This novel is about the little discussed area of the abuse of girls by nuns, which is deeply relevant today in view of the shocking revelations about sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
Inspired by, but not based on, a true story, it follows the career of Lilly, an Irish teenager whose dearest wish is to be a nun, who grows up to be a Mother Superior in a Catholic girl's school. This turns out to be the worst possible place for her, as it gives her maximum opportunity to succumb to her compulsive, perverse practices, encouraged by her Father Confessor, and covered up by a cast of powerful characters, including priests, police, doctors, and parents.
The novel follows her rise and fall, exploring the motivations of the characters to do evil, in order to protect the interests of the Church over the interests of its congregation. It explores life in convents, The Catholic Church, faith schools and even an S&M club. Lilly's sex life and romance drives the plot through twists and turns, each more surprising than the last, ending with an unexpected denouement.
Apart from being an exciting read, the book attempts to explain the puzzling question of why those in power are not prevented from abusing it, and if they repent, whether they can be forgiven or whether there are crimes which are beyond forgiveness.
樂天KOBO
