
Blood on the Rosary was written by Australian journalist Sue Smethurst and Margaret Harrod. It’s such a powerful true story of incest and sexual abuse and I couldn’t stop reading.
It's so beyond belief that secrecy could be used so effectively to cover this horrendous abuse ruining lives in the process. This book is inspirational and Im so grateful to the authors for writing it. Highly recommended.
It's so beyond belief that secrecy could be used so effectively to cover this horrendous abuse ruining lives in the process. This book is inspirational and Im so grateful to the authors for writing it. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2019
Such a great book but at the same time such a tragic thing to read especially with what is going on around the world with the catholic church.
February 4, 2020
As hard as this book was to read, I couldn’t put it down. What a brave woman.
July 29, 2019
Blood on the Rosary (Paperback)
by Sue Smethurst AND Margaret Harrod
maybe some day I will be able to get this from the library
heard author MH here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3c...
read about Margaret Harrod: //www.whimn.com.au/talk/margarets-twin-...
I wonder if the father who molested the daughter also molested the son? Or did he offer the son chances to see him molesting the girl? or Did he talk about molesting the girl to the son? IMHO This didn't just happen by chance.
by Sue Smethurst AND Margaret Harrod
maybe some day I will be able to get this from the library
heard author MH here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3c...
read about Margaret Harrod: //www.whimn.com.au/talk/margarets-twin-...
I wonder if the father who molested the daughter also molested the son? Or did he offer the son chances to see him molesting the girl? or Did he talk about molesting the girl to the son? IMHO This didn't just happen by chance.
January 16, 2021
This book was real and it was raw. I had to spread reading it out over two days because of the impact it had on me. I recommend this book to those with a strong stomach. Although I do not really have the strongest stomach, I think this is a very important book. It is important that these issues are brought to the light so we can see how often this happens.
September 5, 2020
I cried for so long and was in deep thoughts intermittently while reading your book Margaret.. I am a mother of two kids and I truly especially feel for Bernadette's parents and family. Your book is an encouragement for people to openly speak up about abuses, at the same time, an eye opener for parents to more cautiously watch their kids grow. My hats off to you Margaret for your courage and will to speak up to the world inspite the obstacles that came through. May GOD Bless you and your family... My regards to Rod who has been the perfect husband for you.
May 16, 2019
OMG!! A heart wrenching, soul destroying book against humanity and in particular the Catholic Church. It has kept me awake for nights. Desperately want to discuss with someone. Thank goodness for the strong people who stand up to these horrendous humans. Praise to the author for her strength and honesty in writing such a raw and profound unimaginable story.
August 21, 2019
I couldn't put this book down. I didn't know to what extent the Catholic Church had played in these horrible events. It's absolutely mind blowing that Margaret & others that were abused were shunned & made to feel like an embarrassment to the Church. Their faith failed them. A true measure of bravery & persistence by Margaret to stand up to such a damning organisation. An absolute must read.
April 23, 2019
Terribly sad but with a wonderful message of love. Speaking out against your family and the church is a truly harrowing experience and Margaret should be commended for her bravery. May others be equally inspired.
November 6, 2019
Such an sad read. Good on you Sue for finding your voice and telling your story. Well done for becoming an advocate for victims. I would be interested in knowing when did you tell you children about what has happened to you and their reaction to it.
February 24, 2019
Moving read
A moving account of the atrocities committed against innocent children. May victims gather strength from this survivors story and speak out.
A moving account of the atrocities committed against innocent children. May victims gather strength from this survivors story and speak out.
April 24, 2019
Excellent book, I really admire the strength of this brave woman.
August 29, 2019
I don't enjoy choosing a rating for books like this. No I didn't enjoy the content, but yes I think it was an intriguing well written book that is an important story to be heard.
May 2, 2020
A courageous voice sharing the pain and despair of abuse but also one that gives hope for a survivor.
June 27, 2020
Very powerful and I hope Margaret continues to get answers and that this book encourages others to come forward.
November 30, 2020
Harrowing, insightful and heartbreaking. Thank you for the courage to share your story Margaret. When we care for vulnerable children more than monoliths we can call ourselves a humane society.
May 17, 2020
I listened to this audiobook some time ago, after hearing the author on a podcast (maybe Conversations on the ABC?). A brave and harrowing story as with the stories of all victims of child sexual abuse. It's really hard to comprehend the suffering produced by these insidious crimes committed against the most vulnerable members of our community. The sheer scale of the abuse, and the way churches and other institutions protected the offenders and left the victims to fend for themselves is more than horrifying. I hope with royal commissions, continuing legal prosecutions and the outpouring of grief of the brave survivors that we will be able to eliminate these crimes and help the victims recover.
March 4, 2021
A very powerful yet confronting read. Hats off to Margaret who is so incredibly brave, strong and inspirational. She endured years of relentless abuse and has found the courage to speak out and fight for justice. At times, I found myself cringing and shocked to learn the reality of her sad story is unfortunately true for so many other victims of the church. Let’s hope and pray that many more victims will find their voice and speak up to be acknowledged and fight for the truth to be revealed not hidden.
December 27, 2023
This is a me thing, I know, but I 100% lose sympathy for committed Christians who believe that doctrine and practice should be flexible JUST FOR THEM. ("They wouldn't marry me in Church JUST BECAUSE my husband had been married before! Obviously I thought the doctrine was fine before it affected ME, because no-one in the last two millennia has ever been as IN LOVE AS ME!")
September 6, 2020
This book was not as it was advertised. Disappointing. The description made it sound like she discovered the abuse as a nun and fought the church. It didn't happen that way. She was only a nun for a few years.
April 18, 2021
Having read "A Diamond in the Dust" by Sue Smethurst I thought this would have to be a great read. I don't think it's the author's fault that I disliked this book so much and I can't really pin point what felt so "off" sufficient to say it's a 1 star for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews