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Betrayed
In the much-anticipated follow-up to Sunday Times bestseller Trapped, foster carer Rosie Lewis tells the heartbreaking true story of 13-year-old Zadie. When the young teenage girl runs away from home and is discovered hiding on the city streets by the police, it is clear that all is not as it should be. Taught to believe that Westerners should not be trusted, when Zadie is initially delivered into the experienced hands of foster carer Rosie she is polite and well-behaved, but understandably suspicious of the family around her. Through Rosie’s support and understanding, gradually Zadie begins to settle into her new surroundings, but loyalty to her relatives, and fear of bringing shame on those around her, prevents her from confessing the horrifying truth about her troubled past. When the shocking truth finally emerges, Rosie and her family can hardly believe that Zadie had managed to keep the shocking secrets to herself for so long.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2014
75 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Lewis
36 books190 followersRosie Lewis has been a short-term foster carer for over seven years and in that time has shared her home with over twenty children. Since childhood, Rosie has had an obsession with books and is now delighted to combine fostering with her other passion, writing, by recording some of her experiences in a series of memoirs. Based in northern England, Rosie writes under a pseudonym to protect the identities of the children she looks after.
She lives in the North of England with her own two children.
She lives in the North of England with her own two children.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 14, 2015
Published: 12/02/2015
Author: Rosie Lewis
I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.
WOW.....just WOW! This was such a powerful, emotional and moving book to read! I love reading books that are about true life as they can provoc emotions in the reader that you didn't realise were there, even the most hardest of people would be moved by this novel. This is the story of 13year old Zadie told by her foster carer Rosie Lewis.
When I found out what Zadies secret about her past was, I was horrified I dont know how this 13year old girl had managed to keep it too herself the whole time, she is such a brave and inspirational girl. This novel is absolutely beautifully written, I have read alot of true life books but none quite like this one. You really feel for Zadie and what she had to go through. The way that Rosie Lewis narrates this novel is in such a kind way, it shows how tough it is aswell for a foster carer when they take in a girl like Zadie and try to make their life better knowing that they have had an awful life, it must be so rewarding to know that she will make this little girls life so much better.
If you love books that will touch your heart and open your eyes to what horrors are happening to children all around the world and make you want to reach out and help the girl. I would definately recommend this book and I am so happy that I won this book and had the chance to read it.
Author: Rosie Lewis
I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.
WOW.....just WOW! This was such a powerful, emotional and moving book to read! I love reading books that are about true life as they can provoc emotions in the reader that you didn't realise were there, even the most hardest of people would be moved by this novel. This is the story of 13year old Zadie told by her foster carer Rosie Lewis.
When I found out what Zadies secret about her past was, I was horrified I dont know how this 13year old girl had managed to keep it too herself the whole time, she is such a brave and inspirational girl. This novel is absolutely beautifully written, I have read alot of true life books but none quite like this one. You really feel for Zadie and what she had to go through. The way that Rosie Lewis narrates this novel is in such a kind way, it shows how tough it is aswell for a foster carer when they take in a girl like Zadie and try to make their life better knowing that they have had an awful life, it must be so rewarding to know that she will make this little girls life so much better.
If you love books that will touch your heart and open your eyes to what horrors are happening to children all around the world and make you want to reach out and help the girl. I would definately recommend this book and I am so happy that I won this book and had the chance to read it.
May 14, 2015
Betrayed is a sad, but hopeful story, beautifully written. This such is an impressive book. Rosie Lewis is a great narrator. Her words are kind and she's telling her story in a humble way. There's always hope and Rosie treats her children with love and compassion to show them that, which I think is her greatest strength.
I want to thank the publisher for sending me a review copy.
I want to thank the publisher for sending me a review copy.
March 4, 2024
It's appalling what some children have to suffer through. This book was difficult to read because of that fact. I blubbered through parts of it but simply could not put it down.
September 29, 2018
A Lot of Problems with this Book
***May contain spoilers.
I thought this story was interesting and well written, except for the ending. There was so much detail given all throughout the book, sometimes too many unnecessary details were even given. However, at the end of the book, where the biggest events of all occurred, it was rushed through and not even the simplest explanations were given— never mind details!!
First of all, Zadie had stopped wearing all of the religious clothing that the spoons were sewn into. It was specifically stated that they were no longer worn and were all now stored in the back of the wardrobe. The baby was even given one of Zadie’s unworn scarves to sleep with a Zadie was gone. How then, was it possible for one of the spoons to have set off security in the airport? Then the story of exactly what happened to her was also never told— the details of where she was abducted from? How? What happened to her during the time she was gone? How did she cope? Then, her mother was found, but what happened to her? And how she ended up returning was not even mentioned!! Did she run away from her family? Was she abducted? Who found her and brought her back to England?
I also realized that the main story of this book occurred at the same exact time as the main story of her book titled “Taken” occurred, and everything was just “off”. When I read the book “Taken”, while Zadie was mentioned as also being there in the home in that book, there was no mention of what was going on with her story, which would have at least been worth mentioning— just as a little bit of Megan’s story could have been mentioned in this book.
***May contain spoilers.
I thought this story was interesting and well written, except for the ending. There was so much detail given all throughout the book, sometimes too many unnecessary details were even given. However, at the end of the book, where the biggest events of all occurred, it was rushed through and not even the simplest explanations were given— never mind details!!
First of all, Zadie had stopped wearing all of the religious clothing that the spoons were sewn into. It was specifically stated that they were no longer worn and were all now stored in the back of the wardrobe. The baby was even given one of Zadie’s unworn scarves to sleep with a Zadie was gone. How then, was it possible for one of the spoons to have set off security in the airport? Then the story of exactly what happened to her was also never told— the details of where she was abducted from? How? What happened to her during the time she was gone? How did she cope? Then, her mother was found, but what happened to her? And how she ended up returning was not even mentioned!! Did she run away from her family? Was she abducted? Who found her and brought her back to England?
I also realized that the main story of this book occurred at the same exact time as the main story of her book titled “Taken” occurred, and everything was just “off”. When I read the book “Taken”, while Zadie was mentioned as also being there in the home in that book, there was no mention of what was going on with her story, which would have at least been worth mentioning— just as a little bit of Megan’s story could have been mentioned in this book.
August 20, 2017
I enjoyed this story about a young Muslim girl from a very strict family who goes into foster care. It si allegedly a true story although I don't know how laws about confidentiality for foster care could have allowed the writer to go to so much detail. Nevertheless, I found Zadie's story very interesting and was rooting for her and the foster family. It was a good read.
May 28, 2018
Couldn't put the book down.... Well didn't want to. I felt as though I was right there the entire time tearing up at certain points! Very intense. Kinda hits home so to speak since I have a 13 year old. Made the book relatable to rosies points and worries. Can't wait to read more by Rosie lewis
March 4, 2018
Wow! This true story about a Muslim girl taken into foster care was a page turner for me. The deep empathy I felt for a child who had to endure so much at the hands of her family and the bravery and compassion of her foster mom who saved her life is awe-inspiring.
October 5, 2020
What a life
This poor young girl, to go through so much at such a young age. Unbelievable. I must admit the writing in this book really frustrated me at times, i understand you need detail but sometimes i didn't see the point of it. Also how did you let Des go!!!
This poor young girl, to go through so much at such a young age. Unbelievable. I must admit the writing in this book really frustrated me at times, i understand you need detail but sometimes i didn't see the point of it. Also how did you let Des go!!!
December 2, 2018
Lovely. The ability to overcome is amazing. True story, a bit like Tory Hayden books, except Rosie is a foster mother. Very touching - a worthwhile read
May 27, 2019
Betrayed
A beautiful book about a young girl betrayed by her family tears at the heartstrings but with a good support network around her she gets through it 5 stars
A beautiful book about a young girl betrayed by her family tears at the heartstrings but with a good support network around her she gets through it 5 stars
May 25, 2020
Excellent case study from a foster carer. Tragic, heartwarming and fascinating.
August 10, 2020
An absolutely gripping true story that just makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens to poor Zadie. A rollercoaster of emotions with a very fitting and satisfying ending.
October 24, 2020
Devastating.
There are many things in this world that are still disturbing and sad to see. It was very well portrayed and also shows a really good side and sympathy for the culture as well as situation. It was a hard read but at the same time showed the humanity of it all.
There are many things in this world that are still disturbing and sad to see. It was very well portrayed and also shows a really good side and sympathy for the culture as well as situation. It was a hard read but at the same time showed the humanity of it all.
May 16, 2021
Read in one afternoon this true story was one u couldn't put down until I'd seen it through to the end. X
February 15, 2022
People don’t realize this is still a huge problem world wide…heart breaking.
December 13, 2023
This was an intense and very educational read. Brilliantly done!
December 14, 2023
Very heart-touching.....felt sorry for poor Zadie but at least she got a deserved happy ending....
January 26, 2024
Jan2024
May 25, 2025
muslem girl.
May 19, 2022
I just finished the book and what a hell of journey it was...
For me as well
Usually I don't write reviews but this book has shook me to my core. Everything about this book was so immaculate that I don't even know where to start from.
But firstly, I can't stress enough on the fact that how well this book is written. Right from the first line it had me hooked. After reading the first two pages, I had realised that this is gonna be a roller coaster ride. The way the author has described every situation, you'll literally feel that you're standing there watching the whole thing in front of you.
Talking about the plot (without spoilers)
The first few pages shows the incident that took place with Zadie's sister. And a series of other events which led Zadie to end up in the Foster care. The build up of the story is damm good. And halfway through the book the story begins to unfold with many twist and turns towards the last chapter.
Hope u enjoy the book :)
(And I'm not a native English speaker. So please have the courtesy to excuse any mistakes)
For me as well
Usually I don't write reviews but this book has shook me to my core. Everything about this book was so immaculate that I don't even know where to start from.
But firstly, I can't stress enough on the fact that how well this book is written. Right from the first line it had me hooked. After reading the first two pages, I had realised that this is gonna be a roller coaster ride. The way the author has described every situation, you'll literally feel that you're standing there watching the whole thing in front of you.
Talking about the plot (without spoilers)
The first few pages shows the incident that took place with Zadie's sister. And a series of other events which led Zadie to end up in the Foster care. The build up of the story is damm good. And halfway through the book the story begins to unfold with many twist and turns towards the last chapter.
Hope u enjoy the book :)
(And I'm not a native English speaker. So please have the courtesy to excuse any mistakes)
December 3, 2016
Wow what a story. I couldn't put this book down. I really enjoyed Rosie Lewis's style of writing. I am a fan of reading books by foster carers like Cathy Glass and Casey Watson, so Rosie Lewis fits right in with what I love to read. To think how many other young girls suffer what Zadie - the young girl in this story- suffered is unimaginable. It really opens your eyes to the differences in cultures etc.
Excellent read. I finished it in less than 24 hours.
Excellent read. I finished it in less than 24 hours.
March 3, 2015
A great insight into the world of foster carers and the harsh realities that go on around us. I have so much love and respect for Zadie and Rosie. It's written so well that it's hard not to feel attached to the characters. I will be reading many more books by this author and would recommend to anyone who is a fan of Cathy Glass & Torey Hayden.
October 14, 2015
It's a very good book, very well written. I couldn't leave the book until I finished it. Rosie knew how to make us get attached to this story, she did a good job transferring us to her own life, putting us in her own shoes, we lived her anxiousness and her worries. I am eager to read the rest of her books.
April 20, 2015
Great book. Will be reading more by Rosie Lewis. Great author and fosterer xx
March 21, 2015
as good as cathy glass, will buy all future books
March 13, 2015
another good book by rosie lewis it had me in tears in some parts
August 23, 2015
A thoroughly moving and emotional read, I was taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I felt like I was right there with the family going through the various ups and downs. A great read :)
April 24, 2017
Rosie Lewis is a good writer in that she makes the plot move fast, makes you interested and caring about the characters. However, I found several major issues with this book. One was the main character was not drawn out enough. I get she's shy, but we never really hear her feelings, her beliefs, HER. My other issues are about the story being rather guessable and packaged up a bit too neatly. I think the author has promise though.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews