Boys in the Valley - Coming-of-Age Religious Horror
The hype for this book is real and well-earned, folks!
I would describe this as a coming-of-age religious horror novel. It follows Peter, an orphan who became such through a brutal case of domestic violence. He is a leader amongst his peers in St. Vincent's Orphanage and has been handpicked to pursue the priesthood, should he choose it. One evening, the boys overhear clamoring and screaming from the halls. A man has been arrested and brought into the orphanage by the police, and he is very badly wounded. But there's also something very wrong with him. Something he's carried into the orphanage with him, like bitter seeds in a spartan garden.
This book conveys that the system is broken for orphanages (as well as other 'helpful' organizations) and religion alike, yet the finding of light in darkness is also prevalent. Sometimes I get the impression that Fracassi is quite atheist, but other times I feel like he concedes to the good that resides within us all without addressing its source directly.
Once again, Philip Fracassi has knocked it out of the park. He is truly a king of the horror genre and continues to make his way to the top of my list of all-time favourite authors. His writing is so poignant and fresh. He surprises, thrills, and breaks your heart frequently. I was sitting at my desk at work enjoying this novel over lunch and definitely had to wipe away a few tears and try to hide it from my coworkers. Whether it's a short story or a full novel, I fall in love with and relate to the characters that Fracassi creates EVERY TIME. It's amazing.
Add this one to your TBR pile and make sure it's close to the top. You won't want to miss it.
