Boys in the Valley

BOYS IN THE VALLEY, Philip Fracassi, Earthling Publications, $50, ISBN: 978-1-7369284-0-0, reviewed by Barry Hunter.

This is the annual Halloween novel from Earthling Publications and Paul Miller has added another haunting addition to this much beloved series.

This time out, we get the story of Peter – who is sent to St. Vincent’s Orphanage for Boys. It is the turn of the century and times are tough. The boys depend on each other and those who disobey find themselves in the Hole. Discipline is strong here as it was in all Catholic orphanages at that time.

Peter has been allowed to help in their visits to obtain supplies from the Harris Farm. He has also gotten to know Grace; the farmer’s daughter and she loans him books on his visit and they are exchanging notes.

All appears to be gong well until the night the Sheriff and his posse stop at the orphanage seeking medical aid. Their prisoner had kidnapped a three-year-old girl and had done unspeakable things to her. The Priests try to perform an exorcism, only to have the injured man die after saying “we are Many”.

After this happens, the boys begin to form groups, some of the boys begin to mistreat the younger ones and it culminates in the mutilation and crucifixion of one of the boys. This is followed by a group of the boys trying to destroy the orphanage and kill anyone in their way.

Peter must become the protector of the children and must face the horrors of hell to fulfill his destiny.

Fracassi has written a book that is true to its setting. He has also added a brief look at blooming romance. He has written an odyssey through possession and madness that is tough to read. This is my first meeting with Philip Fracassi and I’m sure it won’t be the last.