Customer Reviews

Beyond Belief

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Colm O'Gorman took me briefly back to the exciting and secret Dublin in the Viking and the Hirschfeld center that I also knew. But other terrible 'secrets' I luckily never had to keep. But his story literally made me weep for my own life and his. I could not physically put the book down until I finished it although I was exhausted. Clearly and honestly told. Unsparing in its revelations. His story should be sickeningly familiar to many and remains heartbreakingly without a certain justice.

What a brave and sad story! I cannot believe that the Roman Catholic church 'got away' with what they did to generations of 'the faithful'. This story can be told by many people all over the world and it was not just Ireland that suffered under the abuse (as we now know). I am reminded of being educated in Christian Brothers schools in Australia and suffering at the hands of the sadistic so called "Christian" Brothers who beat us, abused us and made us feel insignificant and worthless. I am pleased to see the demise of the Christian Brothers Order in Australia and the fact that they can no longer practice their particular brand of physical, emotional and spiritual cruelty.
I never suffered sexual abuse but I have empathy with those who did and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for them to come to terms with the betrayal by the church, the authorities and their parents. I don't think financial compensation can satisfy the anger of the victims. Looking forward, I am disappointed with the official line taken by the church - I am not sure the hierarchy are really sorry; I think they have been found out and have apologised because they have to. Nothing changes! Books like this help others who have suffered realise they they were/are not alone. Those responsible then and now have a lot to answer for. This book should be compulsory reading so that what happened can never happen again.

The first person narration makes the reading very powerful and personal. It strikes the reader as something being shared on a direct basis. The insights further elevates the tragedy to a height that would attract global attention. Very nicely written.