Publishers Weekly
Can gratitude become a form of entrapment? At what point does affection become obsession? Can a highly respected adult always be trusted? These are some of the weighty questions addressed in PW contributor Freitas's (The Possibilities of Sainthood) emotionally taut second young adult novel, which traces a Catholic teenager's loss of innocence. Olivia is ecstatic when she wins a writing contest sponsored by Fr. Mark Brendan, a renowned novelist. She basks in the attention and compliments the priest lavishes on her, until his demands to meet with him, attend functions, and read his new story become unreasonable, consuming her time and thoughts and tearing her from her friends and family. Her victimization is chillingly evoked through an intimate first-person narrative that expresses her feelings of suffocation ("I am locked in the center of a Father Mark triangle, walls all around me, and him everywhere I turn"). Young women who have found themselves the object of obsession will relate to the protagonist's ordeal and be inspired by her decision to speak out no matter the consequences. Ages 12-up. (June)
VOYA
- Kathleen Beck
High school junior Olivia is thrilled when she wins a writing contest sponsored by Father Mark Brendan, priest, professor, and best-selling author. Father Mark offers her individual mentoring and a place in his summer seminar. Olivia, from a self-described "very Catholic" family, knows she is lucky to receive such attention, lucky, lucky. But soon it doesn't feel so lucky; in fact, it begins to feel more than a bit creepy, as Father Mark sends her e-mails, text messages, letters, presents, and invitations. Is it ungrateful to want some privacy, some time with her friends? What does he expect from her? When Father Mark starts to turn up wherever Olivia goes, she realizes something is very wrong. But how can she make it stop? This intense novel makes the experience of being stalked by an older man very real. Olivia's inability to name what is happening and her feeling that she is somehow to blame are believably depicted. She fears that God will abandon her if she questions the Church. It is her own drive to write that ultimately helps Olivia to say "enough." Not just Olivia's family but also her story is "very Catholic." Abuse by authority figures is not just the Church's problem, but the context here is so strong that hand-selling may be required to attract a general audience. The book could be used to spark discussion about keeping secrets and setting boundaries. Pair this with Stained (Simon & Schuster, 2005/VOYA April 2005), by Jennifer Richard Jacobsen, which also depicts an abusive priest. Reviewer: Kathleen Beck
Children's Literature
- Jennifer Lehmann
Olivia wants to be a writer. When her story wins a contest and she is selected to take part in a college seminar as a high school junior, she feels like her future is made. Her book will be published, and she will receive individual guidance from the well-known author who teaches the seminar. That this author is a priest is a bonus for her Catholic family, but the relationship soon begins to make her feel uncomfortable. Surely the constant attention and control is her imagination, and all well-intentioned...right? With the concern and support of her family, friends, and new boyfriend, Olivia is able to overcome the misuse of power. The problems involved with abuse from priests have been making headlines lately, but the corruption of those who enjoy power, charisma, and influence extends beyond the priesthood. Olivia's story gives voice to many who have been trapped in similar webs. Her thoughts are clear, and her dilemmas are understandable. Who do you turn to when the one who is crossing lines is highly respected by all those you trust? Is it right to accuse someone who, on the surface, is working hard to help you and who hasn't been a physical threat? Freitas tells Olivia's story grippingly and treats these issues sensitively. She doesn't refrain from addressing the unique spiritual and emotional issues raised when the aggressor is a priest, but doesn't place blame solely on the Roman Catholic Church, and shows the positive side of the faith through the support of Olivia's family, boyfriend, and a compassionate nun. Reviewer: Jennifer Lehmann
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up—Seventeen-year-old Olivia wins a prestigious award that includes the opportunity to attend a writing workshop at the local Catholic university taught by a successful novelist whom she idolizes. Olivia is thrilled: her dreams of being a writer are becoming a reality. While basking in Father Mark's attention, she becomes uneasy as his actions become more pervasive and possessive. Caught by her awe of him both as an author and a priest, she questions her own discomfort as the emails, texts, and requests for her time and attention leave her confused, secretive, and defensive. Hiding this predicament from her family and friends is further complicated by her attraction to a fellow student. Throughout Olivia's story, Freitas alludes to actual events in 1966 when Catholic priest Thomas Merton fell in love with a student nurse assigned to his care. Freitas has skillfully woven Merton's reflections of his historically documented "gorgeous game" into her fictitious exploration of the effect of stalking, as told through a series of Olivia's writing exercises. A nun helps her realize that she can't and shouldn't have to face this problem alone. With the support of close friends and Sister June, Olivia is able to confront the situation. This novel will resonate with teens who struggle with what appear to be impossible situations and come to terms with the desire to receive attention however unwanted it may be. The message that stalking is not the fault of the victim is especially important.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
Kirkus Reviews
Freitas, whose first novel (The Possibilities of Sainthood, 2008) dealt lightly with love and Catholicism, here takes on abusive priests. Fatherless, beautiful 17-year-old Olivia cannot believe her luck when famous author-priest-professor Father Mark takes her under his wing. He never touches her, but Olivia's initial delight soon becomes discomfort as he demands more and more time and attention, using his authority to control Olivia. While a compelling premise, far too much action takes place off-page; Olivia narrates that there were so many meetings and phone calls, but readers rarely see them, distancing any sense of tension or oppression. Moreover, Father Mark's attention is so overt-Olivia's friends and boyfriend repeatedly comment on it; he send packages to her at school and leaves letters at her door-that it is hard to believe no one notices the inappropriateness of his attention, especially given that characters discuss priestly abuse and closing parishes at one point. Icky but ultimately unexciting, this one could have used a little levity or, failing that, some genuine tension. (Fiction. 12 & up)
