Learn about the secret trial and conviction of Cardinal George Pell with this Allen & Unwin read
Kicking off this year’s book reviews is Fallen: The inside story of the secret trial and conviction of Cardinal George Pell by Lucie Morris-Marr.
This book was published by Allen & Unwin in 2019 and won Australia’s 2020 Walkley Awards Book Award.
Morris-Marr broke the story that the third most senior Catholic cleric was being investigated by police for historic sex crimes against children.
And the journalist was in court when ‘God’s treasurer’ was found guilty.
Indeed it was a conviction that sent ripples around the world (and again when quashed by the High Court of Australia last year).
So keep reading to find out more about this historic case and Morris-Marr’s Fallen.
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What’s the book about?
Lucie Morris-Marr’s true-crime book is part biography and part memoir.
The 360-page book begins by detailing her work for a metro newspaper in Victoria and doorknocking a victim of child sex abuse.
However, this conversation sparks a quest to find out about other incidents and the Catholic Church.
Next the investigative journalist uncovers a mammoth scoop: Cardinal Pell was being investigated by police.
Certainly this was a turning point for Morris-Marr in more ways than one.
But she returns to become a member of the Pell Pack.
This was the group of journalists who covered the Cardinal’s mistrial, retrial and witnessed the moment he was taken away a guilty man.
“What we would hear next would be both an ending and a new beginning. It would bring upset, treachery, anger and hysteria on a scale we were unprepared for.”
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Book highlights
Survivors’ stories
The most powerful parts of this book are the victims’ stories.
These were gathered by Lucie Morris-Marr through her own interviews plus court materials.
Certainly the accounts are shocking and harrowing.
But disturbingly they are far from uncommon in Australia and the wider world.
However, survivors’ stories and struggles are moving others, such as Morris-Marr.
Court proceedings
A second eye-opener was the fly-on-the-wall look at the court system.
Indeed with such a high-profile trial there were many strict protocols and measures.
For example, selecting additional jurors, not naming a key witness and a cathedral tour.
However, most notable was a suppression order preventing reporting about the trial.
While this protected the right to a fair trial it meant a total news blackout.
And as Morris-Marr explained, an order breach could spell jail time for contempt of court.
Workings of the church
The book also gives readers a detailed look at the Catholic Church.
For instance, we learn about seminary schools, choirs, regional churches, cathedrals and life in the Vatican.
In addition we find out about Cardinal Pell’s routines after mass, his assistants, elaborate robes and legal expenses.
And we are explained how the Pope and church have responded to victims of abuse and dealt with offending priests.
Certainly this has changed through the decades but is still a work in progress.
Learning from Lucie Morris-Marr
Character focus
One thing to look closely at is how Lucie Morris-Marr details Cardinal Pell’s character.
We learn, among other things, how he is tall, was a stand-out football player, holds conservative views plus had a meteoric rise from his childhood home of Ballarat, Victoria, to the Vatican.
Certainly Morris-Marr discovered a lot about his character through public documents, interviews with others and observing him day after day in court.
But, from what I understand, she didn’t get to hold a long conversation with him at the time.
“Pell looked ahead nervously in the dock, briefly touching his white clerical collar, alone but for a guard seated to his left. Longevity of this case, which had lasted 18 grueling months, had left this confident Vatican power player incredibly fragile and elderly beyond his years.”
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Dialogue balance
A clear writing skill Lucie Morris-Marr demonstrates is explaining complex information in an easy-to-understand way.
For example, this includes legal arguments and process, abuse charges and police operations.
Indeed Morris-Marr would have had a mountain of court notes and transcripts to process for this book.
But I think she has struck a balance between paraphrasing and highlighting essential dialogue.
As a result the book is informative and makes you feel like you are in the courtroom by her side.
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Looking for truth
Lucie Morris-Marr also inspires writers to pursue the truth.
She goes to great lengths – personally and professionally – to find out more.
For instance, she stops work with two media companies, carries on after stressful encounters and endures long courtroom stints.
Furthermore Morris-Marr upholds the suppression order (unlike others) to ensure an expected second trial.
“The long journey to Gippsland had ignited my inner drive to search for answers, to search for the truth. It was a drive that would at times turn me into both a wrecking ball and a nervous wreck. I would be both bullied and betrayed in what would be the most important and challenging journey of my life.”
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Final say: Fallen by Lucie Morris-Marr
Fallen is a study of innocence, power, justice and truth.
Indeed it is a read for those interested in getting a firsthand account of arguably one of the world’s biggest trials in recent history.
However, it is also a portrait of Cardinal Pell through the years and how Lucie Morris-Marr rides the ups and downs of reporting a mega story.
But most importantly the book shines a light on abuse and victims’ stories.
Certainly a worthy read that will shock and move you in equal measures.
*Please note: If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence contact emergency services. If you are affected by this review and want to seek assistance, see: 1800RESPECT, Kids Help Line, Lifeline, Beyondblue.
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