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New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood
Anthony and Kevin met in seminary; both are secretly gay and get into a steamy, romantic relationship. Will they stay together, facing all the homophobia from the church and society in the 1980s?
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New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood is a story filled with idealism and an abundance of hope. Three men travel to Vatican City to become priests when their eyes open to a world of faith, deception, and political intrigue.
Each man has dreams of transforming the world and leading the faithful through life’s journey. Kevin, Miguel, and Anthony enter a realm where faith takes a back seat to ecclesial power. Stumbling into sexual relationships, friendships explode into a romantic rollercoaster and contradict time-honored traditions.
New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood is a romantic journey of self-discovery inspired by true stories. Journey with them as they explore what they truly desire.
—
New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood is a story filled with idealism and an abundance of hope. Three men travel to Vatican City to become priests when their eyes open to a world of faith, deception, and political intrigue.
Each man has dreams of transforming the world and leading the faithful through life’s journey. Kevin, Miguel, and Anthony enter a realm where faith takes a back seat to ecclesial power. Stumbling into sexual relationships, friendships explode into a romantic rollercoaster and contradict time-honored traditions.
New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood is a romantic journey of self-discovery inspired by true stories. Journey with them as they explore what they truly desire.
306 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2020
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Mario Dell'Olio
11 books167 followersDr. Mario Dell’Olio is the author of several books. His latest novel, Tilting Toward the Sun, will be released by Black Rose Writing in December 2022. Letters from Italy: A Transatlantic Love Story was released by Black Rose Writing in February 2022. New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood, published by 5310 Publishing. He has self-published two others, both of which are finalists for the Wishing Shelf Book Awards. The first is a memoir, Coming About: Life in the Balance, about a sailing adventure going terribly wrong. The second book, Body and Soul, is LGBTQ fiction that explores the strife of coming out during the 1980s. Body and Soul is also a finalist. His doctoral project examines the woman’s voice in the music of Hildegard von Bingen. Dr. Dell’Olio has published two articles on Medium.com. He is the music director at an independent school in Sonoma, California.
Previously, he was chair of the music department and ethics teacher at a school for girls in Manhattan. Dr. Mario Dell’Olio conducted the Concert and Chamber Choirs. He has led his choirs on international and domestic concert tours and released numerous albums on iTunes and Amazon.com. Dr. Dell’Olio was director of music at Mission Dolores Basilica in San Francisco, California, from 1990 to 2000. He led the Basilica Choir's first international concert tour to Italy in June 1999. Dr. Dell’Olio holds a Doctor of Sacred Music, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, and a Master of Religious Education. He pursued postgraduate work in Theology as a seminarian at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
With over 35,000 followers on Twitter and a solid social media presence, he actively participates in the Writing Community. Dr. Dell’Olio has scheduled numerous author events, readings, and book signings. In November 2020, The Empire City Men’s Chorus of New York City performed a concert/documentary based on Dell'Olio's book, Coming About.
Previously, he was chair of the music department and ethics teacher at a school for girls in Manhattan. Dr. Mario Dell’Olio conducted the Concert and Chamber Choirs. He has led his choirs on international and domestic concert tours and released numerous albums on iTunes and Amazon.com. Dr. Dell’Olio was director of music at Mission Dolores Basilica in San Francisco, California, from 1990 to 2000. He led the Basilica Choir's first international concert tour to Italy in June 1999. Dr. Dell’Olio holds a Doctor of Sacred Music, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, and a Master of Religious Education. He pursued postgraduate work in Theology as a seminarian at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
With over 35,000 followers on Twitter and a solid social media presence, he actively participates in the Writing Community. Dr. Dell’Olio has scheduled numerous author events, readings, and book signings. In November 2020, The Empire City Men’s Chorus of New York City performed a concert/documentary based on Dell'Olio's book, Coming About.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 22, 2020
I had the absolute pleasure of receiving an ARC of NEW MEN, and I am in awe of Dr. Mario Dell’Olio’s immense talent. I told myself this review wouldn’t be another dissertation, but this book is yet another one of his genius creations, so here we are. There is so much to unpack—it would be a disservice if I didn’t pontificate about this story’s multifarious virtues. The writing squeezes your heart and resonates in your soul. Bravissimo, Maestro. Bravissimo.
Welcome to Rome. NEW MEN is a virtual vacation to the Vatican and a meticulous re-enactment of 1980s Italy. A cross-genre blend of romance, historical fiction, and theology, the story follows three main characters—Anthony, Kevin, and Miguel—as they embark on relatable journeys of self-actualization and self-discovery. You root for these new men throughout as they overcome self-hatred to find unexpected love at a seminary studying to be priests.
Dell’Olio flawlessly details the conflict of being gay and Catholic in an intolerant time. He opens a window into priesthood, Church politics, and corruption in the ecclesiastical hierarchy. It takes great strength for Anthony and Kevin to remain spiritual and self-loving when an institution they respected says that what they are is wrong and sinful—that is true wisdom, separating the human from the divine. After feeling abandoned by an authority they believed in, they follow their own moral code and choose to react through progress instead of disillusionment.
The story is a true immersion into this era. Italian phrases and landmarks are sprinkled throughout, and discussions regarding faith and celibacy imbue a philosophical undertone to the romantic plot. It’s so intimate, so raw, and so beautiful in its vulnerability. With flavors of dark academia and period-piece vibes, I could easily see this adapted for screen.
I also feel the need to say, though this book is primarily about gay men, as someone who prefers women, I was no less enthralled with its content and message. This is because—and I must reiterate, at the risk of overusing the word “perennial”—Dell’Olio’s books are truly perennial and timeless, applicable across the queer/ally spectrum. What I love about his writing is that, instead of letting the human limitations of religion turn the stories cynical, he transcends these anthropomorphisms of divinity and attains a spirituality above and outside of these imperfect constructs.
A book to feed your insomnia, NEW MEN will keep you up till the wee hours of the morning getting paper cuts from how fast you’re flipping pages. The writing is so addictive—you sit down to read a chapter, and you’re suddenly halfway through. With similarities to CALL ME BY YOUR NAME by André Aciman and ANOTHER COUNTRY by James Baldwin, this book is perfect for anyone dreaming of something more, finding the strength to believe in yourself, or searching for where you belong.
So there’s my dissertation and borderline stalker-fan review of NEW MEN. One of the easiest five stars I’ve ever given.
Welcome to Rome. NEW MEN is a virtual vacation to the Vatican and a meticulous re-enactment of 1980s Italy. A cross-genre blend of romance, historical fiction, and theology, the story follows three main characters—Anthony, Kevin, and Miguel—as they embark on relatable journeys of self-actualization and self-discovery. You root for these new men throughout as they overcome self-hatred to find unexpected love at a seminary studying to be priests.
Dell’Olio flawlessly details the conflict of being gay and Catholic in an intolerant time. He opens a window into priesthood, Church politics, and corruption in the ecclesiastical hierarchy. It takes great strength for Anthony and Kevin to remain spiritual and self-loving when an institution they respected says that what they are is wrong and sinful—that is true wisdom, separating the human from the divine. After feeling abandoned by an authority they believed in, they follow their own moral code and choose to react through progress instead of disillusionment.
The story is a true immersion into this era. Italian phrases and landmarks are sprinkled throughout, and discussions regarding faith and celibacy imbue a philosophical undertone to the romantic plot. It’s so intimate, so raw, and so beautiful in its vulnerability. With flavors of dark academia and period-piece vibes, I could easily see this adapted for screen.
I also feel the need to say, though this book is primarily about gay men, as someone who prefers women, I was no less enthralled with its content and message. This is because—and I must reiterate, at the risk of overusing the word “perennial”—Dell’Olio’s books are truly perennial and timeless, applicable across the queer/ally spectrum. What I love about his writing is that, instead of letting the human limitations of religion turn the stories cynical, he transcends these anthropomorphisms of divinity and attains a spirituality above and outside of these imperfect constructs.
A book to feed your insomnia, NEW MEN will keep you up till the wee hours of the morning getting paper cuts from how fast you’re flipping pages. The writing is so addictive—you sit down to read a chapter, and you’re suddenly halfway through. With similarities to CALL ME BY YOUR NAME by André Aciman and ANOTHER COUNTRY by James Baldwin, this book is perfect for anyone dreaming of something more, finding the strength to believe in yourself, or searching for where you belong.
So there’s my dissertation and borderline stalker-fan review of NEW MEN. One of the easiest five stars I’ve ever given.
May 14, 2021
I absolutely devoured this story! I am a big fan of Dr. Dell’Olio and his masterful writing ability as an emotive storyteller. As a writer and healer who aims to shine the light on difficult subject matters to help catalyze and alchemize humanity’s shadows, the author’s words resonate with me immensely. Dr. Dell’Olio is profoundly adept in creating relatable plots, world-building, and relatable character development.
New Men provides an inside look at a group of young seminarians, trying to navigate through the duplicity, corruption, hypocrisy, and traumatic experiences of the religious systems perpetuated by the Catholic Church. I loved the different points of view of the characters during the 1980s and their insights on love, self-identity, and self-realization.
As the characters lose their innocence through a dark night of the soul, the struggle between good and evil is revealed within the delusion perpetrated by the powerful men of the Vatican City. In particular, I found it extremely poignant to read about the AIDS epidemic and how it was perceived in the New York gay community.
Thank you Dr. Dell’Olio, for writing this book and illuminating the darkness. New Men is a must-read, a catalyst to evoke change and propel humanity into the evolution of love consciousness.
New Men provides an inside look at a group of young seminarians, trying to navigate through the duplicity, corruption, hypocrisy, and traumatic experiences of the religious systems perpetuated by the Catholic Church. I loved the different points of view of the characters during the 1980s and their insights on love, self-identity, and self-realization.
As the characters lose their innocence through a dark night of the soul, the struggle between good and evil is revealed within the delusion perpetrated by the powerful men of the Vatican City. In particular, I found it extremely poignant to read about the AIDS epidemic and how it was perceived in the New York gay community.
Thank you Dr. Dell’Olio, for writing this book and illuminating the darkness. New Men is a must-read, a catalyst to evoke change and propel humanity into the evolution of love consciousness.
February 14, 2021
This book is many wonderful things. From the cover, the reader can tell that delightful naughtiness will abound. While there are erotic moments in this book, there's also plenty of platonic tenderness and pain. "New Men" focuses on a cohort of men who have been launched into their priestly studies at Vatican City. Some quickly find themselves disillusioned with their path when it conflicts with their paths of self-discovery. The men battle calls to religious devotion, examples of hypocrisy, and a host of other influences that every young/new adult can relate to. I highly recommend this book for those who want an authentic account of growing into self (and those who want elements of m/m romance).
October 14, 2021
1 Star
A single star for a promising story line that never delivered in Mario Dell’Olio’s New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood. While this novel was published by Canadian-based 5310 Publishing, it certainly cries out for a strong editorial hand and a few very good beta readers.
A glaring example of the lack of attention to detail in this redundancy filled novel occurs early in the story. The three principal characters, Anthony, Kevin, and Miguel, are each introduced to the reader in his own introductory chapter. In Anthony’s chapter, as he is being seduced by an older priest, the author suddenly has the priest call Anthony ‘Kevin’, a character who hadn’t been mentioned before.
Later in the story Kevin asks, “Seriously…Now we’re launching into personal attacks? Make your arguments based on the issues at hand. Let’s not devolve into adolescent bickering.” Sadly no one heeds Kevin’s admonition.
So much of New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood is left unfinished, so many opportunities are squandered and just disappear.
A single star for a promising story line that never delivered in Mario Dell’Olio’s New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood. While this novel was published by Canadian-based 5310 Publishing, it certainly cries out for a strong editorial hand and a few very good beta readers.
A glaring example of the lack of attention to detail in this redundancy filled novel occurs early in the story. The three principal characters, Anthony, Kevin, and Miguel, are each introduced to the reader in his own introductory chapter. In Anthony’s chapter, as he is being seduced by an older priest, the author suddenly has the priest call Anthony ‘Kevin’, a character who hadn’t been mentioned before.
Later in the story Kevin asks, “Seriously…Now we’re launching into personal attacks? Make your arguments based on the issues at hand. Let’s not devolve into adolescent bickering.” Sadly no one heeds Kevin’s admonition.
So much of New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood is left unfinished, so many opportunities are squandered and just disappear.
November 4, 2020
This book was so much more than just a sneak inside the inner workings of the Vatican with a microscope. This story was based on a group of men on the brink of deciding their livelihoods and whether or not to rest their futures in the hand of the Catholic church.
I absolutely loved following each man's story, background, and bias as situations arose with members of the church and their student groups. It seemed like everyone reacted uniquely as they decided on how much they believed in their faith and could put aside the current circumstances to continue to gain knowledge and grow towards the end goal of becoming priests, versus those who decided they had already given everything and it still wasn't enough.
It was heartbreaking and tender, packed with real and raw emotion that just pulled at your heartstrings and gave the reader a lot to think about. Such an inspired story that I couldn't put down!
I absolutely loved following each man's story, background, and bias as situations arose with members of the church and their student groups. It seemed like everyone reacted uniquely as they decided on how much they believed in their faith and could put aside the current circumstances to continue to gain knowledge and grow towards the end goal of becoming priests, versus those who decided they had already given everything and it still wasn't enough.
It was heartbreaking and tender, packed with real and raw emotion that just pulled at your heartstrings and gave the reader a lot to think about. Such an inspired story that I couldn't put down!
March 27, 2021
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a fiction enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
January 23, 2021
New Men is an arresting, raw, and sometimes alarming story that can be difficult to read, but the tender and engaging relationships between endearing characters make it just as hard to put down. This is a complex journey of immersive self-discovery between faith and identity. A great read by a talented author.
Content warning: This story contains grooming and predatory sexual behaviours including sexual abuse of minors by religious leaders.
Content warning: This story contains grooming and predatory sexual behaviours including sexual abuse of minors by religious leaders.
October 24, 2020
An amazing story. Exceptional writing by Mario Dell'Olio. I am thrilled to recommend this story. Being inspired by true events only makes it more interesting — and shocking. I absolutely love this book and recommend it to anyone.
February 27, 2021
What happens when the will of ‘God’ and the heart of men collide? Could there be anything better than to be in love in Rome, one of the most romantic cities on the planet? Where though does it leave you if your ‘love’ is regarded with bigotry and disdain by those who you are learning to call ‘brothers’… in the seminary where you are training to be a priest?
So many questions and much to ponder as the destinies of the young men Anthony, Kevin and Miguel are intertwined here in New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood. How does one deal with falling in love with your best friend but having to hide it from the world? For Miguel, in particular his love comes at a price. Miguel never thought he’d meet the love of his life while studying but when he falls head over heels for the vibrant young woman who greets her life with such a sense of adventure it changes everything.
If you’ve enjoyed the fiction of André Aciman you’re in the right place because much like Call Me By Your Name, New Men is a multi-layered treat.
Mario Dell’Olio writes with a sizzling mixture of passion, theological insight and heartfelt descriptive skill. He makes what could be a trite ‘the homophobia from the church and society is evil’ message is handled with a light touch and witty tale of idealism and hope. It’s an impressive skill to blend a cross-genre romance that keeps fizzing along whilst bringing plenty of historical fiction, and no small amount of insider knowledge of life in a seminary too.
The struggle of being gay and Catholic is one that doesn’t often get explored in such a backdrop of training for ministry but Dell’Olio blows the doors off the intolerance and hypocrisy that the young heroes find themselves facing. The book is a powerful testament to how those who preach ‘love your fellow man’ don’t like when you take them literally…
I might be a straight guy, but this book was a fascinating romance-against-the-odds and I’d recommend it to anyone who is LGBTQ+ friendly and ideally beyond as there is real spirituality to be found in these pages.
The best seminary set novel I’ve experienced – and that’s from someone who spent 7 years working for a theological college!?
So many questions and much to ponder as the destinies of the young men Anthony, Kevin and Miguel are intertwined here in New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood. How does one deal with falling in love with your best friend but having to hide it from the world? For Miguel, in particular his love comes at a price. Miguel never thought he’d meet the love of his life while studying but when he falls head over heels for the vibrant young woman who greets her life with such a sense of adventure it changes everything.
If you’ve enjoyed the fiction of André Aciman you’re in the right place because much like Call Me By Your Name, New Men is a multi-layered treat.
Mario Dell’Olio writes with a sizzling mixture of passion, theological insight and heartfelt descriptive skill. He makes what could be a trite ‘the homophobia from the church and society is evil’ message is handled with a light touch and witty tale of idealism and hope. It’s an impressive skill to blend a cross-genre romance that keeps fizzing along whilst bringing plenty of historical fiction, and no small amount of insider knowledge of life in a seminary too.
The struggle of being gay and Catholic is one that doesn’t often get explored in such a backdrop of training for ministry but Dell’Olio blows the doors off the intolerance and hypocrisy that the young heroes find themselves facing. The book is a powerful testament to how those who preach ‘love your fellow man’ don’t like when you take them literally…
I might be a straight guy, but this book was a fascinating romance-against-the-odds and I’d recommend it to anyone who is LGBTQ+ friendly and ideally beyond as there is real spirituality to be found in these pages.
The best seminary set novel I’ve experienced – and that’s from someone who spent 7 years working for a theological college!?
November 27, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
Set in the 1980s, this fictional exploration of the lives and loves of three young seminarians on the path to becoming Catholic priests is inspired by actual people and their own stories about faith, the church, celibacy and sex, obedience to the Pope, and their own understanding of what it means to serve God. For a story set in Rome with its characters being seminary students at the Vatican, I expected there to be more of a glimpse into the church itself. How students are taught, their duties, their lives, their relationship with their God and one another. Instead, it reads more like a salacious adventure with Kevin going through the beds of practically every student — and a few teachers — all while sneaking back into Anthony’s bed to tell him the details. We’re told the American students are causing strife, but other than a brief argument over clothing, it’s never examined as anything important. Instead, the focus is on sex and celibacy as their ordination approaches and, in theory, Miguel, Kevin, and Anthony will have to take their vows. And then decisions are made and the story ends.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
Set in the 1980s, this fictional exploration of the lives and loves of three young seminarians on the path to becoming Catholic priests is inspired by actual people and their own stories about faith, the church, celibacy and sex, obedience to the Pope, and their own understanding of what it means to serve God. For a story set in Rome with its characters being seminary students at the Vatican, I expected there to be more of a glimpse into the church itself. How students are taught, their duties, their lives, their relationship with their God and one another. Instead, it reads more like a salacious adventure with Kevin going through the beds of practically every student — and a few teachers — all while sneaking back into Anthony’s bed to tell him the details. We’re told the American students are causing strife, but other than a brief argument over clothing, it’s never examined as anything important. Instead, the focus is on sex and celibacy as their ordination approaches and, in theory, Miguel, Kevin, and Anthony will have to take their vows. And then decisions are made and the story ends.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
October 25, 2021
Anthony, Kevin and Miguel are New Men at the Vatican, studying to become priests. In their own way each man wants to change the world by becoming the best priest ever. They are confronted by things they never imagined, including cruelty and uncharitable actions. Kevin and Anthony are attracted to each other and fall in love but know it must be concealed. Miguel wants to church to progress but is stymied. He also meets a friend of Anthony’s and is delighted to share her company. All men come to a crossroads where decisions must be made regarding life, faith and the church. Each man is struggling in different ways and each one finds life taking different paths.
This was a fascinating journey into the life as a seminarian. The church, as with every organization, is political. With the church, different popes take different directions and not everyone agrees with the direction being taken. Many of the priests and seminarians have sexual relationships and there is so much going on that no one addresses, unless they have to. Take the journey with these three men and see what you think for yourself. Your conclusions may surprise you as they did me.
This was a fascinating journey into the life as a seminarian. The church, as with every organization, is political. With the church, different popes take different directions and not everyone agrees with the direction being taken. Many of the priests and seminarians have sexual relationships and there is so much going on that no one addresses, unless they have to. Take the journey with these three men and see what you think for yourself. Your conclusions may surprise you as they did me.
March 28, 2021
I found it difficult to pick this book up at first. I'm a very anti-religious person, believing that no-one has the moral right to tell others how to feel, think, live, or behave. So when I saw this book was set in a seminary in the Vatican City I was hesitant.
However, the author pulled me in with good storytelling, a wide range of characters and a heartbreaking tale. I felt intense anger at the Roman Catholic church one minute, and pure joy at a love story the next.
I will not speak about the ending, but rest assured I want to, as it isn't the way I thought it would end.
However, the author pulled me in with good storytelling, a wide range of characters and a heartbreaking tale. I felt intense anger at the Roman Catholic church one minute, and pure joy at a love story the next.
I will not speak about the ending, but rest assured I want to, as it isn't the way I thought it would end.
May 26, 2021
Three young, ambitious and naïve guys arrive in Rome to start their first year at an elite seminary. Each reacts differently as they quickly find themselves smack up against internal politics of the church, the pettiness of men squabbling over the tiny domain of the seminary, and the general frustrations of life in the closet, if not exactly celibate.
A deeply original and honest book that took me into a world I could never know—inside a seminary, and past the velvet ropes of the Vatican. What a terrific book.
c.t.h.
A deeply original and honest book that took me into a world I could never know—inside a seminary, and past the velvet ropes of the Vatican. What a terrific book.
c.t.h.
October 28, 2021
So this was a new author to me and has definitely piqued my interest. I definitely had some trepidation with reading a book that was so heavily based on religion and told in three POVs but both were done with tact and thoughtfulness. I liked reading about Kevin, Miguel, and Anthony and their journey both separately and together. This is a historical romance that takes place in the 1980s at the Vatican and the author really draws you into that period with the descriptions and the characters. It was a journey that I highly suggest everyone take!!
October 29, 2021
This is a thought provoking look into the lives, both interior and exterior of three seminarians in Rome. We see the politics within the Church and the Vatican bureaucracy as well as relationships both nurturing/loving and hypocritical. Not at all your typical "romance" and believable and absorbing because of that.
October 27, 2021
Three young men go to explore Rome where two get together while the other one feels pulled to a young girl. They are all going to have a wonderful time together. What will happen? How will it all go? Will it last? See where it all goes
January 2, 2021
A window into the soul of the church–New Men is a true to life saga of abuse, sexuality, and hypocrisy. From the hallowed halls of power and mystery within Vatican City, three men travel on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. The innocence of youth is shattered, hearts are broken, and true love is found. The struggle between faith and sexuality is on full display in this dramatic look inside the pre-eminent catholic seminary. Dr. Dell’Olio is a master story-teller who expertly explains the trauma of the gay experience during the 1980s. I fell in love with the characters and rooted for them as they learn to love and be loved. With hints of Andre Aciman's "Call Me By Your Name," New Men will take its place along the shelf with historically significant books.
July 28, 2022
New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood is a unique story featuring the secretive world of the North American College in Rome.
Anthony, Kevin, and Miguel are all young men eager to become priests. They are excited to be allowed to study in the Vatican so close to the Pope and so much history.
I have to be honest, at first, I had a hard time getting into this book. The scene toward the beginning had me thinking the author was setting Anthony up for one conflict, but then it was never mentioned again. Also the multiple POV’s confused me initially, but once I got used to the boys alternate perspectives, I really enjoyed the story.
Although fictional, these characters felt very real, and I could completely see the scenarios that were portrayed here actually happening. Touching on themes including sexuality, homophobia in the Catholic Church, and the AIDS epidemic in the 80’s, Dell’Olio focuses on some very heavy topics that aren’t talked about enough.
By the end of the story, I felt like I knew Anthony, Kevin, and Miguel personally. They all faced different trials and tribulations and they took different paths regarding their faith. This story was well crafted and I would pick up another book by Dell’Olio.
Anthony, Kevin, and Miguel are all young men eager to become priests. They are excited to be allowed to study in the Vatican so close to the Pope and so much history.
I have to be honest, at first, I had a hard time getting into this book. The scene toward the beginning had me thinking the author was setting Anthony up for one conflict, but then it was never mentioned again. Also the multiple POV’s confused me initially, but once I got used to the boys alternate perspectives, I really enjoyed the story.
Although fictional, these characters felt very real, and I could completely see the scenarios that were portrayed here actually happening. Touching on themes including sexuality, homophobia in the Catholic Church, and the AIDS epidemic in the 80’s, Dell’Olio focuses on some very heavy topics that aren’t talked about enough.
By the end of the story, I felt like I knew Anthony, Kevin, and Miguel personally. They all faced different trials and tribulations and they took different paths regarding their faith. This story was well crafted and I would pick up another book by Dell’Olio.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews