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Skylark Child Abuse True Stories #2
Dirty Little Dog: A Horrifying True Story of Child Abuse, and the Little Girl Who Couldn't Tell a Soul.
A shocking true tale of childhood abuse at the hands of a stranger.Sophie Jenkins is living a happy life in the idyllic Dorset countryside when she meets Martin Brett, the man who will go on to abuse her and haunt her dreams for years to come. A momentary act of neglect leads to a horrible series of events that leaves her changed forever. Badly let down by the adults entrusted to care for her, Sophie’s life begins to spiral downwards. However, Sophie’s message is ultimately one of hope and empowerment. She is in the process of rebuilding her life when fate leads her to encounter her childhood attacker once again. The story ends with a truly shocking climax. This book is based upon a true story of child abuse and contains passages that some readers may find disturbing. All names and places have been changed to protect the identities of the innocent.For every book sold or borrowed, a donation will be made to the NSPCC(Cover photograph is posed by a model and is used for illustrative purposes only.)
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2015
351 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 18, 2022
So... this isn't my first read by this author. I had mixed feelings / opinions on the last book I read by this author.
I felt like the writing was just.... lacking. It was missing something, fell flat so to speak. The subject in these books is... raw... emotional... heartbreaking. And the writing style should also reflect that. We should FEEL what the author is saying... and with this author's writing? I don't feel it. I know what I'm reading is sad, but the author doesn't do a great job at connecting with the reader I suppose.
Dirty Little Dog is Sophie's story about her CSA. Horrifying subject, and it's something NO child should have to go through. Sophie's mom wasn't exactly.. supportive once she found out. And obviously what happened to Sophie effected every aspect of her life, likely still does.
I wish the writing was better, but because of that, I have to rate this lower.
I felt like the writing was just.... lacking. It was missing something, fell flat so to speak. The subject in these books is... raw... emotional... heartbreaking. And the writing style should also reflect that. We should FEEL what the author is saying... and with this author's writing? I don't feel it. I know what I'm reading is sad, but the author doesn't do a great job at connecting with the reader I suppose.
Dirty Little Dog is Sophie's story about her CSA. Horrifying subject, and it's something NO child should have to go through. Sophie's mom wasn't exactly.. supportive once she found out. And obviously what happened to Sophie effected every aspect of her life, likely still does.
I wish the writing was better, but because of that, I have to rate this lower.
March 19, 2015
I used to be a child welfare worker, which was the reason I was drawn to this book. Child sexual abuse was something, that was really hard for me. I wish I had known more at that time. This woman never told her mother that she had been sexually abused. She was only eight years old, and she didn't understand what was happening to her. It has colored the rest of her life. This is a hard book emotionally to read. She goes into the details of her experience, and tells her thoughts. Her behavior changed after her abuse, and she starts wetting the bed, and having nightmares every night.
June 15, 2017
The rating isn't for the story. This woman was brave and went through a traumatic experience as a child.
The rating is because the co-author wrote a "series" of child abuse stories and that seems so exploitative to me. I just feel so put off by that.
Not a story for the feint of heart. It is difficult to get through and without being upset at adults who should've known better.
The rating is because the co-author wrote a "series" of child abuse stories and that seems so exploitative to me. I just feel so put off by that.
Not a story for the feint of heart. It is difficult to get through and without being upset at adults who should've known better.
May 5, 2019
This book was a blinder it was good x
March 28, 2023
Such a sad, emotional and heartwrenching story of child abuse.
Quick read of 129 pages.
Read this with tears in my eyes.. Felt such anger at the Mam.. A silly uncalled for act of neglect with devastating consequences.
Would definitely recommend 💕
Quick read of 129 pages.
Read this with tears in my eyes.. Felt such anger at the Mam.. A silly uncalled for act of neglect with devastating consequences.
Would definitely recommend 💕
July 29, 2017
Really enjoyed this, which sounds awful considering the topic! Not too much detail but like Sophie said she didn't want to be pitied for things that happened to her as an adult as a result of the abuse from her childhood: "if you want to pity me, pity the eight-year-old me". I love how strong she acts when she unexpectedly sees her abuser again, and in the most unanticipated of places. I love how she only had to say 16 words to him to get him worried and running scared, to the point where he acts upon that fear. Finally she had the upper hand over him. Finally, after 16 years, she made him feel scared, not the other way around. And it really was the dirty little dog that "saved" her and brought the whole ordeal to an end, though of course she will still be dealing with the after effects for a long time to come.
I am so angry for her that her mother could have prevented this but didn't. I know it was 1976, but seriously what mother would do that?! You literally handed your little girl to him on a plate!!! It also saddens and infuriates me that no-one (not her mother, teachers etc) picked up on the drastic behavioural changes in Sophie after this traumatic event took place. How did people not see the signs?? When a perfectly well behaved little girl suddenly starts behaving so badly, there obviously has to be a reason. I feel like Sophie was hugely let down by the system and authorities as well as by her mum. I am just thankful that she now has closure in the sense that she knows he can't hurt her anymore.
I am so angry for her that her mother could have prevented this but didn't. I know it was 1976, but seriously what mother would do that?! You literally handed your little girl to him on a plate!!! It also saddens and infuriates me that no-one (not her mother, teachers etc) picked up on the drastic behavioural changes in Sophie after this traumatic event took place. How did people not see the signs?? When a perfectly well behaved little girl suddenly starts behaving so badly, there obviously has to be a reason. I feel like Sophie was hugely let down by the system and authorities as well as by her mum. I am just thankful that she now has closure in the sense that she knows he can't hurt her anymore.
July 20, 2019
I like that the book was short and right to the point. Poor Sophie to have to go through something like that. I wished the entire time that she would eat out her mother for being the worst mom in the world. I mean seriously, what kind of mother lets their kid go off with a Carney they just met a couple of hours ago.m? Ridiculous.
I also think it was great the way the writer shared how rationally she knows she “should” have told people or turned Martin into the cops, but emotionally couldn’t due to the intense shame. It is so easy for people to judge and blame the victim for all that they didn’t do, but we have no idea unless we were there. It was eye opening and validating to see that thought process.
I also think it was great the way the writer shared how rationally she knows she “should” have told people or turned Martin into the cops, but emotionally couldn’t due to the intense shame. It is so easy for people to judge and blame the victim for all that they didn’t do, but we have no idea unless we were there. It was eye opening and validating to see that thought process.
July 1, 2017
Very detailed and eye opening to child sexual abuse
i read this short book in one morning, but it is one I won't forget. I agree with the author as she has trouble forgiving her mother, who didn't abuse her, but handed her over to a child predator. This is a good example of how predators groom their victims and we adults may not always have our eyes open to a person's intent. This is a reality of how many abusers are never convicted of their crimes, and the victims may never tell anyone what happened, may never get counseling, and may never have anyone believe them or comfort them. So very sad.
i read this short book in one morning, but it is one I won't forget. I agree with the author as she has trouble forgiving her mother, who didn't abuse her, but handed her over to a child predator. This is a good example of how predators groom their victims and we adults may not always have our eyes open to a person's intent. This is a reality of how many abusers are never convicted of their crimes, and the victims may never tell anyone what happened, may never get counseling, and may never have anyone believe them or comfort them. So very sad.
August 2, 2017
Will be reading more from this author.
I learned about this book due to a free promo, I'd not heard of this author before. I started the book immediately that I'd downloaded it. It's told simply, in a conversational style, and it was easy to get into. I liken the style to that of Rosie Lewis' books.
This is a shorter read, yet still a substantial 130 pages. The authors make a donation to the NSPCC for every book sold. It sounds wrong to say a book is good or you enjoyed it when it involves such hard circumstances, but this was very well told, accurately presented and it gripped me. There was a twist I didn't see coming as well and an uplifting end.
I learned about this book due to a free promo, I'd not heard of this author before. I started the book immediately that I'd downloaded it. It's told simply, in a conversational style, and it was easy to get into. I liken the style to that of Rosie Lewis' books.
This is a shorter read, yet still a substantial 130 pages. The authors make a donation to the NSPCC for every book sold. It sounds wrong to say a book is good or you enjoyed it when it involves such hard circumstances, but this was very well told, accurately presented and it gripped me. There was a twist I didn't see coming as well and an uplifting end.
March 24, 2018
Brought back memories for me this
I am always intrigued by books of this nature as it happened to me though not as bad but I have had 39 foster kids and the grooming was so familiar to read, and when I see a naughty kid I often wonder ...have you or are you being abused. And I also got onto the kids I had, would often hold a pillow on there knee as if to hide the fact of abuse. Cathy Skelhorn Liverpool
I am always intrigued by books of this nature as it happened to me though not as bad but I have had 39 foster kids and the grooming was so familiar to read, and when I see a naughty kid I often wonder ...have you or are you being abused. And I also got onto the kids I had, would often hold a pillow on there knee as if to hide the fact of abuse. Cathy Skelhorn Liverpool
April 18, 2019
Horrifying true story
It was not easy to read this horrifying true story of child abuse. Poor little girl thought her painful, abusive, life was normal. This book shows how difficult it is for foster parents when they agree to take in a sexually abused child. On one hand they want to help the child and on the other hand they do not want to jeopardize the other children. This is a short story and I read it in a couple of hours. I recommend this book for mature adults
It was not easy to read this horrifying true story of child abuse. Poor little girl thought her painful, abusive, life was normal. This book shows how difficult it is for foster parents when they agree to take in a sexually abused child. On one hand they want to help the child and on the other hand they do not want to jeopardize the other children. This is a short story and I read it in a couple of hours. I recommend this book for mature adults
May 5, 2020
Troubling
A book that captures sexual abuse at the hands of a predator. It gives insight into family dynamics. Explains that there are reason for sudden behavior changes in children that shouldn’t be ignored. Unbeknownst to Sophie, her predator comes back into her life in an unexpected place. This shows is that someone can work at place for children and have awful, dark secrets.
This book is recommended for Child Welfare workers.
A book that captures sexual abuse at the hands of a predator. It gives insight into family dynamics. Explains that there are reason for sudden behavior changes in children that shouldn’t be ignored. Unbeknownst to Sophie, her predator comes back into her life in an unexpected place. This shows is that someone can work at place for children and have awful, dark secrets.
This book is recommended for Child Welfare workers.
February 12, 2021
Fast Read
I almost didn’t finish it because I didn’t care for the style of writing but then somewhere in the pages I forgot about my reason for not reading it and became engrossed in the story. With every turn of the page, my heart wept for the loss of innocence and at times, tears slipped down my cheeks. The story has a better-than-expected ending and I’m glad this author had the support in getting her story published. No child should ever be abused.
I almost didn’t finish it because I didn’t care for the style of writing but then somewhere in the pages I forgot about my reason for not reading it and became engrossed in the story. With every turn of the page, my heart wept for the loss of innocence and at times, tears slipped down my cheeks. The story has a better-than-expected ending and I’m glad this author had the support in getting her story published. No child should ever be abused.
August 6, 2017
This book makes difficult reading, but it's clear there is a cleansing process taking place in the writing of it. It's written in a conversational style, from a child's perspective. The book seems to bring to light the shockingly free and easy attitude everybody had towards child protection in those days. The surprise ending carried with it a strong sense that justice had been done.
August 15, 2019
Inspiring
Couldn't put this book down, read it in one day. I really felt for Sophie as a child and how nobody saw that her behaviour was a clear indication that something was not right. I hope she is now able to move forward in her life and not let that person take anything further from her.
Couldn't put this book down, read it in one day. I really felt for Sophie as a child and how nobody saw that her behaviour was a clear indication that something was not right. I hope she is now able to move forward in her life and not let that person take anything further from her.
October 13, 2020
Excellent read
I read these books as this sort of thing happens every day and these children are afraid to tell anyone and suffer in silence it saddens me that there are people out there that get enjoyment out of abusing a small child, i would definitely recommend this book i read it within 3 days and I've downloaded the rest of kate skylarks books
I read these books as this sort of thing happens every day and these children are afraid to tell anyone and suffer in silence it saddens me that there are people out there that get enjoyment out of abusing a small child, i would definitely recommend this book i read it within 3 days and I've downloaded the rest of kate skylarks books
January 29, 2023
I cringe that this mother let her child go with a stranger! I fear letting my kids go anywhere and am constantly checking in with them if they are not in sight. Thank goodness for todays technology to keep in contact and tracking devices. Yet, in another breath.....I feel we have more to fear.....
June 8, 2017
Great Read
I loved this book. Bravo to Sophie. It made a lot of different emotions come out. I thought it would have a different ending but her ending was right for her. Congratulations.
I loved this book. Bravo to Sophie. It made a lot of different emotions come out. I thought it would have a different ending but her ending was right for her. Congratulations.
July 8, 2017
It was revealing
This was a story about abuse and how it came about. This young girl was put into this type of situation by her mother's letting her go with a stranger and when the girl came home after the abuse her mother ignored her and treated her with a not caring attitude.
This was a story about abuse and how it came about. This young girl was put into this type of situation by her mother's letting her go with a stranger and when the girl came home after the abuse her mother ignored her and treated her with a not caring attitude.
May 12, 2020
Very good book. The story shows us the damage abuse can effect us. It also shows you can survive and get the help you need.and live a good life.I would recommend this book for anyone that suffered sexual abuse in childhood.
December 20, 2021
Truthful, raw and real.
A great read on childhood sexual abuse and how it really affects the victim. No Hollywood revenge embellishment, just reality. This book would be a great book to have in school libraries to help children who are experiencing this trauma.
A great read on childhood sexual abuse and how it really affects the victim. No Hollywood revenge embellishment, just reality. This book would be a great book to have in school libraries to help children who are experiencing this trauma.
July 12, 2023
In my opinion this story feels rushed as if she is basically trying to buy past the abuse and her feelings. I've read other books by Kate Skylark but this one just wasn't it for me. I honestly hope Sophie is in some sort of counseling because she seems to not be dealing with her feelings.
January 19, 2017
Really a good read
I chose this book because I can relate to it! Hope everyday gets better then the last if you were abused. God bless
I chose this book because I can relate to it! Hope everyday gets better then the last if you were abused. God bless
June 17, 2017
Sad story of a clueless mother and her abused daughter,, disturbing. .
July 26, 2017
Thoughts
Thanks for sharing! I am a teacher and this gives me a lot to think about with children and behavior changes.
Thanks for sharing! I am a teacher and this gives me a lot to think about with children and behavior changes.
November 21, 2017
Well written quick read
Dark story. All too familiar. Well written. Quick read. Sexual abuse of child and neglectful horrible mother. Benefits charity so read it
Dark story. All too familiar. Well written. Quick read. Sexual abuse of child and neglectful horrible mother. Benefits charity so read it
February 11, 2018
Horrifying and sad
April 23, 2018
Heartbreaking and courageous. We don't realize how an event of abuse can have a life long affect on someone.
February 12, 2019
Great book
Really enjoyed reading this book. Tragic what happened, and crazy how it was allowed but the mother. Glad times have now changed.
Really enjoyed reading this book. Tragic what happened, and crazy how it was allowed but the mother. Glad times have now changed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews