Books like Founded on Fear by Peter Tyrrell

Peter Tyrrell’s memoir is a raw, unvarnished account of the abuse he endured as a child in Letterfrack industrial school, operated by the Catholic Christian Brothers. The narrative unfolds through a series of letters written to Senator Owen Sheehy Skeffington, exposing the regular use of corporal punishment on children as young as five. Despite never recovering from the trauma, Tyrrell remains resolute that his story must be told. His final act—hanging himself on Hampstead Heath—underscores the profound impact of the violence he suffered. The discovery of his letters among Skeffington’s papers ensured that Tyrrell’s experience received the recognition it deserved, offering readers a stark glimpse into the realities of institutional abuse in Ireland. Tyrrell’s work not only provides a personal testimony but also serves as a warning against the continuation of such maltreatment, emphasizing the need for accountability and remembrance.

First publish date: 1998