After reading Philip Fracassi’s book Gothic back in spring (see my review here) and after meeting and sharing a drink with him at Stoker Con in June, I was interested in his new book Boys in the Valley. It helped that there was a lot of advanced buzz around the book. So, I preordered the audio book, and started listening to it earlier this month. What did I think?
Boys in the Valley takes place at St. Vincent’s, a Catholic orphanage for boys in an isolated section of 1905 Pennsylvania. It’s not a terrible place, but it’s not exactly a great place, either. Still, those there try to make the best of it. At least, until one night, when the sheriff shows up with an injured man covered in occultic symbols. The events of that night set in motion the release of a terrible evil and a plot that will test everyone in the orphanage. And failure of that test may lead to consequences worse than death.
Gothic was good, but I liked Boys in the Valley better.
The best part of the story is the cast, and it goes to show Fracassi’s skill as a writer at how well he juggles an ensemble cast. Among the characters are Peter, a young man who is training for the priesthood (though he also has feelings for a local farmer’s daughter) and who views himself as part of a long line of St. Vincent boys; David, an angry young man who considers the orphanage a sort of hell; Brother Johnson, a brutish staff member at the orphanage whose journey through the story is fascinating to watch; and Father Poole, the megalomaniac running the orphanage whom I wanted to strangle throughout the book (and it says a lot about the writer that I reacted as viscerally to the character as I do with some politicians).
All these and more characters really made the story come to life for me, as did the story itself. It’s a possession story, but it doesn’t follow the usual trajectory of one, and that makes the direction unpredictable and the twists so much more satisfying. There were several moments where I had no idea what would happen, but desperately hoped for it to go one way and to open my mouth in surprise when it didn’t.
If there were some things I would have liked better, I would have preferred to see some more demonic antics in the novel. That, and I was hoping for a different ending in the final chapter.
But overall, Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi is an excellent novel and a fun read. On a scale of 1 to 5, I’m giving the book a 4.6. Heartfelt, with a strong cast and vivid storytelling. Set yourself down with a copy and some communion wine and strap in for the ride.
And if you go with the audio book, you’re in for a treat. The narrator, David Aaron Baker, does an excellent job with the various voices of the characters, shifting from boys and teens with cracking voices to gruff adults in a skillful flash.
That’s all for now, my Followers of Fear. Until next time, good night and pleasant nightmares.
Rami Ungar The Writer 