A History of Loneliness: from the bestselling author of The Heart’s Invisible Furies

John Boyne

Sep 2014 · Random House

About this ebook

'Gripping, harrowing and extremely moving... A painfully page-turning read...' - The Sunday Times

Clonliffe Seminary, 1972. Odran Yates arrives after his mother informs him that he has a vocation to the priesthood. He is full of ambition and hope, dedicated to his studies and keen to make friends.

Forty years later, Odran's devotion has been challenged by the revelations that have shattered the Irish people's faith in the Church. And when a family tragedy opens wounds from his past, he is forced to confront the demons that have raged within a once-respected institution, and recognize his own complicity in their propagation.

From the award-winning author of The Heart's Invisible Furies, comes this courageous and intensely personal tale.
Readers are moved by A History of Loneliness:
***** 'Captivating, absorbing, heart-wrenching. A must read.'
***** 'A really powerful story from an author renowned for writing such stories.'
***** 'One of the most moving books I have ever read.'

Ratings and reviews

Magnificent. One of the best books i have ever read

It's an intense yet not extraordinary book to read.

Well worth reading

About the author

John Boyne is the author of fifteen novels for adults, six for younger readers, and a collection of short stories. His 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and has been adapted for cinema, theatre, ballet, and opera. His many international bestsellers include The Heart's Invisible Furies and A Ladder to the Sky. He has won four Irish Book Awards, including Author of the Year in 2022, along with a host of other international literary prizes. His novels are published in sixty languages.


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