A History of Loneliness

A History of Loneliness by John Boyne traces the life of Odran Yates, who joins Clonliffe Seminary in 1972 with hope and ambition, only to face the unraveling of faith and trust over decades as revelations about the Irish church come to light. The story explores themes of dogma, moral courage, and personal reflection as Odran confronts his own role within a once-respected institution. Through a deeply personal and powerful narrative, Boyne examines the dark intersections of belief and moral complicity in Ireland’s recent history.