Anatomy of a Secret: One Man's Search for Justice

by Gerard McCann

Raw and compelling, Anatomy of a Secret bravely shares long silenced, unspoken truths.As a boy, Gerard was sexually abused by a Catholic priest at his local church. As a grown man, he confronts the trauma of what he suffered and the psychological aftermath of his experience, grappling with shame, guilt and the devastating impact it had on his family, relationships and sense of self. Despite what he endured, Gerard's story is one of hope and healing, of acknowledging pain and seeking support, of honesty and justice.

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

It still amazes me how the church denies that nothing happened to these poor boys and it takes years for an apology and not to be swept under the carpet. Thank you Gerard for telling your truth.

[Kamille Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb, intelligent and deeply touching memoir.
Gerard McCann’s masterful memoir leaves an indelible imprint on the heart and conscience.
Gerard gives the reader a deeply personal insight into his experiences as a child and then adult abused by the Catholic Church. An establishment more concerned about protecting paedophile priests than the innocent. His voice is clear, precise and draws us into his very West Australian childhood. One of five boys in a traditional Catholic household where the entire family is subordinate to the church.
Intelligently and empathetically, Anatomy of a Secret documents institutional and societal failure to protect our most innocent. It highlights the danger of blind obedience to a perceived higher power.
I was deeply saddened when reading the description of Gerard’s mother innocently packing a bag before handing her son to a paedophile for the weekend. His moral confusion, fear and sense of powerlessness is palpable.
Despite Anatomy of a Secret documenting the pain of innocence lost and a life navigating the effects of trauma, Gerard’s prose is masterful. Thanks to his early curiosity and creativity - writing poetry as a boy, and later his connection to art and philosophy, his debut is fine literature and a joy to read.
Parts of the story are gruelling, but when Gerard tells of his discovery of freedom via travel and study, combined with his love story with Louise, it shines bright with hope. This hope carried me through the breathtakingly disturbing events to a conclusion with the promise of healing and joy.
In writing his own journey, Gerard has honoured the suffering and journey of the many abused and silenced by the church; those who did not survive to speak out or were too crippled by their trauma to find a voice. In finding his voice, Gerard has created the opportunity for others to find theirs, and that is a gift.
On a wider scale, Gerard McCann's memoire documents important historical events. Anatomy of a Secret is a must read and a triumph.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir will stay with me for a long time. It’s not just about the abuse of a boy at the hands of a paedophile Catholic priest, the loss of innocence and the subsequent trauma and grief. It’s also about hiding shame and trying to build a life around wounds too painful to speak. It’s about finding meaning and autonomy, and love. And it’s about taking on the might of the Catholic Church and never giving up in the search for justice. Beautifully written, deeply insightful, this memoir is a masterpiece.

[Jay Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well written account of the impact of abuse on a child, and Gerard's struggle for justice - for himself and the many others harmed in similar ways. Highly highly recommended.

[Bertolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harrowing story beautifully written. Gerard McCann bravely pursued justice - a huge undertaking given the profound effect of the secret on him and the difficulties in dealing with the echelons of the Catholic church.
A must read.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir will stay with me for a long time. It’s not just about the abuse of a boy at the hands of a paedophile Catholic priest, the loss of innocence and the subsequent trauma and grief. It’s also about hiding shame and trying to build a life around wounds too painful to speak. It’s about finding meaning and autonomy, and love. And it’s about taking on the might of the Catholic Church and never giving up in the search for justice. Beautifully written, deeply insightful, this memoir is a masterpiece.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHORTLISTED 2025 WA Premier’s Book Awards - Non Fiction