John J Bradley has written a sincere and thoughtful ‘coming of age’ novel about his adventures as a young 1950s urban pirate in Philadelphia. This is a story of resilience, grit, and adventure and is told through the eyes of a naïve, daring 10-year-old boy. His antics speak of a bygone era where children were free to explore and were only limited by their own imagination. While it is easy to reminisce about the good old days, this novel also explores the dark underside of the Catholic Church and the secrets it kept within its sanctimonious walls. This story, told with the dry wit of the author, is a testament to the resiliency of youth, the power of imagination, and the importance of friendship.
