"This is an excellent and multifaceted book, with commentary of the Catholic church as well as being a powerful story of human connection, faith and love in all its forms. The remembrance at the end of the story adds even more poignancy to the story."
A heartfelt story packed with emotion as one closeted priest comes to terms with himself and his past. ‘A Particular Friendship’ by Paul Van der Spiegel is the story of Thomas Morton, a Catholic priest who suddenly has to confront his past when the man he fell in love with years ago appears in the congregation of one of his services.
This book handles bullying, dysphoria, homosexuality and abuse, but in a way that’s constantly lined with a sense of hope. Because the narrative has two timelines, Tom’s youth and his present day, the darkest parts of Tom’s narrative are cleverly shared with the reader alongside moments of triumph.
The character of Tom Morton is very well defined. As we learn more about Tom we understand his actions and his flaws. I found myself hoping for a positive ending after the challenges he overcomes through the book. This is an excellent and multifaceted book, with commentary of the Catholic church as well as being a powerful story of human connection, faith and love in all its forms. The remembrance at the end of the story adds even more poignancy to the story.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
Tom Morton is a gay Catholic parish priest in a northern English town. Tom's closeted life is turned upside down when the man he fell in love with comes back into his life. Caught between duty and desire, Tom finds himself confronting the powerful Bishop, Derek Worrell—a dark figure from Tom's past, and the man who has pledged to rid the Church of its troublesome gay clergy.
| Primary Genre | General Fiction |
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Tom Morton is a gay Catholic parish priest in a northern English town. Tom's closeted life is turned upside down when the man he fell in love with comes back into his life.
A Particular Friendship features in the following genres: General Fiction, Indie Author Books, Indie Books We Love, Fiction, Recommendations
Paperback. Not Available.
A Particular Friendship was written by and published by Perceptions Press