Where Children Run

Pischke Twins #1

by Karen Emilson

The true story of David and Dennis Pischke and how they survived more than a decade of starvation and abuse at the hands of their mentally unstable stepfather.

A frightening, heartwarming and sometimes humorous account of the strength and adaptability of the human spirit.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Abuse, Biography, Audiobook, Memoir, Family

416 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

About the author

Karen Emilson is the author of the novels Also Known as Jaime Dorn, Be Still the Water and the bestselling biographies, Where Children Run, When Memories Remain, and co-author of My Every Breath. She is an award winning former newspaper reporter and freelance writer. Like her fictional character, Jaime Dorn, she grew up in southern Ontario and moved to Manitoba’s Interlake region, an area well-known for its rugged landscape and resilient people. Most of her books are based there and the fictional stories she tells are inspired by small-town life. Now she lives in Winnipeg, but in the summer she returns to Steep Rock—where the air is fresh, the water pristine, and the characters who live inside her come to life.

Reviews

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book actually took me a very long time to read. When it first came out I started to read it but it upset me so much that I had to stop. I picked it up again years later and it still took a long time to read. Not because it wasn't well written, but because I found it difficult reading about the horrific abuse these children suffered at the hands of a vicious and evil man.

This is one of the most upsetting and heart-breaking books about child abuse I've read. I think the fact that I knew the son of one of the twins brought it even closer to home. This all took place in the 1960's in an area in Manitoba, near where I spent most of my childhood summers years later.

This book is based on the true story of twin boys David and Dennis Pischke and the horrific abuse they (and their siblings) suffered at the hands of their step-father, Boleslaw (Bob) Domko.

David and Dennis Pischke recall happy memories with their father, Bill. However, after their father passes away, Boleslaw Domko shows up in their home town of Moosehorn, Manitoba. Domko comes to work as a hired hand on the farm, but quickly becomes involved with the children's mother and soon they have a child together. Once Domko moved to the farm, all of the children's lives became a living hell. Beatings, starvation, and severe neglect. One of their earliest memories the children have is of Domko throwing their baby sister, Kathy at the wall when she wouldn't stop crying. Thankfully she survived.

While some neighbors were incredibly helpful to the children there were many in the community the turned a blind eye to what was happening. The boys vowed that one day they would expose Domko for all of the horrible things he did to them. They said they would also expose the religious organization and others who turned a blind eye to what was happening to them.

At the time the book came out there was a lot of local publicity. There is a 16 minute documentary with the twins posted on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW2_f...

I have so much respect for these children who survived their brutal childhood and decided to speak out, share their story in order to bring more attention to such an important issue. They show how tough the human spirit really can be. In May of 2000 David Pischke walked from Banff, Alberta to Steep Rock, Manitoba and spoke out about child abuse at many conferences.

The subject matter is difficult to read about, and much of the content will make readers very uncomfortable. However, their story brought much-needed attention to the pain and struggle that unfortunately is still a reality for many children today.

There is another book written about their story "When Memories Remain" and I hope to read that one as well.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastating - monstrous - nightmarish - frightening - heartbreaking - exhausting-
sickening - shocking - unspeakable- horrific - crushing - wrenching - brutal - sad -
...........
Written by an author who was incredibly dedicated for YEARS in her research getting this story right - exposing this poignant true story of an inhumanely appalling childhood!!! The story started in 1953 ....a year after I was born.

The Stepfather - Boleslaw Domko - was the MONSTER ABUSER -
The children’s mother - Caroline - was a CRIMINAL for not properly responding -
The MENTALLY & PHYSICALLY Couple abused 8 children at their farm near the isolated town of Moosehorn, Manitoba.
Unbelievable......that these adults had power to DAMAGE all these kids lives!!!
Seven of the children were from Caroline’s marriage to Bill Pischke. Bill Pischke was is a gentle caring father. After he died - and the Monster - Domko - moved in - life became living hell.

I skimmed this gifted physical book...... given to me from an AirBnB guest who visits us often when in town on business. He lives in Calgary, Canada. I give our guest books to take back to Canada for his wife every month, too.

I discovered this book was available as a kindle unlimited...so I found it easier to read on my paperwhite - rather than the almost 500 page physical book. But the photos in the physical book add an experience of their own. Plus - there are some advantages the physical book had over the Kindle - when reading the epilogue and author’s notes. Lots of specific history facts.....which was news-interesting - reporting newspaper style. Gave me the visuals without DRAWING OUT THE DRAMA.

I ended up skimming parts on the kindle too ( not that the writing wasn’t excellent and the story gripping) - its just that it was an overwhelmingly emotional joyful buzz kill.
Once I knew the bulk of this story - who - what - when - how - ( why is harder to understand)- then I didn’t need every gruesome detail.
It was pretty horrific to read about Domko throwing a baby against the wall......
So .....I deeply appreciate the work that went into this book… With the greatest love and compassion for the kids who survived - but I learned something about myself - I don’t always want EVERY GRUESOME details about THE TRUTH.
I mean - who does?

I’m basically a very sick person .....there is NOTHING funny in this true story ....
NOTHING.....
Another book I found sooooo SAD ( even though kids survived - lived - grew up and had loving marriages).... it was soooo sad for me that I found myself laughing hysterically - cracking myself up -
Why in the world I laughed ......well, it was MY SURVIVAL.....(good self care?)....

I told Paul.....”I’ve had enough”.... He said .....”It’s about time, can we have some fun now”?
“You betcha”!

Just think - I have the NEXT BOOK to read - another almost 500 pages....PART 2. “When Memories Run”.....
We shall see how much I read of the next one: following up on twins David and Dennis....as their life continued.....

Happy weekend my friends!

[Viga Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a victim of child abuse myself, I have a pretty thick skin when I read stories similar to my own. But WHERE CHILDREN RUN by Karen Emilson shook me to my core with its depiction of violence against children, especially since WHERE CHILDREN RUN is a true story.

There were times this tough-skinned reviewer audibly winced and had to put the book down to catch her breath as these young children ran for their lives into the freezing bushes or lakes during Manitoba winters to avoid yet another brutal beating by their Polish stepfather, Boleslaw Domko. The man was, as we learn at the end of the book, schizophrenic, as well as paranoid, selfish, insanely jealous and childish. His wife Caroline, a Catholic turned Jehovah's Witness was unable to stand up to him for her children or herself. And compounding her inability to act were the dictates of her religion.

Events are seen primarily through the eyes of the twins, David and Dennis, who suffer the bulk of the horrific abuse at Domko's hands. Why does he hate these children so much? Because they are not his own. His treatment of them is in sharp contrast to how he treats the children Caroline bears him. Mind you, in one of his rages, he even throws his natural baby daughter into a wall. The result is blindness. While he regrets that and treats her with love as she grows, he has no remorse for starving the other children, working them mercilessly from a very young age on their farm, throwing pitchforks and shooting at them with the intention of killing them.

These children are terrorized for over 12 years. How they survive and live to tell the tale through the help of kindly neighbours, a persistent social worker and eventually through the author, Karen Emilson, is a marvel. But above all it's a testament to the strength of the human spirit, of our instincts for survival. Readers will agonize for the twins and their older and younger siblings; they will be infuriated by the inability of law enforcement to protect the children from Domko; they will be disgusted by religious beliefs that allow such evil abuse to continue because the man is the head of the household; and they will shake their heads in disbelief at how Domko fools other adults into believing that the children are the bad ones in this family and he is only doing his fatherly duties in discipling them.

WHERE CHILDREN RUN by Karen Emilson is eye-opening, revolting, disturbing and sadly, true. David and Dennis agreed as teens if they survived their ordeals, they would one day tell their story. WHERE CHILDREN RUN is their story. But it's unfortunately, the story of thousands of other abused children worldwide. Read it ... if you dare and care.

Viga Boland
No Tears for My Father: A true story of incest
Learning to Love Myself: A memoir of healing after child sexual abuse
The Ladies of LorettoVoice from an Urn: A mother tells her side of her daughter's true story of incest
Love Has No Gender: A short love story with a timeless message

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be the most depressing and frustrating book I've read all year and that's saying something considering my selections as of late.

Seriously, If you're going to read this, I suggest you only read a chapter at a time. Too much and the water below the local bridge will start looking pretty enticing. Don't believe me, read this well-written review.

Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go snuggle with my kid and send the grown ones my love.

[Lee Pischke · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s really sad that some people feel they have the right to condemn my grandmother and call her a “criminal”. Back then there were no support systems in place to help abused women and children, and the church was no help at all. I hope you’re never put in a position were you feel that helpless. One of the problems with a book like this is that it makes some people believe they have the right to pass judgment on someone they’ve only read about. My grandmother was an amazing woman who experienced an ordeal most people never will.
I grew up in that farm house with my younger brother and our parents Norm and Sharon Pischke. My memories of that farm were nothing at all like what my father and his siblings experienced. My grandmother is gone and can’t speak for herself. So before you pass judgment ask yourself “do I know the full story and have all the facts”? Have you ever been put in a situation where you’ve had to face a real life monster? Have you ever had someone break you? If not, then be careful about judgmental comments.
I have a lot of respect for the author and the work she put into this book. But at the time it was being written I remember thinking what would my dad have to say about all of this? Every family has a story to tell. Would you want yours out there for all the world to see?

[Maureen Grigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a harrowing story of child abuse as told through the eyes of twins who were persecuted by their stepfather in Manitoba, Canada. Difficult to read, but extraordinarily well written.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is based on a true story. My Dad actually met one of the boys (now an adult, of course) whose story is told in the book. The book itself is not well-written in a literary sense, but the story is gut-wrenchingly sad.

[Reeda Booke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every so often, I get Amazon Prime for a month just to do some shopping, usually for Christmas or birthdays. Anyways, because it comes with a free prime book of your choosing to read, I decided to go with this one.

This is the story of the Pischke family, particularly Dennis and David, the twins, who lived on a farm in Canada during the 1950's- 1960's. The children's real father has died and their mother takes up with a man named Bob Domko, or as they refer to him, Satan. It is the story of their abuse, neglect, and horror at the hands of this man, and it is heart-breaking.

I don't know why I read stories like these....they make me so angry, and sad at the same time. But, I love it when children like them grow up and are able to rise above their situations and come out triumphant on the other side.

This one was tough to read, but it was very compelling. They even made a documentary about them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW2_f...

4 stars and recommended for those with strong stomachs.

[Amy Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disturbing, and utterly heartbreaking

This story took me an usually long time to read. I could only read small bits, and then I would get physically sick, and I would have to put it down for awhile.
To me., the word "Mother" means, one who nurtures and loves her children, and protects them from harm. Caroline was none of those things, and doesn't deserve the title.
During the reading of this, I thought of a 100 different ways to get rid of "Ol Satan". I'm glad he's gone and I hope God has a special place in Hell reserved just for him.

[Bonnie Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT............











OK, THIS WAS A GOOD BOOK, VERY WELL WRITTEN, BUT ANIMAL LOVERS BEWARE, THERE ARE SEVERAL BRUTAL ANIMAL MURDERS IN THIS BOOK. IT UPSET ME A HELL OF A LOT. IF I HADNT ALREADY GOTTEN INVOLVED IN THE ACTUAL STORY I WOULD HAVE DITCHED IT.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of a sadistic monster, his enabling wife, and the children and animals that suffered. I found it difficult to get through this book. The inhumane treatment of children and animals was very upsetting.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that WHERE CHILDREN RUN by Karen Emilson is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Kaili_Nicolee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is all I can say. I could barely put this book down. Hearing about all the abuse the Pishke children endured broke my heart. As well as how it took so many times for people to see how truly awful Domko was.

I'm glad the children were eventually able to escape their abusive home life and begin to heal from their trauma

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child abuse

This is one of the worst cases of child abuse I have ever heard of. How these children ever survived this is nothing short of miraculous.I can't understand there mother putting them through this.Fear is no reason because she could have left also.May God bless these children who are now adults.

[angel ashworth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasted days reading this

Good but dragged on and on and on. Ending not even worth reading it til the end. Just to long.

[Jennifer Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sad story, especially since it is based on actually events. The writing was a little juvenile though.

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Where Children Run by Karen Emilson

In Where Children Run, Karen Emilson presents a heart-wrenching yet essential account of child abuse that reverberates long after the final page has been turned. Chronicling the harrowing experiences of twins David and Dennis, who suffer unspeakable torment at the hands of their mentally ill Polish stepfather, Boleslaw Domko, this book is both a poignant exploration of suffering and a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Emilson, herself a survivor of child abuse, approaches the subject with a depth of understanding that imbues her narrative with both authenticity and urgency. The depiction of violence against children is not merely sensationalized but painfully real, forcing readers to confront the stark realities faced by countless vulnerable children around the globe. Emilson’s ability to evoke empathy for the twins’ plight highlights the tragic impact of familial dysfunction, particularly how Domko’s inexplicable hatred for the twins—rooted in their status as non-biological children—creates an environment of terror and despair.

The narrative spans an agonizing twelve years, during which David and Dennis endure starvation, psychological and physical abuse, and the constant threat of violence. Throughout this relentless ordeal, the twins find unexpected allies in sympathetic neighbors and a dedicated social worker—figures who embody the possibility of compassion amidst a world that often turns a blind eye to suffering. Their small acts of kindness serve as a lifeline for the boys, illustrating the crucial role that community support can play in the lives of abuse victims.

In addition to chronicling the twins’ nightmare, Where Children Run shines a critical light on the systemic failures that enable such abuse. Emilson does not shy away from exposing the shortcomings of law enforcement and the complicity of institutions, including religious organizations, that often reinforce harmful dynamics rather than protect the vulnerable. This exploration of societal complicity challenges readers to examine their own beliefs and the systems in place that may inadvertently perpetuate cycles of abuse.

At its core, Where Children Run is a testament to resilience in the face of horror. Despite the unimaginable odds stacked against them, David and Dennis’s story is ultimately one of survival—an affirmation of the strength of the human spirit to endure and overcome. Emilson’s portrayal of their journey serves as a reminder that hope can flourish even in the darkest of circumstances.

In summary, Where Children Run is an evocative and thought-provoking memoir that demands attention to the issue of child abuse. Karen Emilson’s heartfelt narrative not only raises awareness about the pervasive issues faced by many abused children but also instills a sense of urgency for societal change. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of abuse, the importance of vigilance and empathy, and the enduring power of hope in healing. It is a poignant call to action, compelling readers to reflect on how they can contribute to a world where children can run free from fear and harm.

[Amy Bovaird · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story That Needed to be Told
I am a firm believer when our stories are shared, they are validated and we can move forward with a changed countenance and confidence. This story of the twins – of the entire family -- desperately needed to be told. The resolve of David and Dennis on a cold night by the water when they realized if they didn’t tell it, or get someone to promise to tell if they didn’t survive the abuse by their stepfather, no one would even miss them was so moving.

Over a year’s time, Emilson does a magnificent job of narrating their story corroborating the truths that unfold. It is a testament to their survival and offers a understanding and light to others going through similar trials. I appreciate the time and effort she took to capture their emotions in the many terrifying experiences they went through. I laud the twins as they painstakingly and I am sure with much heartache and tears (and nightmares) re-live the memories necessary to bring this memoir to fruition.

It is heartbreaking, but Emilson vividly captures the pain, terror and the determination of the twins and siblings during their childhood on the farm under their stepfather’s iron fist. She includes moments that give both the twins and the readers hope and respite. It is the kind of book where years later, the details will resurface and when our own trials feel heavy, we’ll remember the strength of the twins and their siblings.

It is a true story with a strong narrative. It is one that needs to be read and shared because of its powerful testimony – from the carefully selected title it to the inclusion of photographs through to the final words on the last page.

[Stephanie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Then, as they had so many times in the bush, the twins shared their thoughts without speaking. They knew instinctively that never again would there be a reason so urgent that they’d run screaming into the cold, windy night. They knew that whatever lay ahead could be no worse than what loomed behind, that no threat could ever be more severe than what they had already endured.” - Karen Emilson 💜💜💜💜💜 I started this story first as an audiobook and then switched to kindle as I just needed to know what happened and both version were phenomenal. I love a biography with photos included as well as notes on where everyone is now. And man did I become invested in this story. Karen told a story like I was there living it with the family. Never have I been so profoundly touched by a tale of such catastrophic abuse yet left feeling proud to have read this story. This is a story that deserves to be told. It’s a testament to resilience and to breaking the cycle of abuse. It’s to the strength that can come from having a strong parent relationship in the early years. It’s a story of why social structures need to change, why neighbours need to look out for each other and why suspicions of abuse need to be addressed and not “left for someone else to deal with”. It’s also a story of why mental health support matters for veterans and postpartum mothers. This story is unbelievable yet true and I will now be changed forever from this tale and cannot wait to read the sequel. Thank you to Dennis and David for their resilience and for finding the courage to tell their story. It matters, and they matter!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was possibly one of the hardest books I've read. It pulls no punches in showing the physical and emotional abuse and death of beloved pets and animals. A woman's husband dies, she joins the Jehovah's Witnesses and marries a farmhand. She has 7 children with her first husband. She ends up having...3 or 4 with the new one, Domko (who the children call Satan). The book primarily focuses on the twins, Dennis and David. By the end of the book, it's revealed that Domko suffered from schizophrenia (but there's also a note that schizophrenics are not necessarily violent). I don't even know how to write a review of this. It was graphic and difficult and anger inspiring. I was angry at Domko and the authorities that did nothing and the Jehovah's Witnesses that pushed Caroline (mom) to stay with Domko. But I was most angry at Caroline. She witnessed what this man was doing to ALL of her children from her first husband (he treated his biological children like gold). He randomly beat them within inches of their lives, he killed their pets in front of them, he shot at them, he tried to kill them. The children became experts at escaping and hiding. There were even times that Caroline warned her children that "Domko was coming" and "Hide!" or "Run!" And yet, she continually allowed him back into her bed and her house and her children's lives. Ugh. That ANY of these children were able to survive and move on with their lives (and not pass on the violence they endured) is a testament to them as humans.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courageous

It took courage, strength and mental fortitude, not only to survive the life these two brothers lived (including their siblings) but a strong dedication to the truth to relive the torment in order to have this book written.
It was difficult to read about what they went through, I can't imagine living through it, much less writing about it. In their case remembering it for Karen to write. Shame on the authorities there for not intervening and more shame on the church, specifically the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, for making that situation so much worse!
"...more like a secret club with a set of unspoken rules than a religion ... she always felt on the edge of being thrown out and was told only the best people were rewarded".
What an awful combination, abuse by Domko and a mother who was being subverted by a religious cult that simply gave Domko a free pass to abuse David and Dennis. Unbelievable and incredibly sad.
Good for the neighbors who took them in and helped them. I have no sympathy for their uneducated and ignorant mother, who should have protected them no matter her lack of insight.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just want to start with the fact that I watched a short clip of the Pischke twins before writing this review and when asked “how was your childhood” both men broke into sobs. The amount of trauma these children endured is unimaginable. I read a review here from someone saying they were a grandchild of Caroline and that she was “an amazing person” and as someone who hates victim blaming, I can still absolutely not be on board with that sentiment. She had ample opportunity multiple times to stay away from that man, and yet she chose to the detriment of Al of her children to continually go back. The permanent disability he caused one child and the other to die in her womb, she chose “her man” over the lives and safety of her children and that’s unacceptable to a level I can’t wrap my head around. Danko was an absolute monster and I wish the kids had killed him in their childhood. They would have been spared so many horrible years of being subjected to his torture. I have never yelled out loud at a book as much as I did this one. I hope that all the children born to Caroline who are still living (and those no longer living) found some peace in their lives as adults.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching but a must read for those who also were abused.

This book brought up a lot of repressed memories as well as ones that were never forgot in my life. I was one of the lucky one...I finally spoke to my mom about what my step mother was doing to my older sister and me after only 3 years. My mom remarried when I was 10 and I was blessed with a step father who loved us as if we were his own. They moved us to a far away state when I was 12. I missed my daddy but the fear and abuse was at an end. I raise 2 sons, mostly on my own but NEVER EVER allowed any man in my life to correct my children. I also made a vow that I would break the cycle and I'm proud to say I really did it.
It takes great courage to write a book like this one. I honor both these men greatly for there ability to go through such a horrific childhood, share their story, help other family's n children with awareness and break the cycle of abuse. The statistics are not in favor of that outcome at all. I'm so glad that they found loving family's in the end.

[Dianne McMahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard book.to read,even harder to put down.
This is a true story about twin boys,David and Dennis and their impoverished family from the early 40's and beyond.
Mainly focuses on the twins beginning from the time they were six and the next twelve yrs.
Their real father died and their step-father despised them and beat them and tortured them unmercifully.
In all their mother birthed 11 children but remained too ignorant or afraid to help her kids out much.
His four natural children could do no wrong.
Even though the twins went around in rags and were barefoot summer and winter,they found little comfort in the community of Jehovah's Witnesses, that the mother found such comfort in.
Their step-father convinced most of the community into believing that the boys were liars,thieves and cheats and didn't deserve better treatment.
I have read books about mistreated children in my life but this is hands down one of the worst cases that I have ever read.
Be prepared to feel great empathy for what these children went through.Their step-father's livestock and dogs were treated better.
,

[Andrea MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart absolutely breaks for the twins and their family. The hardships they endured and the abuse they suffered felt so real that I found myself repeatedly checking to see if this book was based on true events as the events were just so awful. I could be heard gasping many of times reading it. It was devastating to read, and yet, I couldn’t put it down.

This book hit close to home for me. As someone who also grew up with a stepfather who was a paranoid schizophrenic with violent tendencies, I found myself relating to so much of their pain. It brought back memories of my own childhood struggles, but it also reminded me of the strength it takes to survive such circumstances.

This book is deeply heartbreaking, but it’s also a powerful testament to resilience. It’s not an easy read, but for anyone who has faced similar struggles—or wants to understand the complexities of abuse and family dynamics—it’s an essential one. I learned a long time ago that healing starts with confronting the truth, and this book does exactly that.

[MagicaCat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gods this was awful. Torture porn at its very worst and just when you think it can't possibly get any more horrific, it does.
Over and over and over, and each episode of cruelty described in loving detail while the idiots within do absolutely nothing to help themselves or the innocent animals they appear to utterly disregard.
I got about halfway through and seriously considered just putting it aside rather than continuing to read about the pathetic mother (oh b-but she's such a poor widdle depwessed victim uwu uwu) getting knocked up yet again (not so depressed she can keep her legs shut, hmm?), the central twins of the story going scrounging to the neighbours yet again after being worked from dawn to dusk with nothing to eat and beaten - again - to within an inch of death, social workers getting involved - again - and not doing anything, Domko being sectioned for psychiatric help - *sighs* AGAIN - and for some reason being allowed to return home to continue his tyranny.
I really wish I had. I'm never going to get the time wasted on this back.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

HORRIFIC ABUSE

I am emotionally drained after reading this story. Visiting a friend in Grahamdale, I can't remember what prompted the conversation but she told me about this true story of an incomprehensible life of abuse. I am stunned.

Never in my life have I felt so sickened by a story. I have never, also, wanted to kill someone. If this b*stard wasn't dead already I would hope he would suffer greatly before dying.

On the other hand I have grown up in a schizophrenic environment. My mother and middle brother suffered from this same disease. In no way was life, for us, this horrific nor is it now. Mom has passed on but my brother is still with us.

The bravery of David and Dennis Pischke in their fight for survival and then telling their story is commendable. There are no words to describe this story other than thank God it has been told. This book will blow your mind and test the limits of your sanity but it is a story that MUST be read.

[Jackie Bouvier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart breaking, yet inspiring

This book is well researched and written.
It was difficult to read only because it is an emotional, heart breaking story.

I read this over the weekend, but would not recommend that. Psychologically it was draining and devastating, especially in the beginning.

Growing up in this era, it seemed this parenting method was readily accepted, or perhaps ignored maybe is a better way of putting it.

Having seen this type of abuse in my family in varying degrees, it crushed me to also know it was talked about, but nothing done. The after effects can still be seen and felt in the preceding generations. I must believe that each generation has learned from the previous, and can and will do better.

Mostly it is the churches and the authorities that must be there for children, as others, whether it is family or neighbours, may have to their own issues.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was difficult to read. I would find myself getting angry, put the book down, only to pick it back up again because I had to know what happens next.

The book details the childhood of two of the seven Pischke kids, twins Dennis and David. Their father died when they were young. Their mom remarried a man who hated her children. He even threw one of his own babies against a wall causing her to become blind. The twins seemed to be singled out the most though. Perhaps it was because their secret language between them irritated Domko. They usually could tell when he was about to explode. Sometimes they were able to escape and spend several days outside or at one of their kind neighbors' homes. One time they were able to break into the local church and spend the nights there warmed only by the flame of a candle.

The fact that David and Dennis survived their childhoods is a miracle. Their story is one you won't soon forget.

[Koren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard book to read. It is page after page of child abuse and animal abuse by a step-father and a mother who doesn't seem too smart but keeps having more children. I found the mother to be just as guilty as the step-father, especially after she made her escape once but then went back. The book takes place in the 50's and early 60's so it was a different time when neighbors and others turned the other way and believed that to spare the rod was to spoil the child. The family lived in poverty on a farm so much of what happened was not witnessed. I stayed with this book because I wanted to see what happened to the children and the author does a nice summation at the end of the book as to what happened to the people in the book 60 years later. There is a follow up book that tells how at least two of the children fared in their adult lives.