The Crucifix

The Crucifix is a compelling, dark, and frightening tale of an orphanage. In this orphanage, the orphans are tormented and killed by one of the nuns, Sister Nora. One of the orphans, and the protagonist of the story, Kathrine, seeks to rebel against Sister Nora. 

The story shows both Kathrine in her current state of affairs, but also with some flashbacks to the past. In the orphanage, Kathrine develops friends, but often sees them meet an untimely end. In her desire to find the truth, Kathrine confronts the priest, only to learn he is complicit with Sister Nora’s behavior and, in fact, fearful himself. 

Overall, I think the story is well written. With vivid imagery and description, the author is able to transport you to that dark, dirty orphanage.

I did have a bit of a gripe with the premise of the story, which is, apparently, that the crucifix of which the book is named is the source of Nora’s power and passion. That is all fine. The origin story of this crucifix is that it belonged to Judas Iscariot. I think there is a bit of a problem with this origin story. Judas would not have held a Roman murder device as a trinket. The crucifix would not be a symbol of Christianity until years later, in the 2nd century. And, most certainly not used before Jesus was killed on the cross. Secondly, the idea that a holy symbol would have unholy power, is, well, odd. But I can appreciate the idea. 

This point is kind of crucial to the book. That said, if you just suspend disbelief in this one regard, I enjoyed the book. I was engaged and interested to know what would happen to Katherine. What would she do next? What would sister Nora do?

If you like dark books, this is worth checking out.  

Length: 166 pages

Perspective: Omni 3rd person

Tense: Past

Kindle Unlimited: Yes

https://www.amazon.com/Crucifix-Naomi-Cashman-ebook/dp/B0FL73RWHJ