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Alphonse: A Novel
After twenty years of riding the rails, Alphonse has earned a reputation for being a kindhearted soul always ready to help. When he helps the Sadlers, a young couple seeking a better life in small-town 1950s Indiana, he doesn't intend to stay. But stay he does, keeping a close eye on the Sadlers and their two young sons--and an even closer eye on the town's new priest, Father Brennon. On the surface, Brennon seems perfect for the job--but Alphonse crossed paths with him years earlier in the railyard jungle, and he knows better. Brennon doesn't recognize Alphonse, but Alphonse has never forgotten Brennon . . . or his crimes. So when Brennon assigns the Sadlers' son, Francis, who is now thirteen, the thankless task of cleaning and maintaining the church's bell tower--work that often continues into the night--Alphonse immediately grows suspicious. Soon, he discovers that his worst fears have come to pass, and he races to find a way to protect Francis and reveal the truth to the Sadler family.
328 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 3, 2017
GNab I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Carl Sever, and Sparkpress in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, for sharing your work with me.
Alphonse is set in 1959 in the very small town of Saint Joseph, Indiana. Alphonse is a reformed rail rider, supposedly crazy, settling down from his hobo lifestyle years earlier to help Edgar and Sara Sadler get established after the birth of their son Zack, and to protect the children of St. Joseph from their priest, first Father and then Monsignor Brennon, whom Alphonse recognizes from his train-hopping days as an abuser of young boys. Edgar, a legally blind former miner, was hired as a handyman 13 years ago and fulfills that job at the church and school despite his growing handicap with the help of his two sons, Zack and Francis, and with Alfonse.
A wonderful novel, Carl Sever takes you with him to this small town, you become a part of this small family, and experience (again, for some of us) the late 1950's in Smallville. This is the first novel for Carl Sever. I hope there will be many more.
pub date June 27, 2017
Spark Press
Flipping through older Kindles and ran across this again - re-read on July 16, 2020. This is an excellent debut novel. Where are you, Carl? Want MORE...
Alphonse is set in 1959 in the very small town of Saint Joseph, Indiana. Alphonse is a reformed rail rider, supposedly crazy, settling down from his hobo lifestyle years earlier to help Edgar and Sara Sadler get established after the birth of their son Zack, and to protect the children of St. Joseph from their priest, first Father and then Monsignor Brennon, whom Alphonse recognizes from his train-hopping days as an abuser of young boys. Edgar, a legally blind former miner, was hired as a handyman 13 years ago and fulfills that job at the church and school despite his growing handicap with the help of his two sons, Zack and Francis, and with Alfonse.
A wonderful novel, Carl Sever takes you with him to this small town, you become a part of this small family, and experience (again, for some of us) the late 1950's in Smallville. This is the first novel for Carl Sever. I hope there will be many more.
pub date June 27, 2017
Spark Press
Flipping through older Kindles and ran across this again - re-read on July 16, 2020. This is an excellent debut novel. Where are you, Carl? Want MORE...
August 21, 2017
I do enjoy a good historical fiction and was really intrigued by this story-line. The 1950s Indiana setting is what convinced me that I need to get the book. This is a sad and memorable book. It tackles heavy themes of child abuse in the church. We have all seen the media reports about priests getting convicted for child abuse. It has happened even here in Kenya. This is what this book is about. Alphonse suspects that Francis is being abused by Father Brennon and he decides to do something about it. However, people don’t really take him seriously.
There are many heartbreaking moments in this book and some sections were tough to read. My heart broke for Francis as he started showing signs of a changed personality. I could feel his struggles with what he was going through and his inability to tell. His family’s reaction at Alphonse’s revelations was also quite heartbreaking.
I did like the small town setting and most of the characters in this story although of course, not all. I really liked Alphonse as a character and his protectiveness of the Sadler’s family. As I have already mentioned, this book does deal with very heavy themes that may be a trigger for some readers so it may not be for everyone. However, if you like historical fiction then you may want to check out Alphonse by Carl Sever.
There are many heartbreaking moments in this book and some sections were tough to read. My heart broke for Francis as he started showing signs of a changed personality. I could feel his struggles with what he was going through and his inability to tell. His family’s reaction at Alphonse’s revelations was also quite heartbreaking.
I did like the small town setting and most of the characters in this story although of course, not all. I really liked Alphonse as a character and his protectiveness of the Sadler’s family. As I have already mentioned, this book does deal with very heavy themes that may be a trigger for some readers so it may not be for everyone. However, if you like historical fiction then you may want to check out Alphonse by Carl Sever.
June 11, 2017
Thank you to the publisher, Sparkpress (via Netgalley) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Alphonse will be released June 27, 2017.
What an emotional powerhouse. This one was a heavy, but completely satisfying read. If this debut is any indication, I cannot wait for Carl Sever’s next book!
Alphonse is the protagonist of this coming of age story. A former rail rider, he has settled in the small town of Saint Joseph, Indiana. The town is a perfect example of postwar America; a tight knit community, fearful of outsiders and defined by the looming church at it’s center. Alphonse is the self proclaimed guardian of the Sadler family; father Edgar, dealing with the debilitating loss of his vision, his wife Sarah and their two sons, Zach and young Francis. Alphonse and Francis are especially close and he prides himself on teaching Francis fishing and trapping skills. When Alphonse notices that the Monsignor of the church, the sadistic Father Brennon, has taken a particular interest in Francis, he will do whatever it takes to protect him.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say this was a beautifully crafted, if hard to stomach at times narrative. Sever really brings this small town community to life. His vivid prose expertly transports you right into the middle of Saint Joseph.
It was impossible to not feel a strong connection to the Sadler family. Young and impressionable Francis stole my heart and I could not help but feel sick, as Monsignor Brennon’s true intentions towards him become clear. As the novel progressed, I felt the desperation Edgar felt as the abuse his son suffered was brought to light. I also felt for Alphonse, dealing with his own past abuses and vowing to protect those unable to protect themselves. Sever has created characters you will root for until the very last page.
I will caution that this novel may not appeal to everyone. It deals with heavy subject matter, specifically child abuse, which may be a trigger for some. That being said, if you are a fan of emotional coming of age stories with deeply developed characters, Alphonse is a must read
What an emotional powerhouse. This one was a heavy, but completely satisfying read. If this debut is any indication, I cannot wait for Carl Sever’s next book!
Alphonse is the protagonist of this coming of age story. A former rail rider, he has settled in the small town of Saint Joseph, Indiana. The town is a perfect example of postwar America; a tight knit community, fearful of outsiders and defined by the looming church at it’s center. Alphonse is the self proclaimed guardian of the Sadler family; father Edgar, dealing with the debilitating loss of his vision, his wife Sarah and their two sons, Zach and young Francis. Alphonse and Francis are especially close and he prides himself on teaching Francis fishing and trapping skills. When Alphonse notices that the Monsignor of the church, the sadistic Father Brennon, has taken a particular interest in Francis, he will do whatever it takes to protect him.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say this was a beautifully crafted, if hard to stomach at times narrative. Sever really brings this small town community to life. His vivid prose expertly transports you right into the middle of Saint Joseph.
It was impossible to not feel a strong connection to the Sadler family. Young and impressionable Francis stole my heart and I could not help but feel sick, as Monsignor Brennon’s true intentions towards him become clear. As the novel progressed, I felt the desperation Edgar felt as the abuse his son suffered was brought to light. I also felt for Alphonse, dealing with his own past abuses and vowing to protect those unable to protect themselves. Sever has created characters you will root for until the very last page.
I will caution that this novel may not appeal to everyone. It deals with heavy subject matter, specifically child abuse, which may be a trigger for some. That being said, if you are a fan of emotional coming of age stories with deeply developed characters, Alphonse is a must read
July 26, 2017
Thanks to Booksparks media relations for the review opportunity!
I knew going into Alphonse that it had some pretty dark subject matter, however, the author was sensitive to the fact that some material is better when not described in excruciating detail, which I greatly appreciated. Although there are certainly some intense scenes, they were handled well.
I grew to care deeply for the kids and the parents, and even by the end Alphonse himself, and he's not your most likeable character, which speaks to the author's power of persuasion. Human empathy is a powerful motivator. And we see great results from its power in this novel.
I'm not one to shy away from deep reads, and felt this one towed the line between heavy and heartwarming, never venturing into sticky sweet or anything. IF you want to read something different, not quite contemporary and not quite mystery, this would be a great weekend pick!
I knew going into Alphonse that it had some pretty dark subject matter, however, the author was sensitive to the fact that some material is better when not described in excruciating detail, which I greatly appreciated. Although there are certainly some intense scenes, they were handled well.
I grew to care deeply for the kids and the parents, and even by the end Alphonse himself, and he's not your most likeable character, which speaks to the author's power of persuasion. Human empathy is a powerful motivator. And we see great results from its power in this novel.
I'm not one to shy away from deep reads, and felt this one towed the line between heavy and heartwarming, never venturing into sticky sweet or anything. IF you want to read something different, not quite contemporary and not quite mystery, this would be a great weekend pick!
July 16, 2017
This book touches on a sensitive subject matter. However, the author did a wonderful job of portraying the characters and the story in a way that will resonate with readers; especially young Francis and Alphonse. In a way, both Francis and Alphonse are kindred souls. I loved how out of a horrible situation a friendship was formed between these two. Alphonse was truly a guardian angel in disguise.
Father Brennon is an evil man. He sure abused his power. It was sad to see the progression from the beginning of summer when Francis was a carefree boy that loved fishing to one that was void of emotions. Warning as a cat is harmed in the story. I am glad that Francis's father, Edgar did not just sit back but took action. This is a great read.
Father Brennon is an evil man. He sure abused his power. It was sad to see the progression from the beginning of summer when Francis was a carefree boy that loved fishing to one that was void of emotions. Warning as a cat is harmed in the story. I am glad that Francis's father, Edgar did not just sit back but took action. This is a great read.
June 7, 2017
Alphonse, by Carl Sever, is a beautiful story of life in the 50s and the people who kept small town America a place where growing up was simple and complicated, happy and sad, but a place where you would like to live. Thirteen yr. old Francis worked for the Monsignor of his church, resulting in him viewing life differently from his carefree brother and his friends. With the guidance of his father, Edgar, and his friend, ex rail rider, Alphonse, he discovers how to make the best of his life. Such a beautiful cast of characters who teach us about friendship, living, and surviving in a world that is not always perfect. I loved this book. Thank you to NetGalley for the electronic copy.
November 25, 2017
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway.
This was SOOOOO slow. This really dragged on. The characters had a lot of depth, and Francis' journey to understanding was...painfully entertaining, to a degree. But it just felt like this was more of a character analysis than a story. Too slow for me.
I also think it didn't deal with the abuse properly, or at least the characters were not equipped to handle with the abuse, and nothing was done. No justice was served. No one handled any of their emotions. So you read a whole story for everyone to sweep their feelings under a rug and not talk about it or do anything about it.
This was SOOOOO slow. This really dragged on. The characters had a lot of depth, and Francis' journey to understanding was...painfully entertaining, to a degree. But it just felt like this was more of a character analysis than a story. Too slow for me.
I also think it didn't deal with the abuse properly, or at least the characters were not equipped to handle with the abuse, and nothing was done. No justice was served. No one handled any of their emotions. So you read a whole story for everyone to sweep their feelings under a rug and not talk about it or do anything about it.
July 25, 2017
2.5 Stars
I was introduced to this book via a blurb saying it is perfect for fans of “A Man Called Ove,” so going into this book I was expecting to find a slice-of-life type story about a quirky yet lovable old man. Although that exactly describes our main character Alphonse, the atmosphere of this story is far more dark than I anticipated. It is a heavy and emotional story that made me uncomfortable at times.
Visit my blog for the full review: http://wp.me/p8Flw8-4V
I was introduced to this book via a blurb saying it is perfect for fans of “A Man Called Ove,” so going into this book I was expecting to find a slice-of-life type story about a quirky yet lovable old man. Although that exactly describes our main character Alphonse, the atmosphere of this story is far more dark than I anticipated. It is a heavy and emotional story that made me uncomfortable at times.
Visit my blog for the full review: http://wp.me/p8Flw8-4V
June 2, 2017
--I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are purely my own and not influenced in any way.--
Let me start by saying that I generally hate books with multiple perspectives as I feel they can really bog down the story with unnecessary nonsense. This book suffers from this a little bit particularly in the beginning, but it evens itself out in the end. Now, the characters: since you know going in that this will probably be about abuse in the church, then having good, solid characters is absolutely necessary to drive this plot along. Did Sever succeed in this? Again, mostly. I feel like Alphonse was easily the most fleshed out character in this book and the others certainly FELT like they were characters, but I feel like they made the Monsignor WAY too cartoonishly evil and more like a plot device than an actual person I should give a crap about (). Francis was also kind of flat, but I feel like that was by design, though I would have liked to have seen more from his perspective. Zach I REALLY wish we got more perspective from because, as a whole, I feel like he got the shaft on what could have been one of the more interesting points of view and his plot didn't really go anywhere.
The ending seemed a bit too neat for a story that was showing the complexities of abuse from a person in power, and the sort-of epilogue was predictable, but believable.
Overall, I don't regret reading it, but I don't think this will be easily remembered for me. If this is a topic that interests you, I would probably recommend A History of LonelinessA History of Loneliness because I feel it does a better job tackling the subject. 3.5 stars.
Let me start by saying that I generally hate books with multiple perspectives as I feel they can really bog down the story with unnecessary nonsense. This book suffers from this a little bit particularly in the beginning, but it evens itself out in the end. Now, the characters: since you know going in that this will probably be about abuse in the church, then having good, solid characters is absolutely necessary to drive this plot along. Did Sever succeed in this? Again, mostly. I feel like Alphonse was easily the most fleshed out character in this book and the others certainly FELT like they were characters, but I feel like they made the Monsignor WAY too cartoonishly evil and more like a plot device than an actual person I should give a crap about (). Francis was also kind of flat, but I feel like that was by design, though I would have liked to have seen more from his perspective. Zach I REALLY wish we got more perspective from because, as a whole, I feel like he got the shaft on what could have been one of the more interesting points of view and his plot didn't really go anywhere.
The ending seemed a bit too neat for a story that was showing the complexities of abuse from a person in power, and the sort-of epilogue was predictable, but believable.
Overall, I don't regret reading it, but I don't think this will be easily remembered for me. If this is a topic that interests you, I would probably recommend A History of LonelinessA History of Loneliness because I feel it does a better job tackling the subject. 3.5 stars.
July 4, 2017
This is a book that will stay with you after the last page. Wonderful narrative which honestly at times was hard to read. Yes, this book is about abuse, but is so well written it draws you in. You feel that you are a resident small town Indiana. You feel for the characters, you feel their pain. If you want a book that will have you emotionally vested, this is the book that will do so. I will be looking for more from this author. Kudos to the author. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews