BENITA: prey for him

by Virginia Tranel

prey for him is the true story of bright, vivacious Benita Kane and the Catholic priest who lured her from childhood into a disastrous, twenty-year entanglement that changed the course of her life. What happened to this fatherless girl in the hierarchical, patriarchal world of Dubuque, Iowa during the 40's, 50's and 60's is not simply one more tale of clerical sexual abuse, but rather an astounding, maddening, compelling account of what it was like to grow up in a family, community and culture so dominated by the Catholic church that no one could recognize the ominous events developing around them. As Benita's friend and classmate from second-grade through college, Virginia Tranel writes from the unique stance of both participant and observer.

360 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2010

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nearly impossible to put down once you start. After a little slow beginning building the background and historical setting of Dubuque, it quickly enthralls you in horrific tale of grooming. I was in tears multiple times while reading this book and seeing Benita’s growth through her life. Everyone should read this book. Especially those who were raised Catholic.

[Martha Camire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a recovering Catholic and attended Catholic School through the eighth grade. This disturbing story brought all of the bad memories, guilt and horror back. When the nuns used to tell us that the baptized Catholics were the only ones going to heaven but in my logical mind, I had a big problem with that ideology. How could my friends who were Protestant, not be going to heaven even though they were good people who attended church regularly? I did not send my daughter to Catholic school because I wanted her to make up her own mind about what kind of religion she wanted. I exposed her to the Catholic Religion but there was no way I wanted her subjected to the guilt and bigotry dished out, by the Catholic Clergy. She is now 56. I realized that they were all lies and a secret cult. In the past few years an article appeared in the local newspaper naming all of the pedophile priests in the diocease. No surprise that the parish priest who married me (the first time) was named and the priest who heard my last confession 48 years ago. I don't attend Catholic Church anymore and I find that I really do like the Episcopalian church near me. I lived in Boston for 7 years, in early 80's and we know that the damn finally broke when spotlight investigated the pedophile priests, in New England. I was outraged and that's when I started losing my faith. Benita was groomed from a very young age and the fact that the priest was never held accountable is what the Catholic Church has done for 100's of years. The fact that the priest who heard her confession accused her (a young teenager) of tempting a grown man is laughable and disgusting. That's how they covered it up for so long. He should have reported the priest! Sadly the story left me very sad after bringing up so many unpleasant memories. Benita, unfortunately, lacked some logic when it came to breaking it off sooner, than she did. The author did a great job of telling her story.

[Jane L. Runneals · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew this priest

This book about the priest who ministered at my childhood church left me in goose bumps. It sickened me to hear what he did to so many young people and the lasting indelible impression that cut so deeply with Benita.
Even though the first section of this book could have been summed up much more briefly, once I waded through that part, the rest of the book was very engaging. Its message won't soon be forgotten.
My prayers and well wishes to Benita and her wonderful family who supported her along the way.

[Lavon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful book about Catholic priest sexual abuse on a young girl spanning two decades from the mid 40's to mid 60's but really continued plaguing her for her entire life. Sadly, this priest was assigned to the parish down the road from where I grew up. Although not the parish my family belonged to, we still attended mass there from time to time and I had several friends that did belong there. Hopefully the Catholic church as come a long way from the way they treated this poor woman. This was a fascinating read, and a book hard to put down!

[Sarah S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every bit as troubling as you'd expect, given the topic. Still, an interesting look into Dubuque's past.

[Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sickening thought, a man of God manipulating an innocent girl. Very powerful and eye opening, I have a whole new perspective on the religion I was raised in

[Jan Cray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very disturbing and too close to home. This priest lived in my community and was beloved by many, who obviously had no idea.