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Fallen Men
Fallen Men by Brian O’Hare is a story of three priests. All are good, spiritual men but why does young Father Ray Canavan Ray find himself on trial in a Dublin court for statutory rape of a minor? And why is his equally popular friend, Father Dan Patterson, raucously accused of murder by a member of his congregation as he attempts to celebrate a Requiem Mass? And why does Canon Tony Mulholland so lose sight of his priestly responsibilities that he tries to cover up Ray’s indiscretions by sending him to hide in Italy ?
Fallen Men touches on dark themes but ultimately it is a novel of redemption. It is a story that will bring tears to many eyes and characters who will remain in your heart long after you have put the book down. John Anthony, publisher, says: “Anyone who has read and enjoyed Colleen McCullough’s Thornbirds will also enjoy Fallen Men.”
Fallen Men touches on dark themes but ultimately it is a novel of redemption. It is a story that will bring tears to many eyes and characters who will remain in your heart long after you have put the book down. John Anthony, publisher, says: “Anyone who has read and enjoyed Colleen McCullough’s Thornbirds will also enjoy Fallen Men.”
- GenresChristian
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2012
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Brian O'Hare
22 books178 followersBrian O'Hare, MA, Ph.D., is a retired assistant director of a large regional college of further and higher education. Married, three children, ten grandchildren, one great grandchild. He plays golf three times a week off a ten handicap and does a lot of voluntary work. Any writing he has previously done was academic...very much restricted to a very specific readership. Several articles in educational journals were followed by a number of book-length reports for the Dept. of Education and the University of Ulster.
He has also written an interesting biography of a man who daily performs amazing miracles of healing...The Miracle Ship. That is currently available in Amazon's Kindle bookstore. Hopefully those who read it will spread the word and write reviews to help John's message to reach the hearts of many, many people. The Miracle Ship has won top medallist honours in the New Apple 2015 Awards for literary excellence.
Brian had a liver disease since childhood which resulted in him taking early retirement a number of years ago. In 2002 he had a liver transplant but is strong and healthy now. He continued to do academic writing well into his retirement and followed that with a memoir about his liver transplant, dealing with the physical, emotional and spiritual experiences that came from that period in his life (A Spiritual Odyssey, published by Columba Press, Dublin).
Recently he experienced a desire to write fiction. Hence Fallen Men. It is a story about three priests...but it is religious in much the same way Thornbirds was religious. Fallen Men has won two awards, including top medallist honours in the contemporary fiction category of the 2015 New Apple Awards.
He has also finished two further novels, both part of a new series commissioned by Crimson Cloak publishing, The Inspector Sheehan Mysteries.. The first is a murder mystery inspired by an old 14th century painting of the Last Judgement. It's called "The Doom Murders", and it is available on Kindle and in print. The Doom Murders has to date won three prestigious awards.
The second book in the series, "The 11.05 Killings", has now been written. Obviously it features the same detectives as in The Doom Murders but since it was published only a few weeks ago it has not yet had time to collect any awards. The third book in the series, The Coven Murders, is currently being written.
To launch the print version of The Doom Murders, CCP asked Brian to write a couple of short stories, featuring Inspector Sheehan. These were originally intended to be Facebook games (i.e. a kind of 'see the clues, guess the killer' thing) but the publisher liked them so much that she has started a new line called Crimson Shorts. Brian's two shorts ( a third was written to launch The 11.05 Killings) Murder at Loftus House and Murder at the Roadside Cafe are now available on Amazon in Kindle and print versions. So, too, is the third, Murder at the Wooodlands Care Home.
Also now available on Kindle (as well as print) is the story of Brian's liver transplant and the growth in spirit he experienced as he waited for almost a year, not knowing if he was going to live or die. See: "A Spiritual Odyssey [Diary of an Ordinary Catholic]"
He has also written an interesting biography of a man who daily performs amazing miracles of healing...The Miracle Ship. That is currently available in Amazon's Kindle bookstore. Hopefully those who read it will spread the word and write reviews to help John's message to reach the hearts of many, many people. The Miracle Ship has won top medallist honours in the New Apple 2015 Awards for literary excellence.
Brian had a liver disease since childhood which resulted in him taking early retirement a number of years ago. In 2002 he had a liver transplant but is strong and healthy now. He continued to do academic writing well into his retirement and followed that with a memoir about his liver transplant, dealing with the physical, emotional and spiritual experiences that came from that period in his life (A Spiritual Odyssey, published by Columba Press, Dublin).
Recently he experienced a desire to write fiction. Hence Fallen Men. It is a story about three priests...but it is religious in much the same way Thornbirds was religious. Fallen Men has won two awards, including top medallist honours in the contemporary fiction category of the 2015 New Apple Awards.
He has also finished two further novels, both part of a new series commissioned by Crimson Cloak publishing, The Inspector Sheehan Mysteries.. The first is a murder mystery inspired by an old 14th century painting of the Last Judgement. It's called "The Doom Murders", and it is available on Kindle and in print. The Doom Murders has to date won three prestigious awards.
The second book in the series, "The 11.05 Killings", has now been written. Obviously it features the same detectives as in The Doom Murders but since it was published only a few weeks ago it has not yet had time to collect any awards. The third book in the series, The Coven Murders, is currently being written.
To launch the print version of The Doom Murders, CCP asked Brian to write a couple of short stories, featuring Inspector Sheehan. These were originally intended to be Facebook games (i.e. a kind of 'see the clues, guess the killer' thing) but the publisher liked them so much that she has started a new line called Crimson Shorts. Brian's two shorts ( a third was written to launch The 11.05 Killings) Murder at Loftus House and Murder at the Roadside Cafe are now available on Amazon in Kindle and print versions. So, too, is the third, Murder at the Wooodlands Care Home.
Also now available on Kindle (as well as print) is the story of Brian's liver transplant and the growth in spirit he experienced as he waited for almost a year, not knowing if he was going to live or die. See: "A Spiritual Odyssey [Diary of an Ordinary Catholic]"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 9, 2020
This was an emotional story that touched on several sensitive subjects. I was apprehensive at first due to the initial religious writing and extreme thinking in the one priest. However, my doubt soon diminished as I dove deeper into the book as it was not as I imagined it would be from the first few pages. This author has a talent for hooking a reader into his stories.
I admit it was a difficult book for me to review. My career has been in the human justice field for many many years (have I aged myself yet... lol) so there were areas I struggled with while reading the book. However, I cannot deny the author's talented story telling.
I would read this book again but it's not an easy subject.
I received an ARC through VRO for review.
I admit it was a difficult book for me to review. My career has been in the human justice field for many many years (have I aged myself yet... lol) so there were areas I struggled with while reading the book. However, I cannot deny the author's talented story telling.
I would read this book again but it's not an easy subject.
I received an ARC through VRO for review.
February 9, 2016
I will admit to feelings of dismay and reluctance when I first began to read this book. The acknowledgements and the prologue indicated that it was to be about a young Catholic priest in Ireland. While I always attempt to remain neutral and objective in my reviews of books, I find that also being honest will often lend itself to accumulate too much cynicism when I’m reading books about religion, particularly books containing too much religiosity. Thankfully, Brian O’Hare’s novel was gripping from the first few pages and so well written, with balance and tactful insight, that I was able to retain my respect for another person’s religious beliefs while entering the curious world of Irish Catholicism.
Fallen Men is an excellent novel about the fragility and emotions of real people. It is a story about a priest, Ray Canavan, who makes a serious mistake when he becomes involved with Maria, a young student from a local girls’ school. She reminds him strongly about Karen, the woman he could have married had he not become devoted to God and the Church. There is much in Ray’s past life to discover and explain about his intense feelings of guilt, his vulnerability as a sensitive human being, and his apparent human frailty at a deeply emotional time in his life.
The reader is easily swayed between condemning Ray one moment, as the responsible adult, and the next sympathising with his inner child, with heart-felt sadness. There are several serious issues discussed and considered in the novel, such as abuse, abortion and faith, notwithstanding the intricacies of certain aspects of Irish Law. We are present during several court scenes and witness various conflicts between an individual’s duty to God, the Church and one’s humanity. Each of these concepts is handled so well by the author, within such beautiful dialogue and description that I was often left in awe, so full of admiration was I for the writing on the pages before me. Ray’s close friends, Dan and Tony, as well as Maria and Mrs Toner, the housekeeper are all characters well drawn and easily identifiable.
I would never, ever, have thought beforehand that a book tackling the religious issues in this novel could make me stick with it so intensely. It is a page-turner in the highest sense of the word and for me rates alongside books by Orwell, Dickens, Angelou, Steinbeck and Harper Lee etc. Highly recommended.
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest and objective review.
Fallen Men is an excellent novel about the fragility and emotions of real people. It is a story about a priest, Ray Canavan, who makes a serious mistake when he becomes involved with Maria, a young student from a local girls’ school. She reminds him strongly about Karen, the woman he could have married had he not become devoted to God and the Church. There is much in Ray’s past life to discover and explain about his intense feelings of guilt, his vulnerability as a sensitive human being, and his apparent human frailty at a deeply emotional time in his life.
The reader is easily swayed between condemning Ray one moment, as the responsible adult, and the next sympathising with his inner child, with heart-felt sadness. There are several serious issues discussed and considered in the novel, such as abuse, abortion and faith, notwithstanding the intricacies of certain aspects of Irish Law. We are present during several court scenes and witness various conflicts between an individual’s duty to God, the Church and one’s humanity. Each of these concepts is handled so well by the author, within such beautiful dialogue and description that I was often left in awe, so full of admiration was I for the writing on the pages before me. Ray’s close friends, Dan and Tony, as well as Maria and Mrs Toner, the housekeeper are all characters well drawn and easily identifiable.
I would never, ever, have thought beforehand that a book tackling the religious issues in this novel could make me stick with it so intensely. It is a page-turner in the highest sense of the word and for me rates alongside books by Orwell, Dickens, Angelou, Steinbeck and Harper Lee etc. Highly recommended.
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest and objective review.
November 7, 2014
When I embarked on the journey of reading the novel Fallen Men by Brian O’Hare, I was uncertain of what to expect. Was it a book on the Catholic religion? A book about personal relationships? A book on spirituality? Psychology? Faith? God? Sin? What? As I traveled down the labyrinth of this compelling novel, I found that it was all of that—and so much more. O’Hare, with both tender sensitivity and bold accusation, has created a story that is bound to touch the human spirit, a story you will not soon forget.
The narrative is about three young Catholic priests, each with a profound and abiding love for his God, a solemn dedication to his vocation—his calling to the priesthood—and a sincere desire to serve mankind. But in spite of their deep devotion, each in his own fashion loses his step along the way. One would not expect a story where three priests would become involved in selfish motivation, illicit sex, abortion, child abuse, and accusations of murder. And yet O’Hare, with both delicate finesse and explicit detail, explores the human element, the darkest secrets, of even the Catholic priesthood. O’Hare takes us inside the minds of these young men as they struggle to understand their actions, their motivations, their vulnerabilities, and the fiber of their faith.
Fallen Men is a lesson in human suffering, in weakness and uncertainty, in the testing of faith, in compassion, and, ultimately, in the steadfastness of God’s love. It is also a book of hope—for if even men of God can find forgiveness for sin in His mercy, then surely there is hope for each of us.
If you begin the journey into Fallen Men, do not expect a quick read. O’Hare’s exquisite style of writing demands that you relish each lyrical passage, that you immerse yourself in the pain of emotional upheaval, that you sense the emptiness of separation from God, that you feel the peace of merciful forgiveness.
Masterful writing! Magnificent Book! A must read for anyone with a human heart.
The narrative is about three young Catholic priests, each with a profound and abiding love for his God, a solemn dedication to his vocation—his calling to the priesthood—and a sincere desire to serve mankind. But in spite of their deep devotion, each in his own fashion loses his step along the way. One would not expect a story where three priests would become involved in selfish motivation, illicit sex, abortion, child abuse, and accusations of murder. And yet O’Hare, with both delicate finesse and explicit detail, explores the human element, the darkest secrets, of even the Catholic priesthood. O’Hare takes us inside the minds of these young men as they struggle to understand their actions, their motivations, their vulnerabilities, and the fiber of their faith.
Fallen Men is a lesson in human suffering, in weakness and uncertainty, in the testing of faith, in compassion, and, ultimately, in the steadfastness of God’s love. It is also a book of hope—for if even men of God can find forgiveness for sin in His mercy, then surely there is hope for each of us.
If you begin the journey into Fallen Men, do not expect a quick read. O’Hare’s exquisite style of writing demands that you relish each lyrical passage, that you immerse yourself in the pain of emotional upheaval, that you sense the emptiness of separation from God, that you feel the peace of merciful forgiveness.
Masterful writing! Magnificent Book! A must read for anyone with a human heart.
November 23, 2020
Fallen Men is an emotionally powerful and well-written novel displaying the author's knowledge of Catholic canon law and the criminal law in the Republic of Ireland. The three central characters (Ray, Tony and Dan) are all in varying degrees fallen priests: Ray because of his sexual relationship with a sixteen schoolgirl, Tony because he allowed his ambition to supersede his vocation and Dan because of his narrow, unsympathetic approach to members of his parish seeking compassionate guidance. But it is Ray who is focus of the story. Hints of the abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of a relative are subtly woven into the text at an early stage; suggestions of his ability to have strong romantic feelings for the opposite sex are cleverly introduced when we meet Karen. Similar feelings are revealed later after his ordination as a priest when he is searching for the schoolgirl, Maria, in the congregation - a schoolgirl who reminds him of the adult Karen. The author vividly describes Ray's descent into depression and emotional torpor brought on by feelings of darkness from his past; finally Ray crosses his Rubicon finding relief and love in the arms of this young, innocent girl.
The author displays a fine touch as he describes the reaction of Ray's immediate superior and other members of the clergy as they seek to cover up Ray's criminal acts; the dialogue in the court where Ray stands trial is a masterpiece of literary description, in particular the judge's summation.
Fallen Men is a thoroughly enjoyable novel dealing with a harrowing sequence of events.
This review was written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
The author displays a fine touch as he describes the reaction of Ray's immediate superior and other members of the clergy as they seek to cover up Ray's criminal acts; the dialogue in the court where Ray stands trial is a masterpiece of literary description, in particular the judge's summation.
Fallen Men is a thoroughly enjoyable novel dealing with a harrowing sequence of events.
This review was written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
November 13, 2012
I finished “Fallen Men”, by Brian O'Hare yesterday, and really liked it.
Even though it talks about three Catholic Priests, I don’t believe it can be simply defined as “religious fiction”. It's way more than that.
It's more a study of how faith can both save or destroy you. Of how morality and honesty are relative concepts depending on one's point of view or interests at the moment. It’s also a study of how depression can lead to unthinkable decisions.
Brian O'Hare has talent to describe people and situations without boring the reader. He can also make you enter the characters' thoughts so you are deeply into the situation with them. And he creates real people, defected, sometimes weak, sometimes strong people. Priests, lay people… they are all real in a way you can relate to them here. And about Father McGennity… Boy, I know a Father really similar to him. Well, the truth is, Fathers are men, and men come in all sizes and kinds; O'Hare presented it greatly in this story.
I thought the way the forbidden relationship was presented was both tender and disturbing, which was perfect for the story. The gray areas that can surround even a Father’s life were very well described, even with Father Dan, and his black or white view of the world.
As a Catholic myself, I must say that I can relate much more to Father Dan than to Father Ray. What Ray did was inexcusable to me and even though the surroundings (internal and external) might help explain in some level his actions, I still believe his mission as a priest was exactly to avoid temptations at all costs. In my Parish we have amazing examples of Fathers so I may be too biased in my opinion… But I still believe he should have been better. I would prefer at all choices to be publicly accused as Father Dan, of following the Church's Laws to the end than as Ray.
I may sound too harsh, but the priesthood path is not for the faint of heart. It means an entire life of dedication to others and the Church. The Parish is your family, and God must be in your thoughts at all moments. Sure Priests sin too, but to an extent… Mortal sins in a Father shake the Church's core. I can understand some falls, but Ray fell too much for me.
You see, O'Hare's great skills as a writer are still making me think so passionately about Ray's story… All the moral dilemmas stay with you long after finishing the reading. And that's what makes me say this book is a must read. It doesn't matter your religion or even if you believe in anything… Fallen Men is an excellent, well-written story that raises great questions and gives a lot of food for thought.
Even though it talks about three Catholic Priests, I don’t believe it can be simply defined as “religious fiction”. It's way more than that.
It's more a study of how faith can both save or destroy you. Of how morality and honesty are relative concepts depending on one's point of view or interests at the moment. It’s also a study of how depression can lead to unthinkable decisions.
Brian O'Hare has talent to describe people and situations without boring the reader. He can also make you enter the characters' thoughts so you are deeply into the situation with them. And he creates real people, defected, sometimes weak, sometimes strong people. Priests, lay people… they are all real in a way you can relate to them here. And about Father McGennity… Boy, I know a Father really similar to him. Well, the truth is, Fathers are men, and men come in all sizes and kinds; O'Hare presented it greatly in this story.
I thought the way the forbidden relationship was presented was both tender and disturbing, which was perfect for the story. The gray areas that can surround even a Father’s life were very well described, even with Father Dan, and his black or white view of the world.
As a Catholic myself, I must say that I can relate much more to Father Dan than to Father Ray. What Ray did was inexcusable to me and even though the surroundings (internal and external) might help explain in some level his actions, I still believe his mission as a priest was exactly to avoid temptations at all costs. In my Parish we have amazing examples of Fathers so I may be too biased in my opinion… But I still believe he should have been better. I would prefer at all choices to be publicly accused as Father Dan, of following the Church's Laws to the end than as Ray.
I may sound too harsh, but the priesthood path is not for the faint of heart. It means an entire life of dedication to others and the Church. The Parish is your family, and God must be in your thoughts at all moments. Sure Priests sin too, but to an extent… Mortal sins in a Father shake the Church's core. I can understand some falls, but Ray fell too much for me.
You see, O'Hare's great skills as a writer are still making me think so passionately about Ray's story… All the moral dilemmas stay with you long after finishing the reading. And that's what makes me say this book is a must read. It doesn't matter your religion or even if you believe in anything… Fallen Men is an excellent, well-written story that raises great questions and gives a lot of food for thought.
July 28, 2017
Having previously read a couple of crime thrillers by this author, I decided to give this very different book a read. I'm so pleased I did as this is a great read. The book is a story about catholic priests, their lives and their challenges. However, I am not a catholic or even very religious and must emphasize straight away that this is a book anyone can enjoy. It is an extremely well written story which brings the characters to life and the daily challenges they face in their work and their friendships. I was so immersed in the book I read it in two sittings. The author gives us lots to think about and question. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2022
Fallen Men is primarily the sad story of a young Irish priest, Father Ray Canavan. But true to its title, other characters experience a fall of some kind. Father Ray's sin is lust, Father McGennity's is gluttony, Father Dan sees the world in black and white and will fall from the high horse of his smuggery. Father Tony is consumed by ambition and pride.
The blurb promoting the book refers to a frenzied affair with a beautiful seventeen year old student. But it's rather more and rather less than a frenzied affair. For one thing, Maria is a stalker, visiting Father Ray in the middle of the night. And the “affair” comprises a single lapse in self-control for which he will pay dearly.
For a non-Catholic, the passages about Roman Catholic issues and politics were interesting but the intransigence of the Church was hard to accept. The notion that a chaste separation before marriage can absolve the sin of pre-marital co-habitation seems strange indeed.
The principal characters are all cogently depicted but O'Hare doesn't spend many words giving us a sense of place. And while the events take place in the 21st century, it felt more like the mid-20th.
O'Hare uses the omniscient narrator approach from time to time, and while that helps to build tension, it also creates a sense of distance from the main character. We are privy to Ray's awful dreams, yet he forgets them. He knows he has nightmares but denies that he has repressed memories. What does he think those nightmares are about?
The young girl, Maria – her name is no accident – suffers emotional and some physical pain, but she's not held accountable for her actions. She's seen to be helpless in the face of her feelings and somehow not responsible.
Fallen Men is very well written and professionally edited. By and large the story keeps to its narrative path with a few digressions, an approach which is welcome these days. Readers more empathetic to Roman Catholicism will have a deeper appreciation of this fine novel.
The blurb promoting the book refers to a frenzied affair with a beautiful seventeen year old student. But it's rather more and rather less than a frenzied affair. For one thing, Maria is a stalker, visiting Father Ray in the middle of the night. And the “affair” comprises a single lapse in self-control for which he will pay dearly.
For a non-Catholic, the passages about Roman Catholic issues and politics were interesting but the intransigence of the Church was hard to accept. The notion that a chaste separation before marriage can absolve the sin of pre-marital co-habitation seems strange indeed.
The principal characters are all cogently depicted but O'Hare doesn't spend many words giving us a sense of place. And while the events take place in the 21st century, it felt more like the mid-20th.
O'Hare uses the omniscient narrator approach from time to time, and while that helps to build tension, it also creates a sense of distance from the main character. We are privy to Ray's awful dreams, yet he forgets them. He knows he has nightmares but denies that he has repressed memories. What does he think those nightmares are about?
The young girl, Maria – her name is no accident – suffers emotional and some physical pain, but she's not held accountable for her actions. She's seen to be helpless in the face of her feelings and somehow not responsible.
Fallen Men is very well written and professionally edited. By and large the story keeps to its narrative path with a few digressions, an approach which is welcome these days. Readers more empathetic to Roman Catholicism will have a deeper appreciation of this fine novel.
May 25, 2020
I received a free ebook from Voracious Readers Only. The book was very good! It was not predictable. I wasn't sure where the book was going.
The main characters were very likeable. Like most of us, have a past and flaws. Even though, the main characters, made some mistakes, you were still rooting for them.
The book talks about some heavy subjects. Makes you question, if there is more than one answer. Is life black or white?
A lot of the book takes place in the church. No matter, what your religious beliefs are, it makes you question what is right or wrong. What would you do, if you were in that situation.
I look forward to reading more books from Brian O'hare.
The main characters were very likeable. Like most of us, have a past and flaws. Even though, the main characters, made some mistakes, you were still rooting for them.
The book talks about some heavy subjects. Makes you question, if there is more than one answer. Is life black or white?
A lot of the book takes place in the church. No matter, what your religious beliefs are, it makes you question what is right or wrong. What would you do, if you were in that situation.
I look forward to reading more books from Brian O'hare.
November 6, 2022
While this is not a book I would ordinarily pick to read, it was a gift from the author and I told him I would read it, even though he assured me it was different from his Inspector Sheehan novels. Fallen Men was very different from the Sheehan books, but not in a bad way. I was taken back to my days living across the street, literally, from the rectory and Holy Name Catholic Church. I knew the priest really well, but didn't think of him as a real person, he was Fr. Jerry, the priest. I realize now how wrong that was of me. Sure he was God's voice on earth and he listened to all of his peoples' confessions, but he enjoyed having a cold beer at the annual social and telling jokes with the parishioners. The priests in Fallen Men are priests, but they're also men who make mistakes and learned from them. I think we should all try to do the same.
December 19, 2020
Oof. I forgot to save what I'd written, here, and it deleted, so I'll start again.
This was a difficult read. I'm typically a mystery/thriller/suspense/horror reader, but this? This was far more suspenseful and frequently more horrifying than my usual fare. Like I started with, it's a difficult read. I'm a practicing Catholic. I'm all too familiar with the horrors that have been perpetuated in the church. The previous bishop in my dioscese was convicted and imprisoned- an airport employee thought his behavior suspicious. His computer was searched. They found a huge amount of child pornography. He was returning from Thailand. Yeah. This stuff, it's bad, and it's everywhere. Thankfully, real steps are finally being taken, but we have a long way to go.
More relevant, though, I have an old school friend who lived through a similar situation to the one presented here. I only know the bare bones,and even that part of her story is not mine to tell. But I will say that it definitely influenced my reading and interpretation of the events of the novel.
There were parts that made me physically ill. I had to speed through some passages because I found them so disturbing. And sad. And infuriating. But just the same, the author dealt with incredibly difficult subject matter with sensitivity. You can tell that there was solid research done. It was a thoughtful study on both the issues the church is facing, and on human frailty, justice and repentance.
Did I enjoy it? No. How could I? Did I appreciate it? Yes, very much.
The protagonist does very bad things, but he is not a caricature. He's not a one-dimensional, remorseless monster, but a damaged person (who still should have bloody known better. What's that saying? "16 will get you 20?" But this can partly be explained, at least, by his fragile mental state.) His redemption arc is satisfying, because it feels real. He faces the consequences of his actions. We need more of that in the world.
This was a difficult read. I'm typically a mystery/thriller/suspense/horror reader, but this? This was far more suspenseful and frequently more horrifying than my usual fare. Like I started with, it's a difficult read. I'm a practicing Catholic. I'm all too familiar with the horrors that have been perpetuated in the church. The previous bishop in my dioscese was convicted and imprisoned- an airport employee thought his behavior suspicious. His computer was searched. They found a huge amount of child pornography. He was returning from Thailand. Yeah. This stuff, it's bad, and it's everywhere. Thankfully, real steps are finally being taken, but we have a long way to go.
More relevant, though, I have an old school friend who lived through a similar situation to the one presented here. I only know the bare bones,and even that part of her story is not mine to tell. But I will say that it definitely influenced my reading and interpretation of the events of the novel.
There were parts that made me physically ill. I had to speed through some passages because I found them so disturbing. And sad. And infuriating. But just the same, the author dealt with incredibly difficult subject matter with sensitivity. You can tell that there was solid research done. It was a thoughtful study on both the issues the church is facing, and on human frailty, justice and repentance.
Did I enjoy it? No. How could I? Did I appreciate it? Yes, very much.
The protagonist does very bad things, but he is not a caricature. He's not a one-dimensional, remorseless monster, but a damaged person (who still should have bloody known better. What's that saying? "16 will get you 20?" But this can partly be explained, at least, by his fragile mental state.) His redemption arc is satisfying, because it feels real. He faces the consequences of his actions. We need more of that in the world.
September 14, 2019
Fallen Men by Brian O’Hare is a novel set in Ireland in 2004. The ‘fallen men’ referred to in the title are three priests—two newly ordained along with their older mentor who finds his ‘career’ advancing very well with hopes for further advancements.
Again as the title suggests, all three have personal faults that show themselves in varying degrees in their personal and ministerial lives.
Ray is young and good looking and finds himself in the spotlight of the girls’ school choir members. He is also in a parish where the parish priest is an abusive bully who gives no support to the increasingly depressed young priest who is dealing with personal issues that have been repressed for years.
Dan is also young, with an outgoing personality who is popular with parishioners but who cannot find a way to get beyond righteous condemnation of any kind of sinfulness.
Tony seems to have it all together—except that his main focus increasingly becomes ambition for his future career.
And of course all three encounter moments of disgrace and humiliation—again to varying degrees.
Early in the book, I was skeptical. There are so many stories that are written where if there is a priest character—he has to be entirely negative. However, in the acknowledgements, the author thanks various priest friends who have helped him to achieve authenticity in his characters. As I continued reading the story, I think this authenticity became more clear.
Yes, the characters were flawed but apart from Father McGennity, the bullying priest in the parish where Ray is assigned, they all had a genuine desire to do good and live up to their calling. And, even through indiscretions and criminal trials, redemption is found.
There is darkness in this story. There is also insight and compassion. I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you Brian O’Hare for thought provoking story.
Again as the title suggests, all three have personal faults that show themselves in varying degrees in their personal and ministerial lives.
Ray is young and good looking and finds himself in the spotlight of the girls’ school choir members. He is also in a parish where the parish priest is an abusive bully who gives no support to the increasingly depressed young priest who is dealing with personal issues that have been repressed for years.
Dan is also young, with an outgoing personality who is popular with parishioners but who cannot find a way to get beyond righteous condemnation of any kind of sinfulness.
Tony seems to have it all together—except that his main focus increasingly becomes ambition for his future career.
And of course all three encounter moments of disgrace and humiliation—again to varying degrees.
Early in the book, I was skeptical. There are so many stories that are written where if there is a priest character—he has to be entirely negative. However, in the acknowledgements, the author thanks various priest friends who have helped him to achieve authenticity in his characters. As I continued reading the story, I think this authenticity became more clear.
Yes, the characters were flawed but apart from Father McGennity, the bullying priest in the parish where Ray is assigned, they all had a genuine desire to do good and live up to their calling. And, even through indiscretions and criminal trials, redemption is found.
There is darkness in this story. There is also insight and compassion. I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you Brian O’Hare for thought provoking story.
January 20, 2016
Fallen Men is a deep, thought-provoking novel written about—and from—the heart. The story gripped my emotions, involving me in the characters’ issues.
Ray Canavan, a young divinity student, learns of his parents’ sudden deaths. He returns home for the funerals, where old emotions and memories awaken. His meeting with Karen, the woman he would have married had he not chosen the priesthood, stuns him with its intensity. Ray questions his vocation, but goes on to be ordained.
Two years later, he takes his first job as curate to a self-absorbed, abrasive parish priest who treats him with indifference. Plagued by loneliness and fearful dreams, Ray reaches out to parishioners. The principal of a local girls’ school suggests forming a youth choir. Ray meets Maria, a girl much like Karen, who holds his attention far more than he wants to admit.
Ray’s sensitively nuanced struggles with repressed memories, human and spiritual longing contrast sharply with his friend Dan Patterson’s dogmatic view of life. Dan is a priest who never questions his judgments of right and wrong—even when his decisions impose life-threatening conditions on people who trust him. Ray and Dan’s mentor, Canon Tony Mulholland, faces his own challenge with prideful ambition when both young priests come to him in crises. How the three resolve their conflicts holds reader attention to the very last page.
Add in the author’s pithy humor, descriptions that are, at times, breathtaking, believable dialogue from fully rounded characters, and the result is a novel I highly recommend.
Ray Canavan, a young divinity student, learns of his parents’ sudden deaths. He returns home for the funerals, where old emotions and memories awaken. His meeting with Karen, the woman he would have married had he not chosen the priesthood, stuns him with its intensity. Ray questions his vocation, but goes on to be ordained.
Two years later, he takes his first job as curate to a self-absorbed, abrasive parish priest who treats him with indifference. Plagued by loneliness and fearful dreams, Ray reaches out to parishioners. The principal of a local girls’ school suggests forming a youth choir. Ray meets Maria, a girl much like Karen, who holds his attention far more than he wants to admit.
Ray’s sensitively nuanced struggles with repressed memories, human and spiritual longing contrast sharply with his friend Dan Patterson’s dogmatic view of life. Dan is a priest who never questions his judgments of right and wrong—even when his decisions impose life-threatening conditions on people who trust him. Ray and Dan’s mentor, Canon Tony Mulholland, faces his own challenge with prideful ambition when both young priests come to him in crises. How the three resolve their conflicts holds reader attention to the very last page.
Add in the author’s pithy humor, descriptions that are, at times, breathtaking, believable dialogue from fully rounded characters, and the result is a novel I highly recommend.
April 8, 2014
Fallen Men: Absolutely Brilliant
To be perfectly honest, I would not have picked this book up to read. It’s simply not the type of story I read. I don’t enjoy reading stories with deep religion base to them. But, I decided to keep an open mind as I began reading Fallen Men.
And boy, was I in for a treat! I absolutely loved this story. The author is a fantastic writer and really takes the readers into the characters’ lives—into their minds. I could feel the pain, the depression, the confusion, the guilt. As wrong as everything was, I couldn’t help but hold my breath for the main character, wanting the best for him.
You see, the author does an amazing job showing all different sides of various situations. As a reader, I could empathize with the different characters and their mistakes.
I’m thankful that I decided to read this story. I love controversial issues, and I love thought-provoking topics even more. The world is not all black and white- there’s many shades of gray. And this book definitely was able to portray this.
Honestly, I got so intrigued by the characters, I almost wish there was a sequel… something more. Perhaps a reunion between Ray and Maria ten years later would be an awesome story. ;)
To be perfectly honest, I would not have picked this book up to read. It’s simply not the type of story I read. I don’t enjoy reading stories with deep religion base to them. But, I decided to keep an open mind as I began reading Fallen Men.
And boy, was I in for a treat! I absolutely loved this story. The author is a fantastic writer and really takes the readers into the characters’ lives—into their minds. I could feel the pain, the depression, the confusion, the guilt. As wrong as everything was, I couldn’t help but hold my breath for the main character, wanting the best for him.
You see, the author does an amazing job showing all different sides of various situations. As a reader, I could empathize with the different characters and their mistakes.
I’m thankful that I decided to read this story. I love controversial issues, and I love thought-provoking topics even more. The world is not all black and white- there’s many shades of gray. And this book definitely was able to portray this.
Honestly, I got so intrigued by the characters, I almost wish there was a sequel… something more. Perhaps a reunion between Ray and Maria ten years later would be an awesome story. ;)
November 12, 2021
An intensely written story which explores all the intricate emotional feelings of temptation, guilt and brief abandon. This book is carefully written and does not miss any opportunity to rummage through the various consequences of belief in sin and the conditioning borne by believers.
It tackles the difficult subject of a priest emotionally straying, almost rather than physically, into a delicate and brief encounter with a young female. In detail it depicts the thinking of a narrowly trained, one could say brain washed, young man whose awakening to the real world, comes as a series of shocks. So well described and dealt with are the feelings and mental turmoil that the priest encounters on his journey to knowing how even his cloistered world operates that one feels totally involved. This is a difficult sensitive subject dissected with with great care. Complements to the writer.
It tackles the difficult subject of a priest emotionally straying, almost rather than physically, into a delicate and brief encounter with a young female. In detail it depicts the thinking of a narrowly trained, one could say brain washed, young man whose awakening to the real world, comes as a series of shocks. So well described and dealt with are the feelings and mental turmoil that the priest encounters on his journey to knowing how even his cloistered world operates that one feels totally involved. This is a difficult sensitive subject dissected with with great care. Complements to the writer.
Read
June 6, 2020I received a free copy of this book from VoraciousReadersOnly and I loved it! This book though it was about three priests deeply involved in the Catholic faith. It read a lot more than that. It quickly became a story that everyone can relate to.
April 1, 2022
An amazing read. While reading you feel every emotion felt by the characters. You are drawn into the story. This is one of those books you lose sleep over because it is so hard to put down. Highly recommend it.
April 20, 2022
I know little about the Catholic Church and what I do know is mostly coloured by coverage of the scandals that have plagued the institution. So, it was with a little trepidation that I started reading Brian O’Hare’s, Fallen Men, a novel set within the priesthood of the Catholic Church. Author, Brian O’Hare paints a detailed picture of Catholicism and in particular the priesthood. The story centres on Ray Canavan, a young priest torn between his love for the church and his undoubted need for the love of a woman. Ray makes a disastrous decision to become involved with a young girl named Maria. While Ray’s entanglement with Maria becomes the main narrative, as the title suggests, there are others around him who struggle under the weight of their trials and tribulations; they each fall in their own way. Fallen Men is told as a story of the priesthood and the difficulties that this brings to men of the cloth. However, the challenges, temptations and torments faced by these priests are faced by all men and have been since time began. The tale reflects on our weakness and vulnerability when put to the test. We are all capable of falling from grace given the right circumstances. And while we can see these frailties in ourselves, the fall for a priest seems so much harder to take.
Though Fallen Men is a book of fiction, I suspect the author has brought some real-life insight to the narrative. It is well written and compelling reading with brilliant and thoughtful dialogue, bringing the characters to life. There were disturbing subjects included in the book as I thought there might be, given the title and setting, but none were presented in a way that made me want to stop reading. Having said that, I thought there were aspects of Ray’s past that were not addressed and did leave me wondering.
Fallen Men is a thought-provoking novel that reminds me why I’ve become something of an agnostic over the years. The Catholic Church, like so many organised religions, seems to me to be rooted in the past, an immovable bastion of power and wealth bent on controlling the ordinary men, women and children of the faith. Brian O’Hare’s novel has only compounded that opinion in me.
I received a copy of Fallen Men in return for an honest review.
Though Fallen Men is a book of fiction, I suspect the author has brought some real-life insight to the narrative. It is well written and compelling reading with brilliant and thoughtful dialogue, bringing the characters to life. There were disturbing subjects included in the book as I thought there might be, given the title and setting, but none were presented in a way that made me want to stop reading. Having said that, I thought there were aspects of Ray’s past that were not addressed and did leave me wondering.
Fallen Men is a thought-provoking novel that reminds me why I’ve become something of an agnostic over the years. The Catholic Church, like so many organised religions, seems to me to be rooted in the past, an immovable bastion of power and wealth bent on controlling the ordinary men, women and children of the faith. Brian O’Hare’s novel has only compounded that opinion in me.
I received a copy of Fallen Men in return for an honest review.
October 1, 2020
I came across this book by accident but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it .
It proved to be very thought provoking and insightful into a subject I knew little about.
The author tackles a range of very sensitive subjects which could be upsetting for some readers.
I think he gives just enough information about the different situations without going into too much detail which allows the reader to understand what is happening and come to their own conclusions, especially modern day views versus religious ones.
The main storyline is about how three Priests react and then cope with a series of events. It is all told from their POV.
We find Ray is tested with temptation while his past starts to affect his behaviour.
Dan struggles to communicate with people over his tunnel vision view of the rules of Catholicism .
Tony is working hard for promotion when his ego makes an appearance. All life changing scenarios that affect them in different ways but at what cost cross to themselves, their faith and the church.
Ray and Dan meet as kids in school and then attend the Seminary together. It is a path that both boys decided on as youngsters and are helped by Father Tony from childhood to becoming priests.
During the book Ray has conversations with himself and God which are very enlightening. He voices he is fears of being lonely as a Priest and how he is confused over some of his feelings.
The Headteacher of the local school calls him - a priest with the looks of a film star and the voice of an angel.
To Dan everything is black and white in his faith , with rigid rules to be obeyed. To him Ray’s sins are a betrayal of the Priesthood, the church , their friendship and the moral code he believes in.
“We cannot do evil in order to bring about a perceived good”
This means for him it is a slow journey of learning compassion and tolerance.
The author cleverly masks the identity of The Sleeper although I think most readers will guess but there are some more unexpected twists at the end. My heart went out to the little boy as he chatted to his teddy bear.
I like how he made you think about sin and redemption alongside accusations and truth. It demanded you consider all the different views and opinions, to understand and maybe forgive some of the people involved. It will leave you with questions about Catholicism , peoples attitudes and their reactions to situations but to me that is a sign of a good book.
“You must do what you can do, what you know to be right”
The book contains some very descriptive parts and in great detail that it helps you imagine you are there with the characters, especially when the story takes us to Italy.
I liked how the author showed how the media reacted to the scandal, caused added problems and twisted things, especially the truth.
To me it was sad reading about Ray fighting the darkness to get his life and faith back on track. He went through such spiritual emotional misery and it highlighted depression in men. Fascinating reading about the psychological side of his problems and the meaning of his dreams. When he was losing touch with himself the author summed it up so well saying Ray “a spectator more than a participant in life”
Luckily it ends on a lighter note after all the darkness and angst. To me a fitting end to a book that demands you re-evaluate your views on moral dilemmas and how you judge other people.
Merged review:
I came across this book by accident but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it .
It proved to be very thought provoking and insightful into a subject I knew little about.
The author tackles a range of very sensitive subjects which could be upsetting for some readers.
I think he gives just enough information about the different situations without going into too much detail which allows the reader to understand what is happening and come to their own conclusions, especially modern day views versus religious ones.
The main storyline is about how three Priests react and then cope with a series of events. It is all told from their POV.
We find Ray is tested with temptation while his past starts to affect his behaviour.
Dan struggles to communicate with people over his tunnel vision view of the rules of Catholicism .
Tony is working hard for promotion when his ego makes an appearance. All life changing scenarios that affect them in different ways but at what cost cross to themselves, their faith and the church.
Ray and Dan meet as kids in school and then attend the Seminary together. It is a path that both boys decided on as youngsters and are helped by Father Tony from childhood to becoming priests.
During the book Ray has conversations with himself and God which are very enlightening. He voices he is fears of being lonely as a Priest and how he is confused over some of his feelings.
The Headteacher of the local school calls him - a priest with the looks of a film star and the voice of an angel.
To Dan everything is black and white in his faith , with rigid rules to be obeyed. To him Ray’s sins are a betrayal of the Priesthood, the church , their friendship and the moral code he believes in.
“We cannot do evil in order to bring about a perceived good”
This means for him it is a slow journey of learning compassion and tolerance.
The author cleverly masks the identity of The Sleeper although I think most readers will guess but there are some more unexpected twists at the end. My heart went out to the little boy as he chatted to his teddy bear.
I like how he made you think about sin and redemption alongside accusations and truth. It demanded you consider all the different views and opinions, to understand and maybe forgive some of the people involved. It will leave you with questions about Catholicism , peoples attitudes and their reactions to situations but to me that is a sign of a good book.
“You must do what you can do, what you know to be right”
The book contains some very descriptive parts and in great detail that it helps you imagine you are there with the characters, especially when the story takes us to Italy.
I liked how the author showed how the media reacted to the scandal, caused added problems and twisted things, especially the truth.
To me it was sad reading about Ray fighting the darkness to get his life and faith back on track. He went through such spiritual emotional misery and it highlighted depression in men. Fascinating reading about the psychological side of his problems and the meaning of his dreams. When he was losing touch with himself the author summed it up so well saying Ray “a spectator more than a participant in life”
Luckily it ends on a lighter note after all the darkness and angst. To me a fitting end to a book that demands you re-evaluate your views on moral dilemmas and how you judge other people.
It proved to be very thought provoking and insightful into a subject I knew little about.
The author tackles a range of very sensitive subjects which could be upsetting for some readers.
I think he gives just enough information about the different situations without going into too much detail which allows the reader to understand what is happening and come to their own conclusions, especially modern day views versus religious ones.
The main storyline is about how three Priests react and then cope with a series of events. It is all told from their POV.
We find Ray is tested with temptation while his past starts to affect his behaviour.
Dan struggles to communicate with people over his tunnel vision view of the rules of Catholicism .
Tony is working hard for promotion when his ego makes an appearance. All life changing scenarios that affect them in different ways but at what cost cross to themselves, their faith and the church.
Ray and Dan meet as kids in school and then attend the Seminary together. It is a path that both boys decided on as youngsters and are helped by Father Tony from childhood to becoming priests.
During the book Ray has conversations with himself and God which are very enlightening. He voices he is fears of being lonely as a Priest and how he is confused over some of his feelings.
The Headteacher of the local school calls him - a priest with the looks of a film star and the voice of an angel.
To Dan everything is black and white in his faith , with rigid rules to be obeyed. To him Ray’s sins are a betrayal of the Priesthood, the church , their friendship and the moral code he believes in.
“We cannot do evil in order to bring about a perceived good”
This means for him it is a slow journey of learning compassion and tolerance.
The author cleverly masks the identity of The Sleeper although I think most readers will guess but there are some more unexpected twists at the end. My heart went out to the little boy as he chatted to his teddy bear.
I like how he made you think about sin and redemption alongside accusations and truth. It demanded you consider all the different views and opinions, to understand and maybe forgive some of the people involved. It will leave you with questions about Catholicism , peoples attitudes and their reactions to situations but to me that is a sign of a good book.
“You must do what you can do, what you know to be right”
The book contains some very descriptive parts and in great detail that it helps you imagine you are there with the characters, especially when the story takes us to Italy.
I liked how the author showed how the media reacted to the scandal, caused added problems and twisted things, especially the truth.
To me it was sad reading about Ray fighting the darkness to get his life and faith back on track. He went through such spiritual emotional misery and it highlighted depression in men. Fascinating reading about the psychological side of his problems and the meaning of his dreams. When he was losing touch with himself the author summed it up so well saying Ray “a spectator more than a participant in life”
Luckily it ends on a lighter note after all the darkness and angst. To me a fitting end to a book that demands you re-evaluate your views on moral dilemmas and how you judge other people.
Merged review:
I came across this book by accident but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it .
It proved to be very thought provoking and insightful into a subject I knew little about.
The author tackles a range of very sensitive subjects which could be upsetting for some readers.
I think he gives just enough information about the different situations without going into too much detail which allows the reader to understand what is happening and come to their own conclusions, especially modern day views versus religious ones.
The main storyline is about how three Priests react and then cope with a series of events. It is all told from their POV.
We find Ray is tested with temptation while his past starts to affect his behaviour.
Dan struggles to communicate with people over his tunnel vision view of the rules of Catholicism .
Tony is working hard for promotion when his ego makes an appearance. All life changing scenarios that affect them in different ways but at what cost cross to themselves, their faith and the church.
Ray and Dan meet as kids in school and then attend the Seminary together. It is a path that both boys decided on as youngsters and are helped by Father Tony from childhood to becoming priests.
During the book Ray has conversations with himself and God which are very enlightening. He voices he is fears of being lonely as a Priest and how he is confused over some of his feelings.
The Headteacher of the local school calls him - a priest with the looks of a film star and the voice of an angel.
To Dan everything is black and white in his faith , with rigid rules to be obeyed. To him Ray’s sins are a betrayal of the Priesthood, the church , their friendship and the moral code he believes in.
“We cannot do evil in order to bring about a perceived good”
This means for him it is a slow journey of learning compassion and tolerance.
The author cleverly masks the identity of The Sleeper although I think most readers will guess but there are some more unexpected twists at the end. My heart went out to the little boy as he chatted to his teddy bear.
I like how he made you think about sin and redemption alongside accusations and truth. It demanded you consider all the different views and opinions, to understand and maybe forgive some of the people involved. It will leave you with questions about Catholicism , peoples attitudes and their reactions to situations but to me that is a sign of a good book.
“You must do what you can do, what you know to be right”
The book contains some very descriptive parts and in great detail that it helps you imagine you are there with the characters, especially when the story takes us to Italy.
I liked how the author showed how the media reacted to the scandal, caused added problems and twisted things, especially the truth.
To me it was sad reading about Ray fighting the darkness to get his life and faith back on track. He went through such spiritual emotional misery and it highlighted depression in men. Fascinating reading about the psychological side of his problems and the meaning of his dreams. When he was losing touch with himself the author summed it up so well saying Ray “a spectator more than a participant in life”
Luckily it ends on a lighter note after all the darkness and angst. To me a fitting end to a book that demands you re-evaluate your views on moral dilemmas and how you judge other people.
February 14, 2020
Brian O'Hare's "Fallen Men" is an engaging read based around a young priest in the Catholic Church in Ireland. A tale of repressed memories, forbidden love and a trial centered around young Father Ray Canarvan makes for a novel that is hard to put down.
O'Hare's writing draws you in and has you engaged right from the first chapter. You fall in love with the main character, Ray, and his attempts at uncovering his childhood trauma at the hands of his uncle while falling for a young school girl who reminds him of his childhood sweetheart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down.
I received this book complimentary from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
O'Hare's writing draws you in and has you engaged right from the first chapter. You fall in love with the main character, Ray, and his attempts at uncovering his childhood trauma at the hands of his uncle while falling for a young school girl who reminds him of his childhood sweetheart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down.
I received this book complimentary from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
November 20, 2021
This book falls outside the type that I would normally read, but I found the description intriguing and that got me in to start, but the characters and the storytelling had me 100% hooked to the end! This one is quite the read! The subject matter is challenging and includes the catholic church dealing with itself as well as with it's parishoners. You don't have to be a catholic to appreciate the priests and the issues portrayed here, but you may get a little more from it if you've got that background to draw on. The characters and their interactions are quite believable. Some you can feel compassion for, while others not so much. The author throws the central character Fr Ray Canavan from one difficult or bad situation to another, and it has you wanting to keep going to find out what will be happening to him next and how he will manage to cope with it. It's a story that will definitely hold your interest, make you think and absolutely make you feel. It's not always an easy read.
This was the first book that I had read by this author, and I would like to read more.
I received a free copy of this book from VoraciousReadersOnly in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first book that I had read by this author, and I would like to read more.
I received a free copy of this book from VoraciousReadersOnly in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
1st book by this author and I am glad I tried it! This book hit the nail on the head with the alarming trends happening in the Catholic Church. The author hit the nail on the head speaking of priest life and what influences them and drives them to do what they do. I am not a Catholic and still immensely enjoyed this story. The characters were real, the story hit you to the core and really made you think about the priesthood as a whole, along with the whole black, white and grey of a situation. The writing was marvelous and the characters were developed to seem like real people. Excellent job!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only
September 11, 2021
A most enjoyable page turner of a story! My first taste of this author but it won't be my last! Have recommended it to various friends as well.
P F
P F
July 4, 2020
My thanks to Brian and Voracious Readers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a lot to unpack in this complex story of three priests, all burdened in one way or another by their past, present, and unstable future. One part of me really appreciated the level of detail and thought that had been put into each character and their story arc. The other part felt that some of the detail translated as hindered progress and at times became a chore to read.
I must admit this book was quite different to what I would normally pick off the shelf, yet I’m glad to have tried something new.
There’s a lot to unpack in this complex story of three priests, all burdened in one way or another by their past, present, and unstable future. One part of me really appreciated the level of detail and thought that had been put into each character and their story arc. The other part felt that some of the detail translated as hindered progress and at times became a chore to read.
I must admit this book was quite different to what I would normally pick off the shelf, yet I’m glad to have tried something new.
October 14, 2017
-I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fallen Men, by Brian O’ Hare, is a story about finding hope, despite failing time and time again.
The book is separated into three parts. The first part, Ministry, introduces Father Ray, a priest who is struggling with the death of his beloved mother, along with his loneliness. In the second part, Retribution, Ray finds himself at a moral crossroad, when a girl he is infatuated with becomes pregnant with his child. Things further complicate when other colleagues find out about the pregnancy. The final part, Redemption, Ray faces the crime he committed, and that, though the world is against him, he still faces his conviction proudly. In this dark, yet touching story, Hare constructs a reality that reminds the reader that people can find redemption, even if they’ve fallen.
To be honest, it’s hard for me to blame any of the characters. From Tony trying to protect his friend by covering up a potentially damaging scandal, to Dan endeavoring to follow his teachings, regardless of how anyone feels, to even Maria and Ray giving into one night of passion; these characters do, in fact, fall victim to sins of their own heart. Ambition, arrogance, loneliness; these factors only serve to add to the complex dimensions that make up their own individual faith. Needless to say, the one thing that stood out to me was the relationship between Maria and Ray. It’s clear they’re both attracted to each other from the moment they saw each other. They were both at fault for the scandal, no matter how anyone looks at it; Maria for voluntarily giving herself to Ray, and Ray for going along with Father McGennity’s suggestions of having Maria get an abortion. The way they handled the situation was also horrific, so much so that they both ended up suffocating beneath their guilt. They did try to make things right in the end, if not for themselves, but for other people. Each character was beautifully written. Hare shows that there are shades of grey in the world, all the while destroying the illusion of the absolute black and white we tend to believe in.
But despite this, the story in and of itself hauntingly reflects the realities of the Catholic Church. As you may or may not know, Cardinal George Pell had recently been charged with multiple sexual assault cases. Witnesses have come forward, many of whom were children when they alleged the Cardinal took advantage of them. He, and other priests, were by no means holy men. They contrasted sharply to Ray, who was willing to face the truth, to burn himself, if only for the chance of redemption. Tony had almost fell into the pattern of covering up the case, but even so, he still stopped himself, and trusted Ray. If there were more priests like Ray, the Church might’ve gotten a bit better when it came to sexual abuse. Unfortunately, however, that’s not the case.
This brings me to the theme of compassion. Maria loved and hated Ray for putting through so much trauma. Still, she did support him during his trial. Dan had seen that, because of his harshness and relative cruelness, he kept pushing people away, kept shoving them in the wrong direction. But even so, he did come back to Ray in the end, if only to see if he was alright. Tony did try to protect Ray, but in the end saw that the kindest thing he could do was have faith in him, and allow him to do what’s right. Hare shows how difficult it was, for these people to care for others, rather than themselves. It was a well written part of the book that I found quite enjoyable.
There were a few mistakes here and there, and the transitions from a character’s thoughts to the actual paragraph itself could have also been clearer. Nevertheless, it was a good book. The characters, the ever fading boundary between right and wrong, and even the parallels between this world and the real one, were extraordinary. Thus, I would give this book a rating of a 4.6 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who love The Angel of a Madman by Ricky Dragoni and PeopleFish by Medella Kingston.
Fallen Men, by Brian O’ Hare, is a story about finding hope, despite failing time and time again.
The book is separated into three parts. The first part, Ministry, introduces Father Ray, a priest who is struggling with the death of his beloved mother, along with his loneliness. In the second part, Retribution, Ray finds himself at a moral crossroad, when a girl he is infatuated with becomes pregnant with his child. Things further complicate when other colleagues find out about the pregnancy. The final part, Redemption, Ray faces the crime he committed, and that, though the world is against him, he still faces his conviction proudly. In this dark, yet touching story, Hare constructs a reality that reminds the reader that people can find redemption, even if they’ve fallen.
To be honest, it’s hard for me to blame any of the characters. From Tony trying to protect his friend by covering up a potentially damaging scandal, to Dan endeavoring to follow his teachings, regardless of how anyone feels, to even Maria and Ray giving into one night of passion; these characters do, in fact, fall victim to sins of their own heart. Ambition, arrogance, loneliness; these factors only serve to add to the complex dimensions that make up their own individual faith. Needless to say, the one thing that stood out to me was the relationship between Maria and Ray. It’s clear they’re both attracted to each other from the moment they saw each other. They were both at fault for the scandal, no matter how anyone looks at it; Maria for voluntarily giving herself to Ray, and Ray for going along with Father McGennity’s suggestions of having Maria get an abortion. The way they handled the situation was also horrific, so much so that they both ended up suffocating beneath their guilt. They did try to make things right in the end, if not for themselves, but for other people. Each character was beautifully written. Hare shows that there are shades of grey in the world, all the while destroying the illusion of the absolute black and white we tend to believe in.
But despite this, the story in and of itself hauntingly reflects the realities of the Catholic Church. As you may or may not know, Cardinal George Pell had recently been charged with multiple sexual assault cases. Witnesses have come forward, many of whom were children when they alleged the Cardinal took advantage of them. He, and other priests, were by no means holy men. They contrasted sharply to Ray, who was willing to face the truth, to burn himself, if only for the chance of redemption. Tony had almost fell into the pattern of covering up the case, but even so, he still stopped himself, and trusted Ray. If there were more priests like Ray, the Church might’ve gotten a bit better when it came to sexual abuse. Unfortunately, however, that’s not the case.
This brings me to the theme of compassion. Maria loved and hated Ray for putting through so much trauma. Still, she did support him during his trial. Dan had seen that, because of his harshness and relative cruelness, he kept pushing people away, kept shoving them in the wrong direction. But even so, he did come back to Ray in the end, if only to see if he was alright. Tony did try to protect Ray, but in the end saw that the kindest thing he could do was have faith in him, and allow him to do what’s right. Hare shows how difficult it was, for these people to care for others, rather than themselves. It was a well written part of the book that I found quite enjoyable.
There were a few mistakes here and there, and the transitions from a character’s thoughts to the actual paragraph itself could have also been clearer. Nevertheless, it was a good book. The characters, the ever fading boundary between right and wrong, and even the parallels between this world and the real one, were extraordinary. Thus, I would give this book a rating of a 4.6 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who love The Angel of a Madman by Ricky Dragoni and PeopleFish by Medella Kingston.
January 23, 2020
I like everything about this book including the setting, the writing style, the plot, the plot twists and the characters. I would gladly reread it again.
August 25, 2020
Having discovered this book on voraciousreadersonly.com, I was intrigued by the books description and gave it a chance on the premise that it was a love story. Although it is not the typical romance/love story that I am used to reading, it did have elements of love, loyalty and friendship. It also touched on many sensitive subjects in a very respectable manner. I did enjoy the read once I got through a few chapters but I certainly wouldn’t categorize this in the romance genre.
December 3, 2021
This was so good
October 1, 2020
I came across this book by accident but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it .
It proved to be very thought provoking and insightful into a subject I knew little about.
The author tackles a range of very sensitive subjects which could be upsetting for some readers.
I think he gives just enough information about the different situations without going into too much detail which allows the reader to understand what is happening and come to their own conclusions, especially modern day views versus religious ones.
The main storyline is about how three Priests react and then cope with a series of events. It is all told from their POV.
We find Ray is tested with temptation while his past starts to affect his behaviour.
Dan struggles to communicate with people over his tunnel vision view of the rules of Catholicism .
Tony is working hard for promotion when his ego makes an appearance. All life changing scenarios that affect them in different ways but at what cost cross to themselves, their faith and the church.
Ray and Dan meet as kids in school and then attend the Seminary together. It is a path that both boys decided on as youngsters and are helped by Father Tony from childhood to becoming priests.
During the book Ray has conversations with himself and God which are very enlightening. He voices he is fears of being lonely as a Priest and how he is confused over some of his feelings.
The Headteacher of the local school calls him - a priest with the looks of a film star and the voice of an angel.
To Dan everything is black and white in his faith , with rigid rules to be obeyed. To him Ray’s sins are a betrayal of the Priesthood, the church , their friendship and the moral code he believes in.
“We cannot do evil in order to bring about a perceived good”
This means for him it is a slow journey of learning compassion and tolerance.
The author cleverly masks the identity of The Sleeper although I think most readers will guess but there are some more unexpected twists at the end. My heart went out to the little boy as he chatted to his teddy bear.
I like how he made you think about sin and redemption alongside accusations and truth. It demanded you consider all the different views and opinions, to understand and maybe forgive some of the people involved. It will leave you with questions about Catholicism , peoples attitudes and their reactions to situations but to me that is a sign of a good book.
“You must do what you can do, what you know to be right”
The book contains some very descriptive parts and in great detail that it helps you imagine you are there with the characters, especially when the story takes us to Italy.
I liked how the author showed how the media reacted to the scandal, caused added problems and twisted things, especially the truth.
To me it was sad reading about Ray fighting the darkness to get his life and faith back on track. He went through such spiritual emotional misery and it highlighted depression in men. Fascinating reading about the psychological side of his problems and the meaning of his dreams. When he was losing touch with himself the author summed it up so well saying Ray “a spectator more than a participant in life”
Luckily it ends on a lighter note after all the darkness and angst. To me a fitting end to a book that demands you re-evaluate your views on moral dilemmas and how you judge other people.
It proved to be very thought provoking and insightful into a subject I knew little about.
The author tackles a range of very sensitive subjects which could be upsetting for some readers.
I think he gives just enough information about the different situations without going into too much detail which allows the reader to understand what is happening and come to their own conclusions, especially modern day views versus religious ones.
The main storyline is about how three Priests react and then cope with a series of events. It is all told from their POV.
We find Ray is tested with temptation while his past starts to affect his behaviour.
Dan struggles to communicate with people over his tunnel vision view of the rules of Catholicism .
Tony is working hard for promotion when his ego makes an appearance. All life changing scenarios that affect them in different ways but at what cost cross to themselves, their faith and the church.
Ray and Dan meet as kids in school and then attend the Seminary together. It is a path that both boys decided on as youngsters and are helped by Father Tony from childhood to becoming priests.
During the book Ray has conversations with himself and God which are very enlightening. He voices he is fears of being lonely as a Priest and how he is confused over some of his feelings.
The Headteacher of the local school calls him - a priest with the looks of a film star and the voice of an angel.
To Dan everything is black and white in his faith , with rigid rules to be obeyed. To him Ray’s sins are a betrayal of the Priesthood, the church , their friendship and the moral code he believes in.
“We cannot do evil in order to bring about a perceived good”
This means for him it is a slow journey of learning compassion and tolerance.
The author cleverly masks the identity of The Sleeper although I think most readers will guess but there are some more unexpected twists at the end. My heart went out to the little boy as he chatted to his teddy bear.
I like how he made you think about sin and redemption alongside accusations and truth. It demanded you consider all the different views and opinions, to understand and maybe forgive some of the people involved. It will leave you with questions about Catholicism , peoples attitudes and their reactions to situations but to me that is a sign of a good book.
“You must do what you can do, what you know to be right”
The book contains some very descriptive parts and in great detail that it helps you imagine you are there with the characters, especially when the story takes us to Italy.
I liked how the author showed how the media reacted to the scandal, caused added problems and twisted things, especially the truth.
To me it was sad reading about Ray fighting the darkness to get his life and faith back on track. He went through such spiritual emotional misery and it highlighted depression in men. Fascinating reading about the psychological side of his problems and the meaning of his dreams. When he was losing touch with himself the author summed it up so well saying Ray “a spectator more than a participant in life”
Luckily it ends on a lighter note after all the darkness and angst. To me a fitting end to a book that demands you re-evaluate your views on moral dilemmas and how you judge other people.
April 13, 2016
So Brian strays from Mystery/Crime fiction and explores a new genre. Or more accurately, genres. As I feel this book touches on so many themes and issues it cannot be labelled as simply one genre. It has multiple appeals. That being said, there is a strong element of religion.
Simply put, the plot revolves around a young priest whose life takes a bad turn when traumatic memories of suppressed childhood abuse begin to plague his existence. Desperate and in need of help, he makes the awful mistake of seeking solace in a young girl. But bad goes to worse when this leads to a crazy love affair. And that is a very brief description that doesn’t touch on or mention the other factors and interests involved in the novel.
While this novel does explore how a person’s religious faith can either save or destroy them, it really goes deep into debatable subjects. I can see this being a very interesting publication for a book club. I foresee a lot of heated debates.
Normally religion, for most people, is a boring subject. The thought of a bunch of rules and restrictions within a version of the bible. Brian had a difficult task of making this both educational and enthralling. And I’d say he did a remarkable job. He takes a serious issue and exposes it, as well as making it thrilling and exciting. From the relationship, to how the church handles the relationship.
Most readers, despite their reading preference and backgrounds, will see this is a breath-taking tale. One that revolves around love, belief, sorrow and much more.
As is a staple of Brian’s he cleverly forces us to fall in love with some characters, whilst hating others. The second you care about the character/s you are bound to finish the book to see how they handle the situations they are presented with.
I feel it is a book that gives a person strength. You see how the characters handle themselves, and find power in their various beliefs, and it reminds the reader that we can handle anything we are faced with. As long as we find our inner strength and version of faith.
Although I am not religious myself, I felt the conversations and situations were realistic. And it is how the situation/s would be handled. Shockingly so. The pacing and structure helped with the effortless flow. Making the book easy to read due to the structure, but difficult by means of the subject at hand.
All in all, an outstanding novel of love, loss, drama, religion and strength. A book that educates, entertains, and shocks. You’ll be glued to the pages!
Simply put, the plot revolves around a young priest whose life takes a bad turn when traumatic memories of suppressed childhood abuse begin to plague his existence. Desperate and in need of help, he makes the awful mistake of seeking solace in a young girl. But bad goes to worse when this leads to a crazy love affair. And that is a very brief description that doesn’t touch on or mention the other factors and interests involved in the novel.
While this novel does explore how a person’s religious faith can either save or destroy them, it really goes deep into debatable subjects. I can see this being a very interesting publication for a book club. I foresee a lot of heated debates.
Normally religion, for most people, is a boring subject. The thought of a bunch of rules and restrictions within a version of the bible. Brian had a difficult task of making this both educational and enthralling. And I’d say he did a remarkable job. He takes a serious issue and exposes it, as well as making it thrilling and exciting. From the relationship, to how the church handles the relationship.
Most readers, despite their reading preference and backgrounds, will see this is a breath-taking tale. One that revolves around love, belief, sorrow and much more.
As is a staple of Brian’s he cleverly forces us to fall in love with some characters, whilst hating others. The second you care about the character/s you are bound to finish the book to see how they handle the situations they are presented with.
I feel it is a book that gives a person strength. You see how the characters handle themselves, and find power in their various beliefs, and it reminds the reader that we can handle anything we are faced with. As long as we find our inner strength and version of faith.
Although I am not religious myself, I felt the conversations and situations were realistic. And it is how the situation/s would be handled. Shockingly so. The pacing and structure helped with the effortless flow. Making the book easy to read due to the structure, but difficult by means of the subject at hand.
All in all, an outstanding novel of love, loss, drama, religion and strength. A book that educates, entertains, and shocks. You’ll be glued to the pages!
May 7, 2020
Loved the story. It took me back to my school days and growing up I n a catholic family.
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