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When I first heard about this book I was somewhat skeptical about it because I am Catholic and live in the Boston area. The entire clergy sex-abuse scandal has been so volatile it is often difficult to have a rational conversation about it. I need not have worried. Jennifer Haigh is a skillful writer with a deep understanding of the complexities of abuse, its legacy, and the complexities of human hearts.
It is difficult to talk too much about this books without giving away too much. The story is ...more
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It is interesting that the title in English is « Faith » and that in French it has been translated as Le Grand Silence (The Grand of Great Silence » which is for more a more accurate title to the book. So much things have not been said, have been kept silent in the Catholic Faith for so long ... it is not a question of faith but of greed, power, sex, and more, and some faith. So much good has been done but so much deception, heresy, and more over the years. The book has touched above the Church
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Faith by Jennifer Haigh is an exploration into the lives of a Catholic family that has been torn apart by scandal. We’ve all heard of the scandal involving the Catholic church and priests molesting boys. This novel delves deeply into the effects of what happens to the family when one of their own has been accused of molesting a young boy. It is a very emotional and powerful novel that keeps you involved because you want to know – is the accused guilty or not? and the journey through the events t
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This is much more than a snatched from the headlines Catholic Church story, although the Boston archdiocese scandal is the backdrop for the novel. And while there is an element of suspense (did he or didn't he?), it is much more an exploration of family dynamics. The switch in point of view felt a bit wonky at times, not sure how deliberate that was on the author's part, but i found it distracting.
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A Boston priest is erroneously accused of sexually abusing a young boy. The consequences he suffers at the hand of the church, neighbors, and his family are the main areas of discussion in the book. There are some interesting subplots that evolve as well.
3.5 stars but I round it up to 4 stars, due to its controversial but unpretentious theme :) This is my first time reading Jennifer Haigh, and the story reminds me of the ones Jodi Picoult love to write about. The difference is, Haigh can deliver it in more convincing way, with believable characters who are not 100% likable but can draw my sympathy. The issue of pedophilia priests is pretty controversial, especially because it was based on true events in Boston. Haigh can bring the story into lif
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This book caught my attention from page 1. I loved the way the author writes. The story was SO interesting, and I always love books set in Boston. It is the story of an extended Boston Irish catholic family from South Boston whose son, a priest, gets accused of molesting a child. The time is 2002 when the archdiocese of Boston was exploding with accusations. The story is told from many pointsa of view and each character is so well described.
Apr 12, 2011
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