Searching for St. Germaine
Searching for St Germaine is a riveting, heartbreaking, yet inspiring memoir by G.L. Franklyn. This book follows an orphaned boy who grew up both Catholic and gay in the middle of the 20th century, suffering from all the taboos and stigmas that come with that.
This poor boy suffered tremendous physical, emotional, mental, and—perhaps worst of all—sexual abuse from a young age. He was also exploited for free farm labor, ironically similar to another book we read about the foster care system around this time.
He says: “I would go on to live, shoulder to shoulder among damaged and unwanted kids.”
Perhaps the most tragic thing about all of this is that these types of abuses were so frequent in the foster care system that Franklyn became desensitized to it and expected it. He began to accept that this is just the way that things are. No child should have to live with such meager and dismal expectations. This is not the way that things should be. Every child should feel safe and have somewhere they can call home.
We’re not exaggerating when we say this: this kid went through more in the first eight years of his life than most people go through in their entire lives! It is absolutely horrendous, tragic, and sad what happened to this kid.
And yet… despite all of that, here he is: alive and able to tell the story!
We feel blessed and honored to be able to read this, despite the fact that it can be uncomfortable or even agitating to read. The very fact that we felt this is way is a testament to Franklyn’s storytelling abilities. Yes, the formatting of this book is unfinished and rough, but the way that the author tells the story is captivating. It takes skills to evoke those types of emotions from your reader.
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REVIEWS
Jeff Stookey – Author of Medicine for the Blues Trilogy
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
This is a terrific memoir of a difficult life. Franklyn’s distinctive voice is humorous and believable because of his openness to the vulnerability of memory. He is a master of the quick brushstroke characterization, describing his family, friends, teachers, and others, often with references to well-known cultural figures from the movies.
Gregory offered me an earlier draft of this memoir, so in reading the published version I dreaded revisiting some of the harrowing scenes I knew were coming. His story covers sexual, physical, and psychological abuse as well as bullying. Yet his good humor as a story teller, even when covering horrific and heart-breaking circumstances, is remarkable. He is clear-eyed and perceptive in his understanding and description of human behavior. Franklyn recognizes the broken and damaged aspects of the lives of his perpetrators.
He writes: “Sometimes hurt people, hurt people because it’s all they know.”
He accurately portrays his emotional reactions to difficult situations so that you feel with him.
Without giving any spoilers, Franklyn’s memoir is ultimately a story of survival and resilience, as he eventually builds self-confidence and finally self acceptance.
I come away from this book with great empathy, respect, and affection for G. L. Franklyn for surviving and telling his story. I heartily recommend this memoir. – 5 stars
*****
Kindle Customer
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2023
There is such a positive outlook in situations that seemed hopeless. At moments I had to put the book down and breathe. I’m so proud he made it through and found the good wolf. – 4 stars
*****
Victoria Newbill
Brutal Truth From Foster Care History From LGBTQIA+ Perspective
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
This is a sobering account of the life of a child subjected to chaos and abuse in the US Foster Care system of the 1950’s – 60’s. The story is richly detailed in the unique perspective of the author as both victim and survivor of a system designed to make his experience as a young effeminate boy as harrowing as possible.
Despite hardships and abuse, the author is remarkably successful in telling his personal story as one of triumphs over the imposition of Catholic guilt, physical and sexual abuse, and rejection. This raw and sometimes disturbing account is a testament to the strength of the author’s character and resilience. Be prepared to be moved by this very unique personal journey toward self-acceptance and hope that resounds for anyone who feels powerless, unseen and marginalized. -5 Stars!!
*****
Mary Ann Baul – Flagstaff, AZ
Important book for adults, exploring healing after heartache and abuse.
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2023
Illuminating book for adults who were abused as children and trying to figure out who they are. A beautiful memoir in a conversational style, with humor and humanity throughout. It was like having coffee with the author, hearing an incredible story of pain and abuse, but couched in humor, wisdom, and references to movies, songs and the media. Very difficult to read Chapter 11, with horrific abuse scenes. Enlightening analysis of the Catholic Church’s involvement in the author’s life, both positive and negative. I’m sending much love, compassion and appreciation for the courage of this LGBTQ author in sharing his memoir. 5 stars
*****
This was a really good read. I am grateful for your Voice, the way in which you described such difficult experiences with what felt like a backbone of love and gratitude. Truly inspiring, and your words have stuck with me. Thank you!! – Ann M McCormick