A History of LonelinessThe life of a good priest in Ireland over the past 50 years provokes one of John Boyne's most powerful novels yet Odran Yates enters Clonliffe Seminary in 1972 after his mother informs him that he has a vocation to the priesthood. He goes in 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.