Out of Order

by Rob Donnelly

Rob Donnelly entered a catholic contemplative monastery in 1990. His search for truth spanned a decade when the darker realities of the institutional church were beginning to come to light. This memoir is a coming of age story set in extraordinary circumstances. It's a personal account of the journey into the catholic priesthood and the hard reality of leaving it. It's a story of whales and mystics, saints and sinners, spiritual traditions and masculine cultures. It's the story of gravity and enduring love.

352 pages, Paperback

Published June 26, 2019

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense. Intriguing. Inspirational. My only complaint is that this memoir ended when it did, because I'd love to learn more about Rob's post-Carmelite life. I hope he's planning a second volume.

[Genevieve Crisp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable, raw account of the emotional hangover of a Catholic upbringing in contemporary Australia. There is uplifting poetry in the writing that helps soothe the pain and anguish of the cruel torments of childhood. One is left feeling a huge sense of relief that the shackles of the institutionalised church can ultimately be thrown off without any shame or guilt. We can make our own peace.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by this insight into the author's journey into monastic life and the priesthood. The memoir was amazingly open and personal.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! The writing is so evocative - beautiful imagery and musical language I sometimes stopped and read out loud so that I could really savour it. So many layers in the story too - an engaging tale of a young man finding his place in the world, with thought provoking reflections about faith and relationships and masculinity artfully woven through the narrative.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sensitive young man on a spiritual quest applies to join the Carmelites. Nine years later and after much self-analysis, he comes to the realisation that the life isn't for him after all. Painfully honest, poetic and occasionally ponderous, the author highlights the humanity of those living in a monastic community, while wrestling with his own vows of chastity and obedience.

[nicholas taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob I am really glad that you has the courage to document your thoughts and feelings into this lovey book. I hope your book empowers others as it has me .. well done!