As a baby, Michael Clemenger was handed over to the unloving care of a religious-run children’s home. Aged eight, he was transferred to St Joseph’s Industrial School in Tralee, Co. Kerry.
Chosen as their ‘favourite’ by two Christian Brothers, Michael endured years of sexual abuse at the hands of both men. Brother Price would strike at night, while Brother Roberts took his pleasure in a weekly bathtime ritual. And even their ‘protection’ did not save the boy from merciless beatings at the hands of other sadistic Brothers in the notorious institution.
Despite the unbelievable trauma of his early life, Michael emerged unbroken, determined to make something of himself, and also to find the mother he had never known.
A story of remarkable spirit and courage, set against a background of the prejudices and neglect of Irish society in the 1960s.
See Minister Noel Dempsey's speech at the launch of Holy Terrors
Click to browse or download our new 2011-2012 catalogues: general, children's and schools.
Congratulations to Anna Carey, winner of the Irish Book Awards Specsavers Children's Book Of The Year (senior category) award for The Real Rebecca, beating a highly-competitive field. Well done, Anna!
