Award-Winning Writer Illuminates the Catholic Churchs Abuses in Australia

During this period of scandal for the Catholic Church, much has been written about the sexual and physical abuse committed by members of the Church in America. Patricia Mackintosh, an award-winning writer, reveals the physical abuse that occurred in Australia, as well, in her new novel "The Devils Madness."

During this period of scandal for the Catholic Church, much has been written about the sexual and physical abuse committed by members of the Church in America. Patricia Mackintosh, an award-winning writer, reveals the physical abuse that occurred in Australia, as well, in her new novel "The Devils Madness."

Patricia Mackintosh illustrates the Catholic Churchs abuses in Australia by portraying the educational experiences of four friends in a parochial school, where corporal punishment is common and punishment is handed out easily for even the most minor of infractions. Mackintosh also discusses the Churchs frequent cover-ups for abusive priests through the character of Brother Francis, a priest who is completely out of control, but is allowed to remain at the school because of friends in high places.

"The Devils Madness" is a rich portrait of five friends growing up in Australia during the 1960s and their involvement in the Vietnam War as conscripted soldiers. Patricia Mackintosh artfully balances humor and poignancy as she dwells on the themes of death, the Catholic Church, Australias role in the Vietnam War, and the normal trials and tribulations that everyone faces as they grow up and learn about the people and world around them. Through the eyes of Jonathan, one of the friends and primary voice of the novel, we re-discover the world again and understand the true meaning of friendship.

Patricia Mackintosh, a native of Australia, is an award-winning writer with a Masters Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Western Sydney. After teaching at an all boys high school in Sydney for a few years, she decided to write full-time and is the author of many short stories and the co-author of two pet care books -- "Dog Log" and "Cat Log." Patricia is the editor of the Australians in Washington newsletter and teaches Creative Writing at the World Bank. She is a member of the Maryland Writers Center, the Australian Society of Authors, and the New South Wales Writers Center. Patricia currently lives in McLean, Virginia with her husband. This is her first novel.

To receive a review copy of the book or to schedule an interview with Patricia Mackintosh, please contact Jennifer Hughes, publicist, at jennifer@booksintl.com or 703-443-0997.