What do you think?
Rate this book
Invisible Child
This inspiring and uplifting true story shows how a damaged childhood can become an asset, in fighting back and winning against all odds. This compelling story is a tribute to all those brave women who believe in “yes we can”. Mary’s life was always a miracle of survival. It is a tale of courage and responsibility, as she battles to keep herself and baby sister from starvation and TB, sometimes with fun and laughter, and at other times so desperate that we are drawn to tears. But when her best friend steals a rifle, we listen to her heartbreaking plea to the Samaritans as her life is crushed. It is a story of heartbreak and passion, a blinding love so certain that it comes but once in a lifetime. She finds her freedom to study at university, and doing what she does best, saving damaged children like herself.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2010
173 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 2, 2012
When I read "Begging," the excerpt of this book that was published seperately, I was quite impressed. It was touching and so incredibly revealing. I expected the same in reading this, the entire story. My thoughts were the same as I read, that it is unfortunate that children are left to suffer in the way that this young child was left to suffer and that lives are left in the kind of turmoil that this young lady suffered throughout her life. However, I found this novel much more difficult to read. The tales of Mary's life from childhood through adulthood were troubling, to say the least. It was heartwarming to read the "redemption" at the end, to learn that even though life didn't make things easy for Mary at almost ANY turn, she was able to find a way to create success for herself and her children. There is real strength demonstrated in the living of this story...and even more in the fact that Mary is able to share it with the world today.
May 13, 2018
Although I felt for the author and her poor upbringing, I found her thinking immature (picking a husband using the same process as one would use buying a used car) and there’s was a bit too much self-pitying. Feeling sorry for herself was a common thread through out the book. Also, I found some of the book a bit slow and too descriptive so I skipped many paragraphs at a time.
February 10, 2018
From start to finish, this story had me captivated. There were so many similarities to my own life with regards to the way in which trauma throughout my own life affected me, despite the differences of circumstance, that I felt I was walking in Mary's shoes every step of the way. There were nail biting moments that felt predictable and yet through sheer luck or smarts, the expected outcomes were narrowly missed. I know that the happy endings are perhaps not truly happy, nor even endings, but still, this story gives a light in the dark. A story of struggle, of overcoming and of determination.
October 8, 2017
Really good book
Excellent autobiographical book detailing the authors early years being brought up by what can best be described as an affectionate but a alcoholic father who rare provided for his family. Then there was mother whose life revolved between arguing with her husband about his lack of financial provision but buried her head in the sand about life in general . The author documents her teenage years and two failed marriages and the loss of a dear friend in tragic circumstances. The story does have a happy and positive outcome .A worthy and interesting read.
Excellent autobiographical book detailing the authors early years being brought up by what can best be described as an affectionate but a alcoholic father who rare provided for his family. Then there was mother whose life revolved between arguing with her husband about his lack of financial provision but buried her head in the sand about life in general . The author documents her teenage years and two failed marriages and the loss of a dear friend in tragic circumstances. The story does have a happy and positive outcome .A worthy and interesting read.
August 19, 2017
Words cant be found
Ifelt as I read this book that I was that young girl ,that I was feeling and experiencing all she went thru I cried when she finally allowed herself to be loved and to love. One powerful message of never giving up jeep fighting there is a light in the darkness just keep moving forward
Ifelt as I read this book that I was that young girl ,that I was feeling and experiencing all she went thru I cried when she finally allowed herself to be loved and to love. One powerful message of never giving up jeep fighting there is a light in the darkness just keep moving forward
June 3, 2018
A brilliant read
Loved this book so inspirational and entertaining. It was well written with lots of twists and turns which can be related to real life situations. I would definitely recommend it.
Loved this book so inspirational and entertaining. It was well written with lots of twists and turns which can be related to real life situations. I would definitely recommend it.
December 26, 2018
Gripping
Couldn't put this down. Mary writes from the heart and her courage and determination are amazing, and got her through many tough times and obstacles in her life. It is her whole life story. Definitely recommend this.
Couldn't put this down. Mary writes from the heart and her courage and determination are amazing, and got her through many tough times and obstacles in her life. It is her whole life story. Definitely recommend this.
October 3, 2019
Amazing book
This book showed the amazing strength of one person s fight for happiness. And how by never giving up she succeeded in eventually finding it. But the turmoil she went through was so sad.
This book showed the amazing strength of one person s fight for happiness. And how by never giving up she succeeded in eventually finding it. But the turmoil she went through was so sad.
September 8, 2022
The author of this book takes the reader on a raw, emotional journey that she experienced first hand starting at a very young age way into her adult years. The grit and determination she possessed to survive is nothing short of a miracle!
June 4, 2017
Brill
Brilliant read, felt transformed into the story, well written, so glad she made it to her happy ending. Excellent book to read
Brilliant read, felt transformed into the story, well written, so glad she made it to her happy ending. Excellent book to read
June 21, 2017
Harrowing
Harrowing, what a fighter. Let down by many. You can't put this down once you start. To believe what Mary went through is just unbelievable.
Harrowing, what a fighter. Let down by many. You can't put this down once you start. To believe what Mary went through is just unbelievable.
July 17, 2017
Great read
The open ness of the author made this a compelling read. Thank you. It was leading to know you found contentment in the end
The open ness of the author made this a compelling read. Thank you. It was leading to know you found contentment in the end
July 26, 2017
Good read
I enjoyed the book but have read a lot of her books in the past some twice as they have been great to read .this book was OK wouldn't say you must read this one .😊
I enjoyed the book but have read a lot of her books in the past some twice as they have been great to read .this book was OK wouldn't say you must read this one .😊
November 24, 2017
brilliant read
December 15, 2017
My review
Enjoyed this book very much so happy that Mary is so happy as are her children,what a strong lady x
Enjoyed this book very much so happy that Mary is so happy as are her children,what a strong lady x
December 17, 2017
Inspiring
Couldn't put it down. What an inspirational lady /young girl. Just shows what never giving up can do, eventually. Excellent
Couldn't put it down. What an inspirational lady /young girl. Just shows what never giving up can do, eventually. Excellent
May 16, 2019
Heartbreaking
A story written from her own childhood, it shocking, with deep sadness, but a young lady growing up ,determined to make her life better than her mother's.
A story written from her own childhood, it shocking, with deep sadness, but a young lady growing up ,determined to make her life better than her mother's.
October 15, 2019
Superb book
Excellent book and a very strong inspirational women so glad it all worked out right in the end for her
Excellent book and a very strong inspirational women so glad it all worked out right in the end for her
November 13, 2020
This is a touching read about a girl who didn't have the best start in life. Her story gives the reader hope that better days are yet to come.
March 29, 2017
An attention-riveting true story of a young girl's journey from poverty and low self esteem to a fulfilling adult life - eventually. In between there are emotional and physical hills to climb and depths to rise above. The amazing survival instinct Mary possesses makes the story spellbinding. One is left with the realization that inner strength and determination DOES change one's life.
The story is a must-read for anyone who needs to be reassured that tomorrow there CAN be a rainbow - it just takes persistence and hard work. Her life makes Mary into an accomplished and successful woman. An excellent read - I highly recommend it.
The story is a must-read for anyone who needs to be reassured that tomorrow there CAN be a rainbow - it just takes persistence and hard work. Her life makes Mary into an accomplished and successful woman. An excellent read - I highly recommend it.
December 29, 2010
This is a page turner. It isn't a poor me book, this is about adapting and surviving life against all the odds. It starts with such a powerful opening, as her best friend is shot. It is the story of a gutsy journey and winning back, through childhood, marriage, and love.
I routed for little Mary as a child, and then as an adult facing problem after problem. She stands alone.
What an ending! I won't spoil it for you, but you will love this one.
Uplifting, and true.
Look at the website, www.maryhayward.co.uk, loads of stuff and and interview with Mary.
I routed for little Mary as a child, and then as an adult facing problem after problem. She stands alone.
What an ending! I won't spoil it for you, but you will love this one.
Uplifting, and true.
Look at the website, www.maryhayward.co.uk, loads of stuff and and interview with Mary.
June 5, 2015
Real
This is a story of poverty and abuse at the barely noticed level. These are the children who go through life without a saviour because no one is truly sure they need one. I grew up in the category just barely above this one, and I couldn't figure out how no one knew. I'm still not quite sure.
This is a story of poverty and abuse at the barely noticed level. These are the children who go through life without a saviour because no one is truly sure they need one. I grew up in the category just barely above this one, and I couldn't figure out how no one knew. I'm still not quite sure.
June 18, 2015
This was a beautiful story just showing her struggles in life but also showing her ingrained positivity in the world & herself. She went through a lot of crap & thankfully the things she went through changed her & helped her help others.
April 19, 2017
Boring
Not an exciting read, monotonous and repetitive. Too much going on about lack of food and alcoholic, useless father. Boring!
Not an exciting read, monotonous and repetitive. Too much going on about lack of food and alcoholic, useless father. Boring!
September 19, 2018
Invisible child
This story was so intriguing to read. Poverty violence, drinking, an d many more sad times. Mary was a very strong woman through all her tough childhood an d for years afterwards she had children of her own an d was a great mother . At last Mary is a very happy woman being true loved by her husband an d children.
This story was so intriguing to read. Poverty violence, drinking, an d many more sad times. Mary was a very strong woman through all her tough childhood an d for years afterwards she had children of her own an d was a great mother . At last Mary is a very happy woman being true loved by her husband an d children.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews