Is Divorce Worse Than Murder? — Richard Murphy

Inspired by a true case, this is a titillating story about a murder of one's husband resulting from deviant sexual abuse so horrible that it tests the imagination. Domestic abuse and the role of the enabler is examined through the prism of the Catholic church's stand against divorce. Divorce is a family embarrassment and a sign of failure to these triple-decker dwelling Boston Irish Catholics who identify themselves not by their neighborhood but by their parish.

The murderer's values and fear of divorce was developed by a strict Catholic upbringing and parochial education reinforced by the enduring relationships of her Irish immigrant parents and role models

This novel traces the complexities of life in the 1920's of Boston, capturing the arduous journey of the immigrant Irish from Brahmin discrimination to prominence. The trek from “Sand Hog” toiling under Boston's streets and harbor (a filthy and dangerous one) to surviving the economic depression and World War ll and emerging as leaders in modern day Boston is demonstrated. The sense of community, parental respect, devotion to siblings and friends and political networking formed the foundation for the immigrants' survival and success.

The world of grand juries, indictments, plea negotiations, sentencing guidelines and court processes are illustrated under the threat of a long prison sentence for the mother of two pre-school children.