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Every Saint a Sinner
RECIPIENT OF TWO READERS' FAVORITE AWARDS***** Silver Medal ********** Honorable Mention *****PRAISE FOR EVERY SAINT A SINNER"[S]ubtle, nuanced, and sensitive both to its subject matter and characters, [but] muscular and fearless in its treatment of fearsome material. Bravo. . . . Miracle stories, "Are You There, Margaret, It's Me, God?" stories can be very ham-fisted and club a reader over the head with mysticism and righteousness, but that is not what this author has done. Instead, she has delivered a God through the trials and redemptions of very damaged, very damaging people, with incredible compassion for both those people--awful though they can be--and their victims, and all the other people in the fallout zones of their crimes." Joshua Moyes"Credibly, Solas shows how the media portray child sex offenders as the lowest form of criminal, beyond correction, how God can forgive and restore these criminals, how a meeting of victim and perpetrator can lead to true healing and forgiveness, and what a Catholic Church’s genuine apology could look like. Although it is likely to be contentious, this is one of the best books I have read. It is brave, bold, and brilliantly written." Brenda Daniels for Readers' Favorite * * * * * * * * *“Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” ~ Oscar WildeVeronica Matthews is on a mission to get the Catholic Church to accept its share of blame for Father Paul Peña’s rape of her son. While Peña himself is remorseless, it’s salt on the wound that the Church she’s always loved won’t admit that institutional failures enabled repeated abuse of its flock. Instead, it acts like every other litigious offering carefully worded statements of sympathy while refuting any responsibility.By all words and deeds Father Frank Muncy is Peña’s a humble servant loved by all for his extraordinary empathic gifts, which he puts to use as a drug addiction counselor. But when a grave accusation against Father Frank coincides with the reappearance of a figure from his past, Frank, a fervent believer in God’s ability to forgive and ultimately redeem, chooses to reveal a shocking secret about himself that is sure to ruin his reputation.When a miraculous event connects the lives of Veronica, Paul, and Father Frank, it also poses a great challenge to the Church. Survivors of the clergy abuse scandal are vehemently some feel that for the Church to acknowledge the miracle is to effectively minimize the clergy’s abuse against children, while others believe that the miracle is God’s mysterious creative repurposing of tragedy into a lesson about just how far his love extends—a lesson that will facilitate survivors’ healing.Told with unflinching bravery and compassion, Every Saint a Sinner asks what greater good can be done not just despite but because of man’s sinful nature. It’s an emotionally resonant and morally complex meditation on transformation, empathy, and forgiveness. DISCRETION ADVISED: This work contains scenes of abuse against children and adolescents.
- GenresReligion
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
30 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 11, 2021
(First thoughts) I so badly want to discuss this novel with other people; it is just not done in my head. The novel itself is tightly crafted, with not a superfluous sentence in it. The story is carefully constructed to ask certain painful questions of us and those are the questions which I need to talk about with others, to see if we can figure out the next step. It's the work of stories, isn't it? to help us imagine a different response, a healing, a different future, even a wondrous one.
But I realize I can't just invite friends to read this cold. I am telling them: this is a story about pedophilia and it's framed in the Catholic church.
(second thoughts to come.)
But I realize I can't just invite friends to read this cold. I am telling them: this is a story about pedophilia and it's framed in the Catholic church.
(second thoughts to come.)
January 19, 2022
I was captured by this book that took me on a journey as an unwilling passenger. Wading into the territory of pedophilia and the church was painful and uncomfortable. Descriptions made me squirm and fret. But I kept going because of the author’s ability to tell a story. When I was asked to suspend my disbelief, I did so willingly, such was the trust in Pearl Solas to bring me along. When I finished, I felt gratitude for having taken the trip. I can say Every Saint a Sinner is difficult, horrifying, compelling and transformative and most certainly worth the read.
October 12, 2021
I grew up knowing the basics of religion and believing in god but not going to church or practicing religion. I found a church and a faith (not catholic) about 1 year ago. My faith believes in repentance, forgiveness and the atonement for sins. This is something I struggled with being new to religion. It was difficult for me to imagine forgiving some of the worst people are capable of. I looked forward to reading this book to gain some new perspective on this.
I knew ahead of reading this book that it would contain some difficult material. We would need to understand the mindset while committing the worst sin in order to understand the change when going through repentance. I thought that the difficult subject matter was handled very well. It was written in a way where you could understand the sin and sinner was without being overly graphic. It was just graphic and descriptive enough to understand the rest of the plot of the book. For me it was kind of like watching Law and Order SVU.
After finishing the book, I had much to think about. It did, in fact, give me a new perspective on sin, repentance and atonement. I find it easier to understand how to forgive, even something as horrible as pedophilia. I felt the spirit when reading this book and felt truly inspired when I finished it. It gave me peace understanding forgiveness and a new ability in myself to work on forgiveness in my own life that I’ve struggled with.
A flaw I often find that books are written without properly developing the characters and I am uninterested even before I begin. I was interested throughout the entire book. I was invested in the characters and the plot. Like in most good books I’ve read, I thought about the book while I wasn’t reading it and couldn’t wait to get back to it to see where it was going. Another flaw I’ve found in books is that the authors are too descriptive and throw about big words just to be able to do so. While admittedly, I did have to look up a few words while reading this book; I found it to be perfectly descriptive without overly so and I found it to be written in a way to be easily read and the lesser used words to be used perfectly as well.
This book for me was a profound read and very thought provoking. I am left with a better understanding of why we as Christians forgive and why God would forgive, even the most despicable sins that seem illogical to be able to forgive. And it gives me hope and renewed faith that God does love me personally, even knowing all my imperfections.
I knew ahead of reading this book that it would contain some difficult material. We would need to understand the mindset while committing the worst sin in order to understand the change when going through repentance. I thought that the difficult subject matter was handled very well. It was written in a way where you could understand the sin and sinner was without being overly graphic. It was just graphic and descriptive enough to understand the rest of the plot of the book. For me it was kind of like watching Law and Order SVU.
After finishing the book, I had much to think about. It did, in fact, give me a new perspective on sin, repentance and atonement. I find it easier to understand how to forgive, even something as horrible as pedophilia. I felt the spirit when reading this book and felt truly inspired when I finished it. It gave me peace understanding forgiveness and a new ability in myself to work on forgiveness in my own life that I’ve struggled with.
A flaw I often find that books are written without properly developing the characters and I am uninterested even before I begin. I was interested throughout the entire book. I was invested in the characters and the plot. Like in most good books I’ve read, I thought about the book while I wasn’t reading it and couldn’t wait to get back to it to see where it was going. Another flaw I’ve found in books is that the authors are too descriptive and throw about big words just to be able to do so. While admittedly, I did have to look up a few words while reading this book; I found it to be perfectly descriptive without overly so and I found it to be written in a way to be easily read and the lesser used words to be used perfectly as well.
This book for me was a profound read and very thought provoking. I am left with a better understanding of why we as Christians forgive and why God would forgive, even the most despicable sins that seem illogical to be able to forgive. And it gives me hope and renewed faith that God does love me personally, even knowing all my imperfections.
October 15, 2021
A challenging read. As a lapsed catholic this touches familiar territory. The archetypal characters ring true. The dilemmas are heartbreaking and yet realistic. This is not easy to read, but it does ask substantial questions. I may read this again!
January 24, 2024
A book that Will touch the deepest fibers
“Every Saint A Sinner” by Pearl Solas is a book to be surprised by the author's ability to tell us these stories.
This reading will undoubtedly touch your deepest fibers to teach you that the only one who has the capacity to judge anything and forgive it is God. It is a book full of reflection, sometimes, even difficult to read because it confronts difficult issues but, in my opinion, an excellent book achieved by the author in which he achieves in an impeccable way the narrative of the memories of the victims.
If you want to know stories of victims of pederasty and others, but above all, if you are willing to confront these difficult issues this book is perfect.
“Every Saint A Sinner” by Pearl Solas is a book to be surprised by the author's ability to tell us these stories.
This reading will undoubtedly touch your deepest fibers to teach you that the only one who has the capacity to judge anything and forgive it is God. It is a book full of reflection, sometimes, even difficult to read because it confronts difficult issues but, in my opinion, an excellent book achieved by the author in which he achieves in an impeccable way the narrative of the memories of the victims.
If you want to know stories of victims of pederasty and others, but above all, if you are willing to confront these difficult issues this book is perfect.
March 23, 2024
Well written and thought provoking. Every Saint a Sinner, every Saint a Human. Are all sins equal? Can all sins truly be forgiven? Can sinners be fully redeemed? Can you celebrate/honor the good things someone has done regardless of their sins? Difficult depictions of child sexual abuse and the Catholic Church’s response.
March 20, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
Well written debut novel about a difficult topic (sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church). But also a study of the power of repentance and forgiveness and a reminder that God works in mysterious ways.
Well written debut novel about a difficult topic (sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church). But also a study of the power of repentance and forgiveness and a reminder that God works in mysterious ways.
December 28, 2023
I was very impressed by this book’s willingness to approach such a difficult topic in such a thoughtful, yet compelling way. Its unflinching bravery and compassionate storytelling explores the profound question of what the greater good can emerge in spite of our sinful nature. I was captivated by the author’s ability to garner emotional resonance by highlighting the moral complexity of themes like transformation, empathy, and forgiveness. I was struck by the depth of character development and the nuanced exploration of human nature. This book is more than a story; it's a meditation on the intricacies of morality. The author has crafted a literary experience that challenges and enriches the reader, making it a standout work deserving of high praise. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in reading something thought provoking and engaging.
December 23, 2023
Wow, such a bittersweet story.
I must say this book was a well-written account of atrocities committed and then covered up by the Catholic Church. It was, in parts, very hard to read. So I skimmed through those. All in all all this was a riveting story.
I must say this book was a well-written account of atrocities committed and then covered up by the Catholic Church. It was, in parts, very hard to read. So I skimmed through those. All in all all this was a riveting story.
December 17, 2023
Really good book with a heavy topic
The topic of this book is definitely difficult to tackle. But I think Pearl Solas did an excellent job with telling this fictional story. Father Frank Muncy is a drug addiction counselor with a secret. I love the idea of focusing on God’s redemption and forgiveness of sins. As the saying goes, all sinners have a future. This book really makes me think about whether or not God’s forgiveness and redemption can facilitate a survivors healing. For me, this book was an emotional roller coaster. I went through the motions of empathy and forgiveness as well as many other emotions. Definitely check it out for a thought provoking read.
The topic of this book is definitely difficult to tackle. But I think Pearl Solas did an excellent job with telling this fictional story. Father Frank Muncy is a drug addiction counselor with a secret. I love the idea of focusing on God’s redemption and forgiveness of sins. As the saying goes, all sinners have a future. This book really makes me think about whether or not God’s forgiveness and redemption can facilitate a survivors healing. For me, this book was an emotional roller coaster. I went through the motions of empathy and forgiveness as well as many other emotions. Definitely check it out for a thought provoking read.
May 16, 2024
This was my first time reading a novel by this author. I am definitely seeking out more of her works. The writing is eloquently detailed and the story captured a modern day dilemma with true compassion.
March 27, 2023
With *Every Saint A Sinner*, Pearl Solas shows herself to be a debut novelist with substantial chops. Her book, while subtle, nuanced, and sensitive both to its subject matter and characters, is nevertheless muscular and fearless in its treatment of fearsome material. Bravo.
If forced to classify this novel, I would throw out that it would fall somewhere in the spectrum of Magical Realism, sharing space with Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Haruki Murakami. Miracle stories, "Are You There, Margaret, It's Me, God?" stories can be very ham-fisted and club a reader over the head with mysticism and righteousness, but that is not what this author has done. Instead, she has delivered a God through the trials and redemptions of very damaged, very damaging people, with incredible compassion for both those people--awful though they can be--and their victims, and all the other people in the fallout zones of their crimes. She took me through a wide emotional spectrum, from nearly-mortal disgust and anger to a place of my own grudging, unanticipated compassion.
If forced to classify this novel, I would throw out that it would fall somewhere in the spectrum of Magical Realism, sharing space with Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Haruki Murakami. Miracle stories, "Are You There, Margaret, It's Me, God?" stories can be very ham-fisted and club a reader over the head with mysticism and righteousness, but that is not what this author has done. Instead, she has delivered a God through the trials and redemptions of very damaged, very damaging people, with incredible compassion for both those people--awful though they can be--and their victims, and all the other people in the fallout zones of their crimes. She took me through a wide emotional spectrum, from nearly-mortal disgust and anger to a place of my own grudging, unanticipated compassion.
October 24, 2024
Pearl Solas has written the BEST novel I have ever read. What if your worst, most unforgivable sin could lead you to sainthood? Pedophilia and rape are discussed in detail and may be difficult for some readers, but the theme of God's love and forgiveness is so beautifully presented that the book leaves you with a feeling of hope. Hope of change. Hope in humanity. Hope for a future no matter your past. This beautifully complicated book will challenge you in the best possible ways.
January 28, 2024
Solas delivers a morally complex and emotionally resonant meditation on empathy and healing.
Every Saint A Sinner by Pearl Solas is a poignant exploration of redemption, forgiveness, and the Church's response to clergy abuse. Awarded two Readers' Favorite honors, the novel skillfully addresses sensitive topics with bravery and nuance. Veronica Matthews confronts the Church's role in her son's abuse, while Father Frank Muncy, facing accusations, reveals a shocking secret. The narrative weaves together lives impacted by a miraculous event, prompting a divided Church to reflect on God's love and the potential for transformation despite human sin. Solas delivers a morally complex and emotionally resonant meditation on empathy and healing.
Every Saint A Sinner by Pearl Solas is a poignant exploration of redemption, forgiveness, and the Church's response to clergy abuse. Awarded two Readers' Favorite honors, the novel skillfully addresses sensitive topics with bravery and nuance. Veronica Matthews confronts the Church's role in her son's abuse, while Father Frank Muncy, facing accusations, reveals a shocking secret. The narrative weaves together lives impacted by a miraculous event, prompting a divided Church to reflect on God's love and the potential for transformation despite human sin. Solas delivers a morally complex and emotionally resonant meditation on empathy and healing.
September 23, 2024
Amazing!
Incredibly well written and so very touching. The book handles an influential issue with such grace and precision. I enjoyed the ending so much. Redemption was very palpable.
Incredibly well written and so very touching. The book handles an influential issue with such grace and precision. I enjoyed the ending so much. Redemption was very palpable.
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