Scars That Run Deep

by Patrick Touher

The author’s harrowing story of child abuse from the age of seven at the hands of Christian Brothers in Ireland and later, in London, where he becomes easy prey. This is the eagerly-awaited sequel to the bestseller Fear of the Collar.

Hardcover

First published July 3, 2008

Reviews

[J.J. Toner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patrick Touher has written two books about his harrowing experiences as an orphan in Artane Industrial School, where he was beaten and sexually abused by a number of sadistic so-called Christian Brothers. This, his second book, concentrates on his life after he left the school and chronicles how his brutal treatment and lack of education affected him as an adult. The way he came through all that he suffered and made a life for himself is remarkable.

My main problem with this book was the way Patrick described again a lot of the abuse from his childhood - stories that were included in the (updated version of his) first book: Fear of the Collar.

Patrick's writing is accomplished, the tale he tells quite difficult to read.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am glad the author was able to overcome the nightmare that was his childhood to find happiness and success through his hard work and motivation to succeed, and also that he was able to open up and trust others again. The vivid descriptions of the brutality he endured were hard going, and I was glad he still managed to hold onto his faith that there is goodness in the world. Very sad that he lost his wife and confidante. Sometimes the world is so very unfair.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening testimony of the wicked and brutal power the Catholic Church held in Ireland from1870 to 1999. The orphans were sent to so called “Industrial Schools “ by magistrates who saw them as an easy way to remove orphans from society and the cheapest solutions to place them in semi state institutions. No compassion or thoughts of what would happen to anyone. Slave labour and pedophiles were reported to the state but no action took place shameful inactivity as poorly educated boys were despatched back into society damaged mentally physically and sexually

[Zeenath Naseer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author recollects his life in a harsh and abusive irish orphanage and his apprenticeship as a baker. A major theme in the book is the perverse homosexuality of priests.

[Dora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very well written but as Patrick Touher says himself, he did not get much of an education at Artane. It continues from his first book, Fear of the Collar which starts from when he was removed from his lovely, caring foster family aged 8 and sent to Artane until he was 16.

Now he is expected to find his own way in the world and put the past behind him but is not as simple as that as readers will discover.

He says he does not know why he was removed from his foster family but I am surprised he has never tried to discover why because somewhere there must be paperwork that provides that answer.

I am amazed that after all the abuse he and thousands of other boys suffered at the hands of the Christian Brothers, he still has faith in the Catholic Church.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very hard read but a horrific story that needed to be told and well written. Have passed to my husband to read next so the story and facts get read by as many people as possible to help enlighten and hopefully bring to an end this horrific abuse. Thank you for writing.

[Sinead White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely one of the top 10! emotions were everywhere but definitely worth a read.

[Debbie Mortimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow on from Fear of the Collar. Covers Patrick Touher's life after he left the Artane Industrial School for boys. The consequences in his life of the abuse (physical, mental and sexual) that he suffered. Very thought provoking read

[Eve Bosek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad true story! I was at some point traumatized. November must be authors both happy and sad month!