Patricia Lockwood's memoir Priestdaddy is a hilarious, compelling and surprisingly moving look at the author's life growing up and the unique experiences that have shaped her as an adult.
The book follows Patricia as she moves back in with her parents after a personal crisis, only to find her Catholic priest father had converted their home into a living shrine to traditional values and his own conservative brand of Catholicism. Patricia's father, often referred to as "Priestdaddy", quickly becomes the center of the book – his eccentric and sarcastic presence both a source of comic relief and occasional baffling behavior. With Priestdaddy as the backdrop, Patricia begins to sift through her family history and her own, trying to understand how her own beliefs and values were formed.
Intermixed with Patricia's story are tales of her own experiences growing up in a sequestered small town and her vivid descriptions of visits with her wider Catholic family. Patricia's writing style is honest and witty, using humor to disarm the reader as she dives into serious topics. We watch as Patricia weaves her way around her father's traditionalism, while still respecting and admiring his life of devoted service to the Church.
The story of Priestdaddy spans the course of Patricia's life, from her childhood, to a broken engagement, to the decision to join the U.S. Army, and eventually, back to her home to live with her parents. There is a beautiful thread of family and struggle that is woven throughout the book as she manages to love and still critique the both the Church and her father. All this is framed within the backdrop of heavily-stylized Catholic customs that had been normal for Patricia in her early years.
At its core, Priestdaddy is an exceptionally well-written escapade; a funny, refreshingly honest story of self-discovery and exploration. We watch as Patricia navigates her way through unknown territory, channelling the confusions of her own life while simultaneously honouring her father and the heritage that shaped her.
Patricia Lockwood's Priestdaddy is a fiercely honest book filled with humour and warmth. Through her skillfully crafted story, Lockwood reflects upon the historical and cultural influences in her life, while also shedding light on the very unique character of her father, the Priestdaddy.
