VOWS A Story of a Priest, a Nun, and Their Son

This insider's look at the sometimes perverted operations of the Catholic Church of the 1950s will leave listeners eager for a sequel. But the author buries the lead, and Patrick Lawlor, in a nasally voice, seems to sense it. Sure, it's compelling that Manseau's parents were a former nun and a former priest. Sure, the story of how that upbringing shaped him is interesting, though long-winded. But as Lawlor plods through the tedious descriptions, you can almost feel him trying to "get to the good parts." Manseau should simply tell us his parents' story. Lawlor might then be inspired to breathe and to illuminate the story's compelling theme: "The deepest level of communication is wordless." D.J.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]