Rock Me Gently: A Memoir of a Convent Childhood

by Judith Kelly

In the 1950s, shortly after her father's death, Judith Kelly was left in the care of nuns at a Catholic orphanage while her mother searched for a place for them to live. She was eight years old. Far from being cared for, Judith found herself in a savage and terrifying institution where physical, emotional, and sexual abuse was the daily norm and the children's lives were reduced to stark survival. As the months became years and no word came from her mother, she sought comfort instead from the girls around her, and especially the bright, angel-voiced Frances, who seemed miraculously untouched by the nuns' persecution and the abject misery surrounding her. When a tragic accident robbed Judith of her dearest friend, the traumatic memories of the event were to trouble her deeply, long into her adult life. Years later, at a kibbutz in Israel, Judith met and befriended an elderly Holocaust survivor. It was a friendship that began with an instinctive recognition of the fear and suffering each had experienced, and one that would begin an emotional journey culminating in Judith's return to the Nazareth House orphanage to confront her memories and to achieve some measure of peace. Updated and revised by the author to confront her critics, this astonishing, moving, and deeply shocking memoir resonates in the mind long after the final page.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Abuse, Ireland

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Shai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting it to be written as graphically horrifying or gruesome as possible. But like her fellow who wrote a letter to the author after reading the first printing of this book, the intensity of their experiences was lessen. Nonetheless, I had a pleasant time reading this, may it be a real memoir or a work of fiction.

[Daniel Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of Rock Me Gently caught my eye because like the author, I spent a considerable time in a childrens' home run by the same order of nuns as described in the book.

Once I began reading Rock Me Gently, I could not put it down. Here is a book that is not only extremely well written, but should recognised as is a real life story about a girl who was brutally treated by her "carers" within a convent in Sussex. Originally installed in the institution whilst her mother looked for somewhere for them to live, Judith discovered that the nuns were monsters, venting their anger and frustrations on their helpless charges in the form of emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

This book is a perfect example of how the human spirit can provide strength in the toughest of situations. Judith Kelly's courage and determination saved her from all of the suffering that she endured at such a young age and this is depicted in chapters where she worked on a kibbutz in the 1970's.

Kelly's story is also a living testament of resilience. With the help of her mentor, Miriam, a survivor from the Nazi Holocaust, she is transformed into an emotionally healthy and competent adult.

Anyone who has read the paperback version of Rock Me Gently will see from the evidence at the back of the book that Kelly's story is a true one. My advice therefore to all those who criticise this book is: tell the truth, you obviously haven't read it and more importantly, look at your motives for making spiteful comments about this extremely important story.

[Liyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've often read the controversies surrounding memoir but regardless of whether it is completely truthful or come with a slight exaggeration, I believe the gist /always/ remains the same. The author tries to portray the horrifying experience, and as common as it is, usually alteration takes place, no?
IMO, as long as you don't change every single event or claim that they happened when they don't, I'm fine.

As for this particular book, it does bother me to know that the author /unintentionally/ (her claim) plagiarise other works while researching on styles to better help in expressing her feelings. We would never know the truth about what really happened but maybe the content should matter more?

Overall, it has been quite hard to read at first, but as it progresses, things started to fall into place and everything makes sense. There are many questions about countless events that I REALLY WANTED TO KNOW. MORE. but she didn't provide further explanations/info.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story of life for so many children. It was heartbreaking. Just imagining the daily strife of these little ones. Written lovingly, it really draws you in to the different personalities of the convent children and their strength and resilience.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was here at the Condo-- so put the "rope" back and started reading this one. ne of those unbelievable tales of abuse and recovery even if she had to go spend to Israel and a Kibbutz to do it.

[Mieke Leegte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sad and tragic story. Heartbreaking and devastating but I definitely recommend it!

[Eloni Dedeken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wauw,

Ik zag dit boek in de slegte liggen en het sprak me gewoon aan. Dit is zo’n pakkend verhaal, je wordt er zomaar ingezogen alsof je naast haar stond.

De kracht van deze vrouw, om dit alles op papier te zetten, te delen en dan ook nog is te publiceren is wonderschoon, om naar op te kijken.

Ik las het in het Nederlands, al had ik het wel graag in het Engels gelezen, hoe zijzelf schreef.
Ik bewonder dit en ik heb ook nog eens bijgeleerd hoe het in de jaren 50 eraan toe ging in weeshuizen die begeleid werden door nonnen/katholieke kerk.

De manier van schrijven over haar verleden is niet eng, trillend maar juist mooi en warm. Ook al wordt er met regelmaat gesproken over mishandeling en misbruik, de liefde die ze voor elkaar hadden als weeskinderen die voor elkaar zorgen:

Prachtig

Dit blijft me lang bij.

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an inspirational book ,to hear of the resilience the children had and how their spirit's never wavered. this was also a horrifying and sadly common story of a Covent in the 1950s, it really showed the inhumanity and cruelty of the nuns towards these poor children. it was a gripping story right from the start of how Judith first enters the Covent asher mother was searching for a place for them , to her finally escaping the hell hole and how she felt guilty at leaving the girls behind because she had feared they would be beaten worse now, which shows the psychological warfare the nuns put these girls through so they were not just physically trapped but mentally imprisoned too.

The horrible abuse these nuns put these girls through unfortunately followed them through to their adulthood as of course such horrific abuse would, but Judith writes about how she came to terms with what happened to her and made attempts to move on with her life.She visits one of the nuns left to hopefully get answers as to her horrific time spent in the Covent but to no avail, the nun even at first tried to denie who she was and then tried to justify her actions by saying the children were very hard to keep control of and that she had tried the soft touch but only the hard way seemed to work.

this shows the lack of remorse or understanding of the pain and anguish the nuns inflicted upon these girls.I think maybe they did understand but to these sick individuals these children weren't seen as humans but the bottom of society.Unfortunately at the time this was how society perceived these children , but in actual fact it was the nuns and priests and anyone else who felt this that were the scum of the earth and should be ashamed of themselves and some imprisoned , these were bright young people with loving hearts and brilliant minds who did not deserve the horrific childhoods they were given.

[Jennifer Leather · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't great either. The authors note at the start where she basically admitted to stealing phrases lines and ideas (it's supposed to be her memoirs?) doesnt put you in the best frame of mind to start with. She compares herself to Jayne eyre... Umm nope! The convent side of the story is good and interesting although after the authors note is less believable. The Israel side of the story was rushed and slightly needless. Yes it fleshed out the book but it was nowhere near as interesting and I don't think added anything. I almost wanted to skip these parts to get to the good stuff so to speak.

[Amanda Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often get flashbacks of the scene in the movie of little princess amidst reading this book. However this book portrays inhumanity to a different level, justifying cruelty and savage act with religion which can be related to what is happening around us now ( attacks in the name of religion). this book focuses more on the impact it had on the victim , the struggles she have to overcome to blend in the society again. All it takes is to have someone to talk to.

[Hannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat een prachtig, ontroerend maar zeker ook verbijsterend boek.
Bewondering voor de schrijfster, dat zij dit vreselijke drama zo op papier heeft kunnen zetten.
Ik hoop dat zij en alle andere slachtoffers toch nog geluk in hun leven hebben gevonden.

[Alex Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s isn’t any words I can use to describe how great this book is. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book as moving as this. The author, Judith Kelly, retells her story of living in a convent as a child. From facing daily abuse, to losing her best friend in a tragedy, Judith manages to not only cover this is a meaningful way for the audience, but also manages to delve deep into these memories she tried so hard to bury. The sheer bravery and determination shown by Judith is so influential, and even as she progressed into her adult years and had to confront the memories, she continued to show how utterly strong she is. The story is absolutely heartbreaking, and no child should ever have to experience this treatment, however this book isn’t just meant to break your heart, and initiate pity. It’s meant to share the experience with those who may relate, those who have experienced a similar situation, or just need something to grasp on to in their own time of need. The way she describes her navigation through her traumatic flashbacks is extremely touching, and anyone who needs advice on how to confront secrets they may be holding from themself, this book is for you. This is just my view of the book anyways, and the way it impacted me. I recommend this book to anyone who needs a good cry, a story to influence them, or just a passage that truly speaks to the human condition, and shows that you never know what someone been through in their life. And often times, when faced with traumatic situations, the person themself won’t even feel like it’s their life. Like they have been watching someone else’s. Or like a past life. This book truly spoke to me, and touched me in so many ways. I can honestly say this book will stay with me forever. Rest well, Frances & Janet.

[Ingrid Booij · Rating 5 out of 5]

Een fantastisch boek. Heel goed geschreven. Een aanrader als je wil weten hoe het is om op te groeien in een klooster. Verbijsterend hoe er in dat klooster werd om gegaan met kinderen. En helaas een top van de ijsberg gezien recente ontdekkingen bij canadese kloosters.
Weer geen reclame voor de katholieke kerk.

[Book Barbarian (Tammy Smith) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My granny told me the nuns at her school would tie her left hand behind her back because it was evil to be left handed. Heartbreaking for every child that has ever endured any abuse at the hands of monsters.

[Patricia Defour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had er iets meer van verwacht...Maar we weten met zekerheid tot wat de katolieke kerk in staat is,was.Nu komen er steeds meer verhalen die echt gebeurd zijn aan het licht,maar de die die het hebben gedaan blijven altijd buiten schot!!!
Welk leed hebben duizenden kinderen moeten mee maken....!!!

[Clare · Rating 2 out of 5]

The "present-day" stuff was quite boring, and then after a while the "past stuff" became repetitive and boring. I got over 100 pages in and nothing had really happened. It's probably a good story but the execution is poor.

[Madhulika · Rating 4 out of 5]

The /unintentional/ plagiarism (the author's words) aside, this is quite a harrowing and disturbing story. It does leave you wanting to know more nevertheless.

[Mirjana Zeij · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunting and painful story of a lost childhood and a narrative that should be read by many. I finished it in one go - I highly recommend this book.

[Jonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartbreaking. Also have read into the conspiracy that some of the authors school mates have come out saying she’s lied about loads that happened in the convent! Who knows

[Kitty McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sad story....

[Karen Moseley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very moving and emotional read.

[Lan · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was good but a bit boring for me personally but I can see the enjoyment people would have while reading it.

[Kathie Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subject matter was tough but the authors resilience and ability to trust when she was in a safe space was phenomenal. A great book.

[Redfox5 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts with the author defending herself. Apprently people have acused her of making this story up. She admits to lifting bits from other books becuase she'd never written anything before but claims the story is true. If this story is true and it is belivable, then it is a very sad tale of abuse. The nuns were wicked. Everything they did was wrong. I find myself for blameing Judith's mother as well for leaving her there in the first place. What a selfish bitch! I would have also like to know what Judiths granparents were doing in this time. Did they ever try to find out what happened to their grandchild? I aslo got a bit bored reading her adult bits. I just didn't find them interesting at all. On the other hand, if this book is made up to cash in on the popularity of memoirs and some of the other girls claim that Judith wasn't even there when these events happen then it's a pretty crummy thing to do!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken from the book description:
In the 1950s, shortly after her father's death, Judith Kelly was left in the care of nuns at a Catholic orphanage while her mother searched for a place for them to live. She was eight years old. Far from being cared for, Judith found herself in a savage and terrifying institution where physical, emotional, and sexual abuse was the daily norm.

The author was accused of taking bits from other books, to put across her points, defending herself by saying she was not a writer and looked at other books for inspiration. Apart from that she insists that the contents of the book are true.

Regardless of the controversy, it was a book that kept your interest and I liked how as she is telling her story of her 3 years of abuse at the convent, she is also working through it as an adult with a mentor in a Kibbutz in Israel.

[Maggie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some concerns have been raised about parts of this book being plagerised from Jane Eyre and others. The introduction repsonds that while it is possible, the author didn't understand what plagarism was. Despite that, it is a rather half-hearted and pathetic attempt to gain the sympathies of the reader. Not worth recommending. Avoid.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh...it was sort of underwhelming.


Spoiler Alert - I was irritated to read the whole book only to find at the end that the author admitted to plagerism. The book wasn't that great and you had to plagerize to write a sub-par book? Seriously?

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've only vague memories of reading this, but I recall the author's introduction in which she admitted that some aspects of her tale weren't in fact true at all, which takes away some of her credibility.

[Dianne van den Bosch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the most beautiful and fascinating 'based on a true story'-book I've ever read... and I've read a LOT.

[Janice Pickwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a book makes me shed a tear such as this one, you know that it has touched me. I felt so sorry for the children and how they were affected by the abuse that they suffered.