Priestdaddy

by Patricia Lockwood
Priestdaddy cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 662
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781846149214
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2017-05-02
  • Formats: 27
  • Reviews: 4

Priestdaddy is a memoir that has garnered widespread acclaim for its unique blend of humor and poignancy. Patricia Lockwood, known for her distinctive poetic voice, recounts her unconventional upbringing in a nuclear waste-riddled area of the American Midwest. Her childhood was marked by her mother's cryptic riddles and her father's extraordinary journey to becoming a Catholic priest despite already having a family. The memoir explores Lockwood's struggle to reconcile her hard-won identity with the traditions of her religious upbringing, all while navigating the madness of her family's dynamics. /n/n The book pivots seamlessly from raunchy humor to profound introspection, offering a vivid portrait of a family that is both deeply flawed and deeply loving. Lockwood's prose is praised for its ecstatic quality, blending the comic with the serious in a way that is both entertaining and emotionally insightful. Priestdaddy is a story of how one can emerge from the underworld of family chaos with a sense of justice and levity intact.

Reviews
Bookmarks Reviews · 2025-12-24
entertaining 3.75

The book is sharp and entertaining, with more layers than the cover art suggests. It is a bit exhausting but ultimately rewarding.

Bookmarks Reviews notes that the book is sharp and entertaining, with a depth that goes beyond its cheeky title and cover art. They appreciate the narrative's development and the way it reveals more layers as the story progresses. While they find it a bit exhausting at times, they ultimately see it as a rewarding read. They also highlight the book's ability to balance humor and serious themes, making it a unique and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    It's sharp and entertaining and a little exhausting.

    As the narrative develops, it reveals more layers than the cheeky title and cover art would suggest.

    The book's ability to balance humor and serious themes makes it a unique and engaging read.

Cannonball Read · 2023-05-06
exceptional 4.00

The book is extraordinarily well-written, with Lockwood showcasing her talent with words, although it may not be for everyone.

The reviewer acknowledges Lockwood's exceptional writing talent, noting that the book is extraordinarily well-written. They appreciate her unique voice and the way she crafts her prose. However, they also mention that the book's content and style might not appeal to every reader, making it a polarizing but impressive work.

Quick quotes

    On paper (heh) this is the type of book I enjoy. It is extraordinarily well-written; Lockwood has a talent with words.

    The book's content and style might not appeal to every reader.

    Lockwood's unique voice and writing talent shine through in this memoir.

The New York Times · 2017-06-09
formidable 4.75

Lockwood proves herself a formidably gifted writer who can do pretty much anything she pleases, making her debut in prose a remarkable achievement.

The reviewer is impressed by Lockwood's versatility and skill as a writer, noting that her first work of prose is a remarkable achievement. They highlight her ability to tackle a wide range of topics with ease and grace. The memoir is praised for its honesty and the way it explores the complexities of family life with both humor and depth.

Quick quotes

    In her first work of prose, 'Priestdaddy,' the poet Patricia Lockwood proves herself a formidably gifted writer who can do pretty much anything she pleases.

    Lockwood's memoir is a remarkable achievement, blending humor and depth seamlessly.

    The book explores the complexities of family life with both humor and insight.

Catholic Moral Theology · David Cloutier · 2017-06-05
honest 4.00

The memoir portrays modern Catholic family life with honesty and humor. It is noted for its candid exploration of family dynamics and tradition.

David Cloutier from Catholic Moral Theology appreciates Lockwood's honest portrayal of her family life. He notes that the memoir is both funny and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on Catholic family dynamics. Cloutier highlights the book's ability to balance humor with serious themes, making it a compelling read. He also mentions that while the book might offend some readers, it is a valuable exploration of family and tradition.

Quick quotes

    Lockwood misses her father but does a great job portraying what modern Catholic family life might look like.

    Not everybody should read this book, but those who do will find it both entertaining and insightful.

    Priestdaddy is a memoir that balances humor with serious themes.

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