Don't Ever Tell - Kathy O'Beirne

Having never read a true life story I wasn't sure what to expect when borrowing this book from a friend. From the cover I knew that it was going to be an emotional story though I didn't realise just how emotional.

The book is classed as an autobiography from Kathy as it covers her life from a very young age as she tells of a terrible childhood destroyed by neglect and fear. Having children myself I found it really emotional and by the end I had cried a number of times. I am not sure that I could ever read another story like this - knowing it is real pains me, though I am glad that I read it as the author wanted her story told and I am privileged to read it.

Kathy suffered in silence as she was constantly abused and battered by her own father and local boys. At the age of eight, her father took her to a home and from then on was incarcerated in a number of Catholic run homes, ending up in the notorious Magdalen Laundries where she became victim yet again to sexual abuse and gave birth to her baby girl only a month before her 14th birthday. Her story continues from this and shows how her childhood has effected her whole life continuing to be harrowing in many different ways.

I would certainly not recommend this read to those who may find the very sensitive aspects too harrowing. It covers everything from mental to physical abuse, sexual abuse, death and much more. To think that someone suffered so much from such a young age without anyone intervening is sickening and so sad. Be prepared to have your emotions rocked drastically when you read this true story.

I don't know whether I can say I enjoyed reading this book as the subject matter was so sensitive and harrowing especially knowing it was a true life story though I can say I am glad that I read it in a lit of ways. I don't think I will be reading it again as my emotions simply cant take so much pain as is in this book.

Well done to Kathy, the author of this book and who suffered so much in her life and came out the other side.