Ken Hills - Requiem for Black Shoes

Requiem for Black Shoes - a new novel by Ken Hills (adult fiction)

For thirty two years, I worked with teenagers, as a teacher, as an administrator and as a counsellor. It was in this latter position that I became most aware of and involved with troubled teenagers. One common denominator they shared was they came from dysfunctional homes. They were homes in which the parents were not present. Perhaps the parents were divorced or separated, possibly one had died. It could have been that both parents were absent at crucial times during the day because they had work commitments. It may have been a home in which the cultural views clashed with those more prevalent in North America. I personally knew of many young people who were abused either sexually, physically or emotionally. When that happens to anyone, the natural compass which we all have is disrupted and the youngster, who is already battling with the challenges of a normal development, now has to find his way through life as well as he can, carrying an extra burden. Some turn to drugs, others to alcohol. Virtually all of them seek the company of others who are experiencing similar difficulties.

My book, Requiem For Black Shoes, is the story of how a young Catholic boy, sexually abused by a Catholic priest, lives his entire life struggling with this burden. It illustrates how his relationships with others, with the church and with God have been affected. This is a story of fact with fictional embellishments.

Recent Reviews:
"Drawing extensively on his 30 years teaching experience, coupled with a childhood steeped in the machinations of the Catholic Church, Ken Hills has crafted a sensitive and honest story, balancing humour with pathos, to show the ruthlessness often met by adolescents from their environment."
Charles Ryall, Lawyer

“Requiem For Black Shoes” tells of a life long struggle to escape the “inescapable tomb” of child abuse. The violation of a vulnerable youth at the hands of a trusted friend, a role-model, a father- figure, a Catholic priest is distressing, heart-breaking, infuriating. Nevertheless, “Requiem For Black Shoes” is a hope-filled invitation for us all to seek resurrection and deliverance from our own demons. It is a testament to the awesome power of love in confronting a self made prison of suffering, injustice and shame.
Paul Faye, Catholic Elementary School Principal, Retired

"Ken Hills has written a very personal autobiography of healing in the guise of fiction. He uses a stream of consciousness narrator to tell this story in a writing style reminiscent of J. D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”. The story is one of sexual abuse and betrayal of an adolescent by a priest and the life consequences that result. Several references are made to The Catcher’s Holden Caulfield, “.... practically brothers”. In fact, the narrator is a senior Holden Caulfield, now undergoing therapy, a retired teacher, a loving yet struggling father, and a devoted husband who still questions the success of his personal relationships with his wife and others. This book is Ken’s answer to finally wrestling with the demons of guilt his catholic faith brings him and reconciling the damage he suffered from the sexual abuse by an authority figure." Ted Pritchard, B.A., B.Ed., O.T. , Retired Elementary School Principal

I invite you to read the following excerpt from my book and to let me know your reaction to my story. I really appreciate your comments. Thanks for your help, Ken