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ChoirBoy
Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 10, 2026
Book Review: ChoirBoy by Barry Alston
ChoirBoy is a powerful and emotionally intense novel that explores trauma, faith, survival, and the search for truth beneath a façade of respectability. In this gripping story, Barry Alston takes readers into a world where appearances can hide painful realities and where finding someone who truly listens can change everything.
The story centers on Anthony “Ant” Morgan, known as ChoirBoy—a young man gifted with striking looks and a remarkable singing voice that captivates everyone who hears him. From the outside, Ant appears destined for greatness, especially within the church community where his stepfather, Reverend Shadrack E. Brown, holds a powerful position. But behind the polished image of the church lies a darker truth.
Ant lives under the shadow of his stepfather’s authority and cruelty, while his mother, Sylvia—the church’s status-conscious First Lady—chooses to ignore the suffering taking place within her own home. Reverend Brown’s influence and reputation allow him to maintain control while leaving a trail of victims whose stories remain buried beneath silence and fear.
Everything begins to shift when Ant meets Preme. Their relationship starts as an unlikely connection between two very different personalities, yet it quickly grows into a bond that becomes central to Ant’s emotional survival. For the first time, Ant begins to open up about the trauma he has carried for years. Through their conversations, the story reveals layers of pain, resilience, and the complicated process of confronting the past.
Alston’s narrative moves through multiple environments—from the church pulpit to the harsh realities of prison and the unforgiving streets—creating a vivid and sometimes unsettling portrait of the forces shaping Ant’s life. The story raises compelling questions about trust, motives, and whether Preme’s interest in Ant’s story is rooted in genuine concern or something more complex.
What makes ChoirBoy particularly impactful is its willingness to confront difficult themes. The novel tackles abuse, betrayal, and the misuse of power within institutions that are often meant to provide protection and guidance. At the same time, it highlights the strength required to speak the truth and the importance of finding allies who can help carry that burden.
Raw, emotional, and thought-provoking, ChoirBoy is a story about survival and the courage it takes to face painful truths. It invites readers to look beyond appearances and consider the hidden struggles many endure—and the transformative power of finally being heard.
ChoirBoy is a powerful and emotionally intense novel that explores trauma, faith, survival, and the search for truth beneath a façade of respectability. In this gripping story, Barry Alston takes readers into a world where appearances can hide painful realities and where finding someone who truly listens can change everything.
The story centers on Anthony “Ant” Morgan, known as ChoirBoy—a young man gifted with striking looks and a remarkable singing voice that captivates everyone who hears him. From the outside, Ant appears destined for greatness, especially within the church community where his stepfather, Reverend Shadrack E. Brown, holds a powerful position. But behind the polished image of the church lies a darker truth.
Ant lives under the shadow of his stepfather’s authority and cruelty, while his mother, Sylvia—the church’s status-conscious First Lady—chooses to ignore the suffering taking place within her own home. Reverend Brown’s influence and reputation allow him to maintain control while leaving a trail of victims whose stories remain buried beneath silence and fear.
Everything begins to shift when Ant meets Preme. Their relationship starts as an unlikely connection between two very different personalities, yet it quickly grows into a bond that becomes central to Ant’s emotional survival. For the first time, Ant begins to open up about the trauma he has carried for years. Through their conversations, the story reveals layers of pain, resilience, and the complicated process of confronting the past.
Alston’s narrative moves through multiple environments—from the church pulpit to the harsh realities of prison and the unforgiving streets—creating a vivid and sometimes unsettling portrait of the forces shaping Ant’s life. The story raises compelling questions about trust, motives, and whether Preme’s interest in Ant’s story is rooted in genuine concern or something more complex.
What makes ChoirBoy particularly impactful is its willingness to confront difficult themes. The novel tackles abuse, betrayal, and the misuse of power within institutions that are often meant to provide protection and guidance. At the same time, it highlights the strength required to speak the truth and the importance of finding allies who can help carry that burden.
Raw, emotional, and thought-provoking, ChoirBoy is a story about survival and the courage it takes to face painful truths. It invites readers to look beyond appearances and consider the hidden struggles many endure—and the transformative power of finally being heard.
March 11, 2021
This story touched on some very sensitive topics i.e. molestation, parental neglect, a flawed judicial system, pastoral pedophilia, and more. The author told this story through the eyes of not just the protagonist, Ant, but an "interesting" supporting cast. The only reason this story was not a 5-star read was due to the SPAG (spelling, punctuation, and grammar) errors. They were not in abundance, but enough for me to notice. While the plot points were predictable and the structure was thrown a bit off when the dialogue was not clearly defined, I enjoyed watching the author bring together all the players in this dramatic web. The plot was developed as were the characters. I am excited to read part two. I was invested early on in this tale and would recommend it to those who can read sensitive material and appreciate the drama it brings. 3.5 rolled to a 4
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews