Ebook: 253 pages Kindle Edition
Genre: Religious, Church History, Romantic Fiction,
Publisher: Picador Jan 2026
Source: NetGalley
First Sentence: They put the neat box into a crisp hole in the ground.
Review Quote: 'I couldn't put it down' - The Independent
My Opinion:
I had never heard of this author before being given the opportunity to read 'A Private Man'. In the authors notes to the novel she explains that her inspiration was drawn from her own grandparents experiences.
A forbidden love story between David a Roman Catholic priest in the 60's and Margaret a progressively minded theology teacher. Two young people that despite their religious faith were unable to envisage a life without each other.
One to read if you are looking for something a little different. Be warned though the love story element is a very slow reveal. Part One concentrates on introducing the reader to the protagonists and it is not until Part Two that the forbidden love story really begins.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and author for the opportunity to read and review.
Précis Courtesy of Amazon:
Rome, 1953. David is young, handsome, charismatic and sworn to celibacy. He is freshly ordained, and about to return to England to begin life as a priest. Devotion to God is all he’s ever known.
In London, Margaret is entangled in an impossible love affair. Committed to living on her own terms without sacrificing her faith, she becomes drawn to a women’s movement challenging the archaic rules of the Church.
When their lives are thrown together at a Catholic college in a quiet village, an undeniable connection forms between them. And so begins a story of forbidden love, sacrifice and secrets, with consequences that will reverberate across the generations.
Author Profile:
Courtsey of RCW Literary Agency
Stephanie Sy-Quia was born in 1995 and is a British–American writer. Born in California and now living in London, Sy-Quia attended the King's School, Canterbury then went on to study English at Oxford.
Biographical Information and Photo courtesy of the following sites:
Wikipedia Profile. Instagram Profile. RCW Literary Agency Profile