In My Own Words

by Mickey Finn

In June 1964, a twelve-year old child was summonsed to appear at Dublin's Magistrates Court. The offence for which he was charged related to an amateurish break-in when coerced and accompanied by older children. In terms of gravity the misbehaviour was hardly more than a prank. In the severe surroundings of that oak panelled court, deep in the bowels of Dublin Castle, Mickey was sentenced to serve Three years hard labour in what was then known as an industrial school. Letterfrack Industrial School to which he was sent is situated in Connemara, one of Ireland's most isolated regions. For a child its remoteness found its equal only in a Siberian gulag; the likelihood of escape less than that from San Francisco's notorious Alcatraz Prison. Its seclusion in this malevolent place of correction was a major factor in the institutionalised abuse of children by the Christian Brothers with whom these unfortunate waifs were placed Many of these ill-fated youngsters had not been convicted of any offence; their crime was that they were orphaned; most if not all were victims of dysfunctional family life. During his sentence Mickey, and the hundreds of other children who passed through this den of depravity, were methodically physically and mentally tortured and abused. The Irish State was instrumental in providing this depraved band of brothers with a steady supply of victims. With Taliban-like zeal the Christian Brothers methodically administered random life threatening beatings merely on a whim; the more injurious were witnessed by fellow brothers and many witnessed by other terrified children.

228 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2011

Reviews

[Zuzu Burford · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book. No wonder the current Irish Prime Minister apologised to all the children that were incarcerated and then suffered sexual and mental abuse an criticised the power the catholic church had over the state and vowed, no more.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

These children were ripped from their homes with no notice for petty crimes and for incredibly long amounts of time. And these were the ones who actually did something wrong, some just had the misfortune of being orphans. That's horrible enough. But then they're forced to suffer terrible acts of cruelty-physical, sexual, and mental abuse. I can maybe understand the townspeople turning a blind eye to what may be happening. What I fail to fathom is how when these children came home on "break", their parents couldn't see that something was wrong. And I don't how they (the kids) forced themselves to go back. The only thing I can imagine is the fear of what would happen if they didn't was worse than what was waiting back at the institution for them. I do know I wouldn't have had the strength or fortitude to survive what they did. I wish the book had an epilogue or something to tell how the terror finally ended.

[Brooke Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, not because it was a heart warming happily ever after book, but it truly evoked emotion and the strength of the human soul. My heart broke for Mickey and the other boys and the life they were forced to live. They were robbed of their childhood and never had the opportunity to be a carefree happy kids. I have boys around the same age as Mickey was and the thought that another human being could treat a child so horribly and cruel left me questioning those in authority. I was left wondering why nobody stepped in to save these boys, and how could these "Brothers" feel justified in their actions and take joy in the abuse they inflicted on children. At times I found myself angry, crying, and then completely cheering Mickey on. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Gateacre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I won this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to all authors and readers who support this excellent scheme.

This book acts as a potent reminder of the damage that both state and religious institutions can do to the vulnerable and needy in the name of convenience and so-called morality. Although this testimonial focuses upon the Irish experience, it's a theme that has become all too common across the globe.

I found Finn's narrative compelling and authentic - I could hardly put it down and finished in 2 large sessions! Although often dark and disturbing, it has flashes of humour and warmth. Thoroughly recommended

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free on Goodreads first reads. The book was very well written. It felt like I was there going through the tragic ordeals that Mickey Finn was going through. I enjoyed the book but it was very disturbing to read about the way Ireland's children are treated in the places they called the Industrial School. I just hope that some justice has been handed out to the poor esxcuse for Human beings that were running those schools and that the children who endured are able to find some closure in their lives. I pray that these horrible things are not happening in todays times.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a free book from Goodreads-first-reads. Mickey, thank you for the opportunity to review your book.

In My Own Words (Still Running) by Mickey Finn

After more than forty years, Mickey has written his memoir. He is still haunted by the memories of mental, physical, and sexual abuse that he and hundreds of other unfortunate children suffered at the hands of the 'so called' Christian Brothers at the Letterfrack Industrial School in Connemara.

[Karen Hendry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one for true life books but this one is a must read! How these people got away with abuse on a mass scale is beggars belief, these children supposedly looked after by men of god were let down by the system at every turn and should be compensated today an apology is not enough for what these kids suffered. We aren't talking about Victorian times, it's less than 50 years ago! Thanks for sharing your story and I hope you've found some relief by sharing your story.

[Marie Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently finished reading this book and cannot recommend it enough. I found it captivating, compelling, funny in parts and I could not put it down until I finished it.
Congratulations to the author and I am quite sure it will be a winner. The only sad thing about it is....it's a True story, hope we don't have to wait too long for book two.

[Kat Ice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars just because the grammer and how it was written but other then that it was really good! I will be doing an in depth review on my youtube channel and will leave the link here later! Its a good book about the authors life in a prison type school since the age of 12. It was really good and kept me reading the only thing I didnt like was all the errors.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in Goodreads Giveaways and due to it going missing via the postal the author was kind enough to send me an ebook version. Thank you Mickey. And thank you for sharing your story. Your book inspired me to learn more about the industrial school you were sent to. Next on the reading list if I can get a copy is "Founded on Fear" by Peter Tyrrell.

[SUSAN GLASER · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't review it. Can't star it. Recommend it? Same. I do not have a clue if it is a work of art or one of the most depressing books I ever read...