Priestdaddy

by Patricia Lockwood
Priestdaddy cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 662
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9781846149214
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2017-05-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Patricia Lockwood's childhood was anything but ordinary. Raised in a nuclear waste-riddled area of the American Midwest, she navigated a world filled with her mother's cryptic warnings and her father's unconventional path to the priesthood. When an unexpected crisis forces her to move back into her parents' rectory, she must confront the eccentricities of her family and the complexities of her religious upbringing. Priestdaddy is a poignant and laugh-out-loud exploration of tradition, identity, and the enduring bonds of family. Lockwood's vivid prose and sharp wit make this memoir a standout, blending the raunchy with the sublime in a way that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Reviews
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.

The Guardian · 2017-04-27
brilliant 4.50

The book is brilliantly silly with much comedy and wit, showcasing Lockwood's talent for blending the profound with the absurd.

The reviewer highlights Lockwood's ability to juggle the profound with the absurd, creating a memoir that is both hilarious and deeply moving. They appreciate the unique voice and the way Lockwood navigates complex family dynamics with humor and insight. The book's strength lies in its ability to make the reader laugh while also touching on serious themes.

Quick quotes

    The New Yorker has described Lockwood as 'an exemplar of brilliant silliness', and Priestdaddy is indeed brilliantly silly.

    Lockwood has a talent for blending the profound with the absurd.

    The book is a dazzling mix of comedy and heartfelt reflection.

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