Brother Sebastian (Michael Lamb) - A Christian Brother who becomes disillusioned with the strict, oppressive regime at the boys' home where he works. He is compassionate and conflicted, struggling with his faith and the morality of his actions.

Owen Kane - A ten-year-old boy in the care of the institution where Brother Sebastian works. Owen has had a difficult life, marked by neglect and hardship. He forms a bond with Brother Sebastian, who becomes a father figure to him.

Brother Benedict - The authoritarian head of the boys' home. He embodies the rigid, punitive approach of the institution, often clashing with Brother Sebastian over their differing views on discipline and care.

Father Maurice - The head of the boys' home, representing the rigid and sometimes harsh authority of the institution.

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Institutional Cruelty and Oppression
The novel is set in a harsh reform school for boys in Ireland, run by the Catholic Brothers. The head Brother Benedict rules with an iron fist, instilling fear rather than compassion in the residents. MacLaverty critiques the cruelty and oppressive nature of such institutions.

Paternal Love and Sacrifice
The protagonist Brother Michael Lamb (born Michael Lamb) develops a deep paternal love for a troubled 12-year-old boy named Owen Kane. Defying the institution, Lamb decides to abscond with Owen to give him a better life, posing as father and son. This act of sacrifice stems from Lamb's desire to protect Owen from the Home's oppressive environment.

Loss of Innocence
Owen, an epileptic boy, represents innocence corrupted by the harsh realities of the world. Lamb's attempt to shield Owen from further suffering ultimately fails, leading to a tragic loss of innocence for them both.

Redemption and Unconventional Morality
While Lamb's actions could be seen as a "kidnapping", MacLaverty portrays them as motivated by pure intentions - to save Owen. The novel explores the idea of finding redemption through unconventional, even legally dubious means driven by love.

MacLaverty's haunting novel provides a searing critique of institutional cruelty and a profound meditation on paternal love, sacrifice and the loss of innocence, culminating in an unforgettable, tragic ending.

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