The Strangled Impulse, by William King (Falcon Publications, 1977, £5.99), gives us some rare insights into the challenges, achievements and frustrations of priests. Father Brian O'Neill performs routine duties, obeys directives from his superiors and provides pastoral care for the local primary school. One of the teachers, Niamh Kirwan, tests his celibacy or white martyrdom and this results in a strangled impulse. His frustration is further compounded by adults, who do not mature in faith as they grow in years: he tells an elderly man that the sin he is confessing is not as serious as he thinks. He is not enamoured either by those he dubs the Rosary Brigade, who break into prayer as the priest leaves the altar on completion of his weekday Mass. An interesting read.