I was suprised by how much I liked this book. The topic could have been ripped from the headlines. Catholic priest caught in yet another sexual misconduct case with a minor. But, what makes this book different is the fact that the priest not only comes off sympathic but actually nobel. Strange right? During the course for the book you find yourself rooting for him and when he falls, you root for his redemption too. O'Hagan is masterful in taking a topic the demands scorn and turing it into something much more complex and real with our making any excuses.

Be Near Me is a searing read and paints a vivid portrait of an idealistic priest battling his inner demons. The Catholic priest in question, Oxford-educated David Anderton, finds himself heading the parish of a small town, Dalgarnock, and is met with suspicion by the townspeople. He befriends two troubled teens, Mark & Lisa & this friendship leads Anderton on a dangerous path that causes him to confront his past demons whilst struggling to deal with the consequences of his present actions.

Though the stories of sexual misdeeds in the church is not uncommon in these present times, the author succeeds in making other themes in the novel strike a more resonant chord within readers. Themes such as devotion, friendship, love, even ethics are given due consideration and the character of the priest arouses one's sympathy, despite his failings. A well-written novel that enables us to gain an insightful perspective of the central characters' lives.