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Sanctuary: The True Story of an Irish Village, a Man Who Lost His Way, and the Rescue Donkeys That Led Him Home
For decades, his family rescued lost and forgotten donkeys in the Irish countryside.
He had no idea that one day, the donkeys would rescue him.
Patrick Barrett grew up on the back of a donkey. In the small village of Liscarroll, the young boy helped his family run a sanctuary for abandoned and abused donkeys. Struggling in school, Patrick only felt truly accepted in the presence of these funny, fuzzy, touching animals. It was like magic, how he and the donkeys understood each other. He became a true “donkey whisperer”―reading their body language, communicating with them in ways they could understand, and teaching himself how to “speak” in their distinctive calls.
But when Patrick was of age, he shipped out with the Irish Army and encountered unimaginable wartime horrors in Lebanon and Kosovo. In the aftermath, he returned home a broken man, sinking into the depths of PTSD and addictions. He believed nothing could save him. But he hadn’t counted on the donkeys.
Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him. It’s an antidote to despair and a call to hope, revealing the beauty and wonder of Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.
He had no idea that one day, the donkeys would rescue him.
Patrick Barrett grew up on the back of a donkey. In the small village of Liscarroll, the young boy helped his family run a sanctuary for abandoned and abused donkeys. Struggling in school, Patrick only felt truly accepted in the presence of these funny, fuzzy, touching animals. It was like magic, how he and the donkeys understood each other. He became a true “donkey whisperer”―reading their body language, communicating with them in ways they could understand, and teaching himself how to “speak” in their distinctive calls.
But when Patrick was of age, he shipped out with the Irish Army and encountered unimaginable wartime horrors in Lebanon and Kosovo. In the aftermath, he returned home a broken man, sinking into the depths of PTSD and addictions. He believed nothing could save him. But he hadn’t counted on the donkeys.
Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him. It’s an antidote to despair and a call to hope, revealing the beauty and wonder of Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 22, 2022
63 people are currently reading
2114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 8, 2021
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and was riveted. All at once, it's a fascinating book about the lives and intelligence and loyalty of a most misunderstood (and abused) creature and a book about redemption. I appreciate how the book is spiritual, but honest and raw and never ever preachy. It also was, at many times, cinematic with its descriptions of the experiences the protagonist/author has had.
March 8, 2022
A must-read for every fan of memoir! Sanctuary is a book for anyone longing to be inspired, whose soul craves being seen, or who needs a reminder that redemption is possible—no matter your situation. Reading this book felt like taking a a walk through the streets and hills of southern Ireland with Patrick Barrett and the rescued donkeys who helped him find his way home. Full of personal stories—some heartwarming, some heartbreaking, each is a testimony to the power of redemption and the beautiful gift of grace.
*I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2022
This is the account of a man from Co. Cork who describes how he made most of the mistakes he could have made in life, and finally returned to his roots at the Donkey Sanctuary his father had started. The donkeys cared for here have many lessons to teach us by example, such as patience, kindness, caring about all members of their family.
The book is not suitable for children so I hope a more junior edition could be prepared. I found this good read, honest and sad at times, but respectful and overall positive.
I downloaded an ARC from Edelweiss. This is an unbiased review.
The book is not suitable for children so I hope a more junior edition could be prepared. I found this good read, honest and sad at times, but respectful and overall positive.
I downloaded an ARC from Edelweiss. This is an unbiased review.
September 1, 2025
I wanted to own/live on a donkey farm before I knew this book existed...and listening to this just made me want it more.
July 19, 2022
Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him.
In the small Irish village of Liscarroll, Patrick Barrett helped his family run a sanctuary for abandoned and abused donkeys. He did poorly in school and his headmaster beat him. Patrick only felt truly accepted in the presence of the donkeys and he could read their body language and communicate in ways they could understand.
Falling prey to the cultural norms of life in an Irish village, Barrett had his first drink at age seven and came to depend on alcohol to numb his anxiety. At age 19, he was involved in a drunk driving accident and enlisted in the Irish Army to avoid serving jail time. For five years, he experienced wartime horrors in Lebanon and Kosovo and returned home a broken man with PTSD. He used alcohol to medicate his pain. He turned his life around when he became a Christian while working at the donkey sanctuary.
Sanctuary is a sweet story about the love between a man and his donkeys and the intersection between faith and healing. I didn't know people abused donkeys in Ireland and in other places around the world; some details were hard for me to read. I'm so glad Patrick’s family created a sanctuary to protect and heal them—their love for the animals shined through and pulled on my heartstrings. The Irish lilt of the audio version's narrator was charming. I’ve written many pieces about people’s struggles with addiction and how God rescued them. In this instance, donkeys saved the author. God is so creative!
Although the book was written for an adult audience, it is appropriate for older teens and young adults. My only constructive criticism is that the same stories/anecdotes were used more than once. Also, on audio, the bouncing back and forth between narratives didn’t always work. Don’t let those comments stop you from reading it, though, just keeping it real. Sanctuary will make you smile. 4 stars.
* Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
Published Date: March 2022
Genre: Memoir
Read-alikes: Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See by Jennifer Marshall Bleakly; Rescuing Riley, Saving Myself: A Man and His Dog’s Struggle to Find Salvation by Zak Anderegg; Pound for Pound: A Story of One Woman’s Recovery and the Shelter Dogs Who Loved Her Back to Life by Shannon Kopp.
In the small Irish village of Liscarroll, Patrick Barrett helped his family run a sanctuary for abandoned and abused donkeys. He did poorly in school and his headmaster beat him. Patrick only felt truly accepted in the presence of the donkeys and he could read their body language and communicate in ways they could understand.
Falling prey to the cultural norms of life in an Irish village, Barrett had his first drink at age seven and came to depend on alcohol to numb his anxiety. At age 19, he was involved in a drunk driving accident and enlisted in the Irish Army to avoid serving jail time. For five years, he experienced wartime horrors in Lebanon and Kosovo and returned home a broken man with PTSD. He used alcohol to medicate his pain. He turned his life around when he became a Christian while working at the donkey sanctuary.
Sanctuary is a sweet story about the love between a man and his donkeys and the intersection between faith and healing. I didn't know people abused donkeys in Ireland and in other places around the world; some details were hard for me to read. I'm so glad Patrick’s family created a sanctuary to protect and heal them—their love for the animals shined through and pulled on my heartstrings. The Irish lilt of the audio version's narrator was charming. I’ve written many pieces about people’s struggles with addiction and how God rescued them. In this instance, donkeys saved the author. God is so creative!
Although the book was written for an adult audience, it is appropriate for older teens and young adults. My only constructive criticism is that the same stories/anecdotes were used more than once. Also, on audio, the bouncing back and forth between narratives didn’t always work. Don’t let those comments stop you from reading it, though, just keeping it real. Sanctuary will make you smile. 4 stars.
* Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
Published Date: March 2022
Genre: Memoir
Read-alikes: Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See by Jennifer Marshall Bleakly; Rescuing Riley, Saving Myself: A Man and His Dog’s Struggle to Find Salvation by Zak Anderegg; Pound for Pound: A Story of One Woman’s Recovery and the Shelter Dogs Who Loved Her Back to Life by Shannon Kopp.
March 29, 2022
Poignant and heartfelt memoir of an Irishman's struggles to find his way in life, set against the donkey sanctuary in which he grew up.
Barrett/Flory opens the chapters by describing donkey life and challenges, then emphasizing similar characteristics in Barrett's life.
It's a redemption story of God at work and the power of love.
Barrett/Flory opens the chapters by describing donkey life and challenges, then emphasizing similar characteristics in Barrett's life.
It's a redemption story of God at work and the power of love.
March 18, 2022
What a perfect time to be reading Sanctuary: The True Story of an Irish Village, a Man Who Lost His Way, and the Rescue Donkeys That Led Him Home by Patrick Barrett and Susy Flory. Patrick’s story begins with a whimsical, endearing description of his early years on a donkey sanctuary in a rural Irish village. But the story takes a dark turn as Patrick’s alcoholism and trauma-inducing military service take him down a tortured path of addiction and isolation. His return to the peaceful Irish village, and the work of nurturing abused and abandoned donkeys, is a beautiful story of humility, grace, and healing. As we are assaulted by the harrowing news of war stories all around us right now, it’s encouraging to read such a redemptive story that reveals how God’s reach is never far away, and that miracles can be found in the most ordinary circumstances.
I encourage you to dive into this story – it will do your heart good!
I encourage you to dive into this story – it will do your heart good!
March 17, 2022
Read my copy in less than 24 hours. This is a beautiful story. The Irish backdrop drew me in, the donkeys kept me entertained, and Patrick’s story of transformation inspired me with hope.
April 11, 2022
Once again, Susy Flory brings a story into the world that must be shared. Her ability to capture the heart of this heartwarming Irish story of redemption will keep you up all night or driving that extra mile to finish it if listening (like I did)!
Patrick takes you on his journey thinking he is searching for himself, only to find that the truest truth was refuge he was looking for was to depend on God.
Patrick and Susy introduce you to the family, landscape, history, and traditions of Liscarroll. When you are done reading you feel like part of the family and find yourself pricing plane tickets.
Patrick takes you on his journey thinking he is searching for himself, only to find that the truest truth was refuge he was looking for was to depend on God.
Patrick and Susy introduce you to the family, landscape, history, and traditions of Liscarroll. When you are done reading you feel like part of the family and find yourself pricing plane tickets.
March 26, 2023
I was very excited to read this story.
I special ordered the book from my local shop & ran to get it as soon as it came in.
I love that this family rescued & still rescues donkeys in need. Heroes for sure.
That being said, this book could easily have been 1/2 the pages & nothing lost.
Lines kept being repeated & similes repeated: I am just like the donkeys that need to be saved. If they have a second chance maybe I can too. Okay dude - we get it.
It was monotonous, I hoped it would get better at some point but it didn't & I ended up just skimming the last 30 pages.
The only thing keeping this from 1 star are the donkey facts I learned.
I special ordered the book from my local shop & ran to get it as soon as it came in.
I love that this family rescued & still rescues donkeys in need. Heroes for sure.
That being said, this book could easily have been 1/2 the pages & nothing lost.
Lines kept being repeated & similes repeated: I am just like the donkeys that need to be saved. If they have a second chance maybe I can too. Okay dude - we get it.
It was monotonous, I hoped it would get better at some point but it didn't & I ended up just skimming the last 30 pages.
The only thing keeping this from 1 star are the donkey facts I learned.
November 26, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much in the beginning; I gave a clear picture of the era, the expectations, the people, and so much insight into the animals!
I thought it could have used a better editing, as it was repetitive, which takes away from the impact this story was presenting. I felt it ran amuck towards the end. It didn’t have a smooth segway from his point of view to the back and forth view points and the ending was not as meaty as the rest of the book. But all in all, this man had a good tale to tell!
I thought it could have used a better editing, as it was repetitive, which takes away from the impact this story was presenting. I felt it ran amuck towards the end. It didn’t have a smooth segway from his point of view to the back and forth view points and the ending was not as meaty as the rest of the book. But all in all, this man had a good tale to tell!
April 20, 2022
The true story of a man and a donkey
Patrick Barrett and Susy Flory write about Patrick's life in the book "Sanctuary: The True Story of an Irish Village, a Man Who Lost His Way, and the Rescue Donkeys That Led Him Home", published by Tyndale House Publishers (Tyndale Momentum. The statement "Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him" on the back cover of the book shows the goal which is to show how faith got Patrick out form "being lost.". The rescue animals, mainly donkeys, with which he grew up were a help on this way. Patrick himself states in the introduction: "My life has been a series of tests. Some I have chosen well and passed, and others I have not. But I am blessed because my mam and dad started a donkey sanctuary to save lost donkeys, never dreaming it would save me too." I really appreciate that he is open an honest about his life: "I hated myself and the man I’d become. Or maybe I wasn’t a man at all, but rather some kind of dark monster. The darkness inside of me felt like it had taken over, morphing into a sort of shadow man who was running my life and calling the shots. I had no vision for a future, and now with a baby coming, I wondered what kind of life this was going to be for a child" (chapter 9). I also appreciate his statement in chapter 12: "It was an act of great mercy, because no one else would have taken me. I was unemployable. I was a real-life Prodigal Son, who decided to turn his back on his family and squander every opportunity he’d been given. In the biblical story, when the rebellious son returns, instead of greeting him with anger and shaming, his father greets him with open arms and a welcome back celebration. He didn’t deserve this kind of homecoming whatsoever, but his father loved him so much he did it anyway. In fact, when he saw his lost son coming, he ran to meet him."
The book touches the topics of alcoholism and general addictions, PTSD, and a possible dyslexia and attention deficit disorder (ADD) which was never diagnosed. I highly recommend this book to readers who like to read honest memoirs based on a Christian background.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#Sanctuary #Netgalley
Patrick Barrett and Susy Flory write about Patrick's life in the book "Sanctuary: The True Story of an Irish Village, a Man Who Lost His Way, and the Rescue Donkeys That Led Him Home", published by Tyndale House Publishers (Tyndale Momentum. The statement "Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him" on the back cover of the book shows the goal which is to show how faith got Patrick out form "being lost.". The rescue animals, mainly donkeys, with which he grew up were a help on this way. Patrick himself states in the introduction: "My life has been a series of tests. Some I have chosen well and passed, and others I have not. But I am blessed because my mam and dad started a donkey sanctuary to save lost donkeys, never dreaming it would save me too." I really appreciate that he is open an honest about his life: "I hated myself and the man I’d become. Or maybe I wasn’t a man at all, but rather some kind of dark monster. The darkness inside of me felt like it had taken over, morphing into a sort of shadow man who was running my life and calling the shots. I had no vision for a future, and now with a baby coming, I wondered what kind of life this was going to be for a child" (chapter 9). I also appreciate his statement in chapter 12: "It was an act of great mercy, because no one else would have taken me. I was unemployable. I was a real-life Prodigal Son, who decided to turn his back on his family and squander every opportunity he’d been given. In the biblical story, when the rebellious son returns, instead of greeting him with anger and shaming, his father greets him with open arms and a welcome back celebration. He didn’t deserve this kind of homecoming whatsoever, but his father loved him so much he did it anyway. In fact, when he saw his lost son coming, he ran to meet him."
The book touches the topics of alcoholism and general addictions, PTSD, and a possible dyslexia and attention deficit disorder (ADD) which was never diagnosed. I highly recommend this book to readers who like to read honest memoirs based on a Christian background.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#Sanctuary #Netgalley
June 28, 2023
Story about beautiful healing from alcoholism and PTSD that happens when surrounded by family, support, rehab, the love of God, and a donkey rescue farm. The dark, self-destructive parts are hard to read, but I'm so glad for the ultimate recovery. Especially appreciated hearing about his daily practice of prayer and meditation to set the day. Great audio. Loved hearing about donkeys - Wish there were more donkeys in the narrative. Maybe a YouTube channel with their stories from the sanctuary, please?
July 5, 2023
What a beautiful story of the Lord's redemption! God never stopped pursuing Patrick, and you can see exactly how He was working in a broken man's life. I'm so happy that Patrick responded to God's calling and is testifying to His goodness. I listened on Audible, and the narrator was very emotive. Definitely recommend!
December 3, 2022
The aching and beautiful journey of one man to be found and known. The countryside, people, and animals invited me in even as the abuse, trauma, and fear wrapped his world in darkness. I appreciate his vulnerability and willingness to reflect on the pressures and choices that led him through his life’s path.
March 11, 2024
Enjoyed it. True story about a man who grew up on a donkey sanctuary in Ireland and how his family and the donkeys overcome alcoholism and PTSD.
August 23, 2025
Loved it! Very authentic.
September 19, 2025
Makes me love donkeys even more. A beautiful story of healing and redemption.
April 24, 2022
A true story about the life of Patrick Barrett and his challenges and success. Set in Ireland you learn to appreciate the culture and the beauty and traditions of the land. A truly inspiring story of Patrick battling and overcoming his demons and life’s challenges. The story definitely comes from the heart. A very enjoyable read. I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway.
April 22, 2022
Rescued
A heartfelt story of an Irish man who lost himself to the trauma of his childhood schooling finding escape in alcohol and addiction at a young age. The authors expertly weave his experiences with the pub lifestyle, failed relationships, military traumas with his journey to healing. His family's donkey sanctuary plays a significant role in the rescue of his soul. A story that lends hope for redemption. Sanctuary is a must read book!
A heartfelt story of an Irish man who lost himself to the trauma of his childhood schooling finding escape in alcohol and addiction at a young age. The authors expertly weave his experiences with the pub lifestyle, failed relationships, military traumas with his journey to healing. His family's donkey sanctuary plays a significant role in the rescue of his soul. A story that lends hope for redemption. Sanctuary is a must read book!
January 18, 2023
Deeply moving…a true gift of writing and a wonderful story of redemption and hope.
April 21, 2022
This well-researched book takes us on an immersive journey into the history of Ireland. Tracing the lives of Patrick’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, the authors provide glimpses into the lower, middle, and upper classes, through a century of life on the Emerald Isle.
In addition to being a heartwarming tale of a loving family and strong faith, this authentic memoir is transparent about the all-too-common problems of trauma, crises, and addictions.
After reading about the difficulties of Patrick's challenging life, I came to a better understanding of the path through addiction and on to recovery. I highly recommend this fast-paced, true tale by Patrick Barrett and Susy Flory.
In addition to being a heartwarming tale of a loving family and strong faith, this authentic memoir is transparent about the all-too-common problems of trauma, crises, and addictions.
After reading about the difficulties of Patrick's challenging life, I came to a better understanding of the path through addiction and on to recovery. I highly recommend this fast-paced, true tale by Patrick Barrett and Susy Flory.
April 5, 2022
Beautifully written. Filled with very helpful information on understanding addiction, interwoven with wonderful stories about donkeys and Irish country life. This book came to me in a period of my life when I needed it most. I will definitely be recommending this to others. Thank you, Mr. Barrett! May God bless you and your family. (I received an advanced readers copy of this book, but the views expressed in this review are entirely my own).
April 7, 2022
This is a sweet, inspiring story of redemption that will keep you turning pages all the way to the end. Susy's descriptive storytelling put me right there on Patrick's family farm. Loved it!
April 2, 2022
Wonderful story
Beautifully detailed, full of love for animals and humans alike. A story of God’s love for everyone. You won’t regret reading this one.
Beautifully detailed, full of love for animals and humans alike. A story of God’s love for everyone. You won’t regret reading this one.
March 28, 2022
Rarely if ever have I started and finished a book within 24 hours. I picked this up off the kitchen counter as my wife had just received it from Amazon. This is an incredibly gripping story written in a beautiful way. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you Patrick Barrett for sharing your life and Susy Flory for capturing it for us.
March 29, 2022
This book was hard to put down! I loved how Patrick Barrett told his heart-wrenching story with grit and honesty. The Irish setting was enchanting and the donkeys were fascinating! It's the sort of read that gives one hope and inspiration to keep going no matter what.
March 26, 2022
I love how honest and vulnerable Patrick was in the telling of his story. My favorite part was when God redeemed this man that seemed so lost and unreachable. It’s truly astonishing how God saves us and gives us a new story and new beginning. I very much recommend this book
March 19, 2022
This story of Ireland, a lost Irishman, and the donkeys who saved him, was like taking a vacation to Ireland and watching how the locals live. It a romp! It was a tear jerker. It was a story of hope and faith, incredibly committed family, and the magic of Ireland. LOVED IT! Couldn’t put it down—even in the midst of the chaos.
June 23, 2022
Being Irish, going to Ireland has been a dream never achieved. But reading Patrick's and Susy's words, I feel like I know my heritage a little better now. Patrick's honesty about his life is so raw and touching. And the way this book is written has elicited a roller coaster of emotions. Thank you, Patrick, for your bravery in bringing your story to light. I suspect it is the story of many young men, and you gave yourself and them a voice. Thank you, Susy, for working with Patrick to bring this book to life. You two made a great team!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews