Holy Terrors: A Boy, Two Brothers, A Stolen Childhood

by Michael Clemenger

Chilling, passionate and unflinching, this is the story of how one boy survived the terrors of Ireland's notorious institutions and made a real life for himself.

424 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars & 2/10 hearts. So I knew this book was about sexual abuse, but I didn’t expect it to be so extremely explicit. I ended up skimming A LOT because of this. Without the explicit details, the book wouldn’t have been so bad. The writing style was good. The story was horrifying and shocking, but a good warning and revelation of the abuses of the Catholic Church, not only in sexual abuse but physical and mental abuse. What stood out to me most was how the priests and monks completely destroyed Michael’s faith in God by their hypocrisy, cruelty, and slackness.

Once Michael was free from the school, the story was a lot better. I loved how the governor of the jail treated him; he was such a nice man. I never finished the story because I was so frustrated by how everyone treated Michael, but maybe someday I’ll finish it just to see how it ends and if he ever found faith again.

Overall, I don’t really recommend it because of all the sexual details, and a boatload of language; but at the same time it’s a story that should be told… so I don’t know; I think if someone should just expunge some unnecessary details, it would be much better.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Everybody Knew' is the true story of the abuse suffered by Michael Clemenger in his early years by the very people who were trusted with his care. The appalling, multi-faceted neglect he received will shock all readers to the core; what worsens the story is knowing that much of the abuse was instrumented (and ignored) by Catholic bodies.

Michael's story starts with him at a young age. Throughout the story he writes with great emotion about his desire to find his place in the world. He's a strong, determined boy who, despite the world being against him, pushes on with hope, courage and determination.

A shockingly emotional read.

[Rachel Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shocking account of sexual abuse in the church care system, by the very people that should have protected and cared for the children. Very brave of Michael to speak out about the awful abuse he and other boys were subjected to. This was hard to read because it was upsetting, however abuse needs to be talked about so that society doesn't turn a blind eye and steps in to protect children from the monsters like the ones in this book.

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT


As a fellow survivor, I never know how each book I read about child abuse is going to affect me. I only gave this book 4*s because it didn't affect me at all.

While I have empathy for the author and all survivors of child abuse, be it physical, mental, emotional or sexual, if a book doesn't affect me, I wonder how it could have been made so that it does. I'm an empath, things affect me all the time, the fact that this book did not, means it's lacking something somewhere.

I'm glad the author was able to move on and have a productive life. Sadly not all if us are that fortunate.

I also empathise with the author on the finding of his biological family. I did the same and it also turned out badly. I now have no contact with any of them, changed all my names by deed poll and moved house so they can't find me.

[Pauline Fenton · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have just finished this book - and have found it very thought provoking - the title really says it all - i have read many books on the issue of child abuse in ireland - this one i found to be quite different. It places the blame on the ordinary people of the time who knew full well what was going on in the industrial schools and yet elected to do nothing. He describes very well the abuse and the way of life in the industrial school - in this axe in tralee. What i found much more thought provoking was the time immediately after he left school with no knowledge of the outside world or how to function in society. I found this thought provoking in a very different ways - it is also very readable and worth a read.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't very keen on this book, bored me towards the end. Just seemed even tho he said he was unlucky he seemed to have more luck than anyone else that has gone through terrible things like that. Getting jobs and places to stay etc. Sad story but not sure on this one...

[Natasha Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last chapter was unnecessary and dragged on.

[Emily Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harrowing, but necessary. So personal, yet very relevant. In awe and impressed that he was able to write this.

[J.J. Toner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-rending true story, well-written and edited. Everybody should read this book.

[Tracey Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it in one day, it's been a long time since I read a book that quick, I couldn't put it down

[Beverley · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very inspirational book on one boys struggle through abuse of every kind

[Felix Hibi]

How to read this book from goodreads? Anyone please tell me.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so sad and make you want to cry and scream. Ah they are perfectly written and it's horrible to think that this happens