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thecaptainsquarters 's review for:
Boys In the Valley
by Philip Fracassi
Ahoy there me mateys! This begins in 1898 in rural Pennsylvania and gives the gripping tale of how Peter loses his parents. Then it jumps to 1905 where Peter is living at St. Vincent’s Orphanage. The orphanage is in a secluded valley and is run by harsh priests. Punishments and starvation conditions abound. Life is no real joy but Peter is almost grown and trying to determine whether he should stay to be a priest or leave. He has hope, despite the circumstances, and cares immensely for the other boys.
The plot begins as straight historical fiction showcasing orphanage life, the coming winter, and the various relationships of the boys. Then one night the local law enforcement bring a sick man for treatment. Soon after, the boys start acting out of character and violence begins to take hold. What exactly is going on and will anyone make it out alive?
The book is told from multiple points of view even though Peter is the overall focus. Father Andrew is the friendliest priest who cares for the kids but won't stand up to the mean head priest, Father Poole. Johnson is a man serving a life work sentence at the orphanage in exchange for being kept out of prison. He is nasty and complicated and has a rather horrible perspective. David is another orphan whose complicated relationship with Peter is part of the undercurrent of how the events unfold.
The supernatural elements of this book were creepy, violent, and often gross. That said, the book was engrossing and I read it in one sitting. The blend of historical fiction and horror was extremely well done. I found Peter to be an excellent character to cheer for even if there wasn't much happiness in the book. The ending surprised me a bit in how much of a downer it was even if it felt truthful to the book's nature. The treatment of the orphans was extremely hard to read about and the adults did not end up being sympathetic. I recommend this book to those who like their horror and can handle harsh themes. Arrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The plot begins as straight historical fiction showcasing orphanage life, the coming winter, and the various relationships of the boys. Then one night the local law enforcement bring a sick man for treatment. Soon after, the boys start acting out of character and violence begins to take hold. What exactly is going on and will anyone make it out alive?
The book is told from multiple points of view even though Peter is the overall focus. Father Andrew is the friendliest priest who cares for the kids but won't stand up to the mean head priest, Father Poole. Johnson is a man serving a life work sentence at the orphanage in exchange for being kept out of prison. He is nasty and complicated and has a rather horrible perspective. David is another orphan whose complicated relationship with Peter is part of the undercurrent of how the events unfold.
The supernatural elements of this book were creepy, violent, and often gross. That said, the book was engrossing and I read it in one sitting. The blend of historical fiction and horror was extremely well done. I found Peter to be an excellent character to cheer for even if there wasn't much happiness in the book. The ending surprised me a bit in how much of a downer it was even if it felt truthful to the book's nature. The treatment of the orphans was extremely hard to read about and the adults did not end up being sympathetic. I recommend this book to those who like their horror and can handle harsh themes. Arrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.