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Out of My Depth
When Anne Darwin faced the world—and her family—and said that her husband had disappeared while canoeing in the North Sea, her life changed forever. She had just lied to the police, the press, her friends and neighbors, insurance companies, and her own sons. While her husband actually lived in a secret hideaway in the roof space of the house next door, Anne was left to face the music. She claimed the life insurance payouts, braved the cameras and consolations—then left with him to start a new life in Panama. Now, for the first time, Anne opens up about her decision to take part in her husband’s harebrained scheme; her life and marriage before, during, and after the explosive crime was revealed; and the runaway train of deceit and guilt that followed their plan to defraud insurance companies with the aid of a canoe. This book is about how an ordinary wife and mother was caught up in an extraordinary chain of events.
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First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 2, 2016
This is the autobiography of the wife of Britain’s ‘Canoe Man’, who conspired with her husband to fake his death by drowning and profit from the life insurance, ultimately hoping to escape their debts and live a life of luxury in Panama.
Much has been made of the fact that she deceived her grown-up sons into believing their beloved father was dead (when all the time he was living through the wall, in a secret bed-sit) – but for me, the most eye-opening aspect of this story is that the couple, to all intents and purposes, succeeded with the crime.
Only when some quirk of legislation meant they would struggle to maintain permanent residency in Panama, did John Darwin implement the wacky ‘Plan B’ that brought about his downfall. (The idea being that he would reappear claiming to have lost his memory – after 5 years! – all money now safely transferred beyond reach of the British authorities.) With a little help from the hack pack, the penny eventually dropped for the police. The house of cards tumbled.
Despite her plea that she was a victim of the ancient crime of ‘marital coercion’ Anne Darwin was found guilty. This suggests her treatise is somewhat disingenuous, and I suspect few readers would sympathise.
However, it is impossible to hear her account and not share in the agonies and anxieties – a runaway trauma that dominated this woman’s life for a decade, leaving her and her family deeply scarred.
The book is not especially well (ghost-) written, and is rather disjointedly edited in places. But it offers nonetheless a fascinating insight behind the scenes as an ordinary couple pull off an extraordinary scam.
They say the truth is stranger than fiction; I wish every novel I read were such a page-turner!
Much has been made of the fact that she deceived her grown-up sons into believing their beloved father was dead (when all the time he was living through the wall, in a secret bed-sit) – but for me, the most eye-opening aspect of this story is that the couple, to all intents and purposes, succeeded with the crime.
Only when some quirk of legislation meant they would struggle to maintain permanent residency in Panama, did John Darwin implement the wacky ‘Plan B’ that brought about his downfall. (The idea being that he would reappear claiming to have lost his memory – after 5 years! – all money now safely transferred beyond reach of the British authorities.) With a little help from the hack pack, the penny eventually dropped for the police. The house of cards tumbled.
Despite her plea that she was a victim of the ancient crime of ‘marital coercion’ Anne Darwin was found guilty. This suggests her treatise is somewhat disingenuous, and I suspect few readers would sympathise.
However, it is impossible to hear her account and not share in the agonies and anxieties – a runaway trauma that dominated this woman’s life for a decade, leaving her and her family deeply scarred.
The book is not especially well (ghost-) written, and is rather disjointedly edited in places. But it offers nonetheless a fascinating insight behind the scenes as an ordinary couple pull off an extraordinary scam.
They say the truth is stranger than fiction; I wish every novel I read were such a page-turner!
October 31, 2016
I followed this case from the moment that John ‘Canoe Man’ Darwin magically reappeared and read the newspaper articles from the subsequent investigation and trial with great interest. At the time of the investigation, the Darwins lived in Seaton Carew (or Seaton Canoe as it became known) and it was a place close to my heart as I went there a lot when I was a child. When I saw that Anne Darwin had written a book, I was intrigued to read her version of events and see how she justified why she did what she did.
This book is really well written but I can’t say that it changed my opinion of the Darwins at all. I particularly empathized with their sons. How on earth could a mother lie to their sons that their father was dead and attend family events knowing that John wasn’t dead but he was living next door?? How could she live with herself knowing that she (& John) had put their sons through sheer hell? I know that if my Mam had told me that my Dad was dead and then he reappeared I would disown her (& him) for starters. Fair play to their two sons and I admire them for having the capacity to forgive their mother and allow her to get to know her grandchildren.
I know that you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors nor what goes on within a marriage but I also don’t buy that she was a ‘victim’ of marital co-ercion. She could have refused to join in with John’s schemes right from the start and if that didn’t work then she could have informed the police of John’s intentions after he disappeared. I also can’t believe that John was allowed to adopt the identity of a dead child and she did nothing to stop him. (My brother sadly died at four days old and I know that I would go absolutely ballistic if I found out somebody had ‘borrowed’ his identity). As far as I know no apology has been given to the dead child’s family and I totally understand their feelings. I remember seeing the now infamous photograph of the Darwins with the Panamanian estate agent and there certainly didn’t seem to be any co-ercion going on in their body language.
I read with interest the detail about when John reappeared and Anne was in Panama. I was struck by how selfish Anne appeared to be, in that she was thinking about herself and what would happen to her once she came back to the UK. I was staggered to read the part where she complains about how she was arrested. Should the police have gone up to her and said ‘I say Madam would you mind awfully coming with us so we have can a little chat?’ No, she was arrested the way she was arrested in part to prove a point and because she was wanted for questioning. Her husband had already evaded the authorities once and it was reasonable to assume that she might try to do the same. She pleaded ‘not guilty’ right up until the end and if she felt that badly about how she had treated her sons and what had happened then surely she should have pled ‘guilty’ to express how bad she felt as well as get a lesser sentence. If that wasn’t enough then Anne goes on to complain about the prison conditions. Well here’s a thing, prison is supposed to be a punishment not a treat. If she thinks that conditions were bad present day, then she should thank her lucky stars she wasn’t in prison over a century ago, when prison really was a punishment.
In short I found this book to be very interesting but I don’t believe her side of events. In my view, Anne was a lot more involved in the deception than she let on and I don’t buy the marital co-ercion explanation for her actions.
This book is really well written but I can’t say that it changed my opinion of the Darwins at all. I particularly empathized with their sons. How on earth could a mother lie to their sons that their father was dead and attend family events knowing that John wasn’t dead but he was living next door?? How could she live with herself knowing that she (& John) had put their sons through sheer hell? I know that if my Mam had told me that my Dad was dead and then he reappeared I would disown her (& him) for starters. Fair play to their two sons and I admire them for having the capacity to forgive their mother and allow her to get to know her grandchildren.
I know that you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors nor what goes on within a marriage but I also don’t buy that she was a ‘victim’ of marital co-ercion. She could have refused to join in with John’s schemes right from the start and if that didn’t work then she could have informed the police of John’s intentions after he disappeared. I also can’t believe that John was allowed to adopt the identity of a dead child and she did nothing to stop him. (My brother sadly died at four days old and I know that I would go absolutely ballistic if I found out somebody had ‘borrowed’ his identity). As far as I know no apology has been given to the dead child’s family and I totally understand their feelings. I remember seeing the now infamous photograph of the Darwins with the Panamanian estate agent and there certainly didn’t seem to be any co-ercion going on in their body language.
I read with interest the detail about when John reappeared and Anne was in Panama. I was struck by how selfish Anne appeared to be, in that she was thinking about herself and what would happen to her once she came back to the UK. I was staggered to read the part where she complains about how she was arrested. Should the police have gone up to her and said ‘I say Madam would you mind awfully coming with us so we have can a little chat?’ No, she was arrested the way she was arrested in part to prove a point and because she was wanted for questioning. Her husband had already evaded the authorities once and it was reasonable to assume that she might try to do the same. She pleaded ‘not guilty’ right up until the end and if she felt that badly about how she had treated her sons and what had happened then surely she should have pled ‘guilty’ to express how bad she felt as well as get a lesser sentence. If that wasn’t enough then Anne goes on to complain about the prison conditions. Well here’s a thing, prison is supposed to be a punishment not a treat. If she thinks that conditions were bad present day, then she should thank her lucky stars she wasn’t in prison over a century ago, when prison really was a punishment.
In short I found this book to be very interesting but I don’t believe her side of events. In my view, Anne was a lot more involved in the deception than she let on and I don’t buy the marital co-ercion explanation for her actions.
August 18, 2020
I found "Out of my Depth" a very compelling read. I had not followed Anne's story before, so I kept an open mind about her part in her husband's fake disappearance, and the false claims she made to the police, banks and insurance companies.
After the couple move to Panama, they make "the mistake" of posing for a photograph with an estate agent, and their scheme gradually unravels...
The most astonishing part of her story is the lies she told to her two sons, and I wondered when she would wake up to the pain and misery caused by their deceptions. I kept wanting her to walk away from the scams, which were mind boggling in their audacity.
Anne's story could have ended very differently, but it was heartening to read of more positive outcomes on her journey after her prison sentence.
After the couple move to Panama, they make "the mistake" of posing for a photograph with an estate agent, and their scheme gradually unravels...
The most astonishing part of her story is the lies she told to her two sons, and I wondered when she would wake up to the pain and misery caused by their deceptions. I kept wanting her to walk away from the scams, which were mind boggling in their audacity.
Anne's story could have ended very differently, but it was heartening to read of more positive outcomes on her journey after her prison sentence.
December 11, 2017
I followed this case from the moment that John ‘Canoe Man’ Darwin magically reappeared and read the newspaper articles from the subsequent investigation and trial with great interest. At the time of the investigation, the Darwins lived in Seaton Carew (or Seaton Canoe as it became known) and it was a place close to my heart as I went there a lot when I was a child. When I saw that Anne Darwin had written a book, I was intrigued to read her version of events and see how she justified why she did what she did.
This book is really well written but I can’t say that it changed my opinion of the Darwins at all. I particularly empathized with their sons. How on earth could a mother lie to their sons that their father was dead and attend family events knowing that John wasn’t dead but he was living next door?? How could she live with herself knowing that she (& John) had put their sons through sheer hell? I know that if my Mam had told me that my Dad was dead and then he reappeared I would disown her (& him) for starters. Fair play to their two sons and I admire them for having the capacity to forgive their mother and allow her to get to know her grandchildren.
I know that you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors nor what goes on within a marriage but I also don’t buy that she was a ‘victim’ of marital co-ercion. She could have refused to join in with John’s schemes right from the start and if that didn’t work then she could have informed the police of John’s intentions after he disappeared. I also can’t believe that John was allowed to adopt the identity of a dead child and she did nothing to stop him. (My brother sadly died at four days old and I know that I would go absolutely ballistic if I found out somebody had ‘borrowed’ his identity). As far as I know no apology has been given to the dead child’s family and I totally understand their feelings. I remember seeing the now infamous photograph of the Darwins with the Panamanian estate agent and there certainly didn’t seem to be any co-ercion going on in their body language.
I read with interest the detail about when John reappeared and Anne was in Panama. I was struck by how selfish Anne appeared to be, in that she was thinking about herself and what would happen to her once she came back to the UK. I was staggered to read the part where she complains about how she was arrested. Should the police have gone up to her and said ‘I say Madam would you mind awfully coming with us so we have can a little chat?’ No, she was arrested the way she was arrested in part to prove a point and because she was wanted for questioning. Her husband had already evaded the authorities once and it was reasonable to assume that she might try to do the same. She pleaded ‘not guilty’ right up until the end and if she felt that badly about how she had treated her sons and what had happened then surely she should have pled ‘guilty’ to express how bad she felt as well as get a lesser sentence. If that wasn’t enough then Anne goes on to complain about the prison conditions. Well here’s a thing, prison is supposed to be a punishment not a treat. If she thinks that conditions were bad present day, then she should thank her lucky stars she wasn’t in prison over a century ago, when prison really was a punishment.
In short I found this book to be very interesting but I don’t believe her side of events. In my view, Anne was a lot more involved in the deception than she let on and I don’t buy the marital co-ercion explanation for her actions.
This book is really well written but I can’t say that it changed my opinion of the Darwins at all. I particularly empathized with their sons. How on earth could a mother lie to their sons that their father was dead and attend family events knowing that John wasn’t dead but he was living next door?? How could she live with herself knowing that she (& John) had put their sons through sheer hell? I know that if my Mam had told me that my Dad was dead and then he reappeared I would disown her (& him) for starters. Fair play to their two sons and I admire them for having the capacity to forgive their mother and allow her to get to know her grandchildren.
I know that you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors nor what goes on within a marriage but I also don’t buy that she was a ‘victim’ of marital co-ercion. She could have refused to join in with John’s schemes right from the start and if that didn’t work then she could have informed the police of John’s intentions after he disappeared. I also can’t believe that John was allowed to adopt the identity of a dead child and she did nothing to stop him. (My brother sadly died at four days old and I know that I would go absolutely ballistic if I found out somebody had ‘borrowed’ his identity). As far as I know no apology has been given to the dead child’s family and I totally understand their feelings. I remember seeing the now infamous photograph of the Darwins with the Panamanian estate agent and there certainly didn’t seem to be any co-ercion going on in their body language.
I read with interest the detail about when John reappeared and Anne was in Panama. I was struck by how selfish Anne appeared to be, in that she was thinking about herself and what would happen to her once she came back to the UK. I was staggered to read the part where she complains about how she was arrested. Should the police have gone up to her and said ‘I say Madam would you mind awfully coming with us so we have can a little chat?’ No, she was arrested the way she was arrested in part to prove a point and because she was wanted for questioning. Her husband had already evaded the authorities once and it was reasonable to assume that she might try to do the same. She pleaded ‘not guilty’ right up until the end and if she felt that badly about how she had treated her sons and what had happened then surely she should have pled ‘guilty’ to express how bad she felt as well as get a lesser sentence. If that wasn’t enough then Anne goes on to complain about the prison conditions. Well here’s a thing, prison is supposed to be a punishment not a treat. If she thinks that conditions were bad present day, then she should thank her lucky stars she wasn’t in prison over a century ago, when prison really was a punishment.
In short I found this book to be very interesting but I don’t believe her side of events. In my view, Anne was a lot more involved in the deception than she let on and I don’t buy the marital co-ercion explanation for her actions.
February 28, 2017
They faked his death, cashed in his pension, claimed the insurance, and planned a new life in Panama - just so they could get out of debt. I'm not usually a fan of the true crime genre, but actually this was quite a good read - ultimately its about the author's redemption and coming to realise just how many people were affected by their plans. But if you are thinking about doing this kind of crime - just don't! Debt is not a reason to turn to crime - there are always options. And in "Out of My Depth", so many people got hurt.
This is well written tale of a crime that they could so easily have been gotten away with, if it weren't for ego, arrogance and pride.
This is well written tale of a crime that they could so easily have been gotten away with, if it weren't for ego, arrogance and pride.
March 4, 2017
Self indulgent, repetitive and poorly written
Easy, quick read but felt I'd wasted a few hours of my life. Possibly one of the most annoying books I've ever read. I found Anne's account, written with a tabloid journalist, implausible and actually quite dull. You are meant to feel sorry for her as she supposedly goes along with her manipulative husband's plans. In fact I found it difficult to feel any sympathy for her. She came across as a very weak but also incredibly selfish. A very unsatisfying read which I wouldn't have finished, had it not been chosen for our Book Club
Easy, quick read but felt I'd wasted a few hours of my life. Possibly one of the most annoying books I've ever read. I found Anne's account, written with a tabloid journalist, implausible and actually quite dull. You are meant to feel sorry for her as she supposedly goes along with her manipulative husband's plans. In fact I found it difficult to feel any sympathy for her. She came across as a very weak but also incredibly selfish. A very unsatisfying read which I wouldn't have finished, had it not been chosen for our Book Club
December 30, 2023
A very good biography of the 'Canoe Man'. I experienced different emotions whilst reading.
First was anger, for gods sake, why didn't Anne just shout in his face "NO".
Then, astonishment, how could you keep up with the lying, especially to your sons.
By the end, I'm pleased Anne has managed to build bridges with her family after serving her time although it seems John hasn't!!
First was anger, for gods sake, why didn't Anne just shout in his face "NO".
Then, astonishment, how could you keep up with the lying, especially to your sons.
By the end, I'm pleased Anne has managed to build bridges with her family after serving her time although it seems John hasn't!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2021
I felt this was an enjoyable read. I think she is very sorry and incredibly shameful of what she did. It is repetitive at times of how she felt. I think this is trying to get across of what she actually felt and tryed to get a true account of what happened. I think she was manipulated and brain washed if u like to doing what her husband wanted.
We have all been there/done a silly thing for a friend or a boyfriend-knowing we shouldn’t but couldn’t say no. Although this is on a grander scale, I believe she should be forgiven. She served her time. Turned around her life and most importantly got rid of him. This is world reported news so I don’t class any of this as spoilers.
Good luck with the rest of your life Anne.
We have all been there/done a silly thing for a friend or a boyfriend-knowing we shouldn’t but couldn’t say no. Although this is on a grander scale, I believe she should be forgiven. She served her time. Turned around her life and most importantly got rid of him. This is world reported news so I don’t class any of this as spoilers.
Good luck with the rest of your life Anne.
April 22, 2019
Fascinating book, I recall the news story but only mildly. Anne’s frank retelling in her own words & from her perspective is compelling. I don’t really know if this is the truth or what she now believes is the truth. However it feels candid especially at the end as she says the real victims of her lies were her own family & friends. It seems they have come to terms with it and she is leading a quiet but ok life and is included once again in theirs.ultimately I feel it is a hopeful book.
May 14, 2019
This has been on my shelf for a couple of years having heard Anne in an interview on Radio 2.
Fascinating, stories like this really intrigue me especially the arrogance of how the perpetrators think they'll get away with it (I'm talking about John here).
I felt incredibly sorry for Anne who was forced to go with it and had her world turned upside down through emotional abuse from her husband. I couldn't read many books like this but the odd one here and there really does mix things up a bit.
Fascinating, stories like this really intrigue me especially the arrogance of how the perpetrators think they'll get away with it (I'm talking about John here).
I felt incredibly sorry for Anne who was forced to go with it and had her world turned upside down through emotional abuse from her husband. I couldn't read many books like this but the odd one here and there really does mix things up a bit.
September 15, 2017
A really good read.
Incredible story and very well written.
Anne Darwin you must have been exhausted! What a rollercoaster of a life.
I highly recommend reading this book.
Incredible story and very well written.
Anne Darwin you must have been exhausted! What a rollercoaster of a life.
I highly recommend reading this book.
November 19, 2017
interesting read. very gullible lady
August 14, 2019
This is such a fascinating story, and I was surprised by how engaging the writing was. I finished this in just a few days - really interesting and readable.
April 3, 2020
Brilliant read , found hard to put down . Would recommend
October 3, 2020
Interesting read covered her life including prison journey nd after.
The book was well written and gave a insight as to why she did it. And how her sons felt who where innocent parties.
The book was well written and gave a insight as to why she did it. And how her sons felt who where innocent parties.
September 10, 2022
An interesting read but unbelievable.
Following the viewing of the television drama outlining these events, I decided that I would read Anne Darwin's book, to see what her version of events were. I am afraid that I do not believe her stance that she was coerced into carrying out this fraud by her husband. I believe that it may have been his idea, his plans, which she followed, but she chose to be a part of it, and was keen to share the profits from their ill gotten gains.
From the start of the book, she blames her husband for everything. She claims to have had no choice in anything, including lying to close family members and deceiving their two sons. She watched them grieve for their father, but continued with her lies. She claims she was coerced and controlled by her husband to continue with these lies for many years, even when he was actually outside of the country. Everything that she says in this book, is a direct attack on her husband, but her actions, and photographs, show her as quite happy to set up a new life with him in Panama. She was excited about it. She even risked implicating her sons in their fraud, by laundering money through their names. She was happy to move away to Panama and leave them alone in Britain, while she enjoyed her new life. All of the lying, and fraudulent claims were made by her, while he simply lay low, waiting for her to do the necessary. You have to be really keen and focused to pull those actions off.
Following their discovery, she lied constantly to everyone. She did everything she could to escape any blame. When that didn't work, she said she was ashamed of her actions, but I don't think that she truly demonstrates any remorse in her words. She just regretted getting caught. She continued to plan a life together with him, long after they were jailed. Their letters demonstrate this. She only turned against him when newspaper reports reported his sexual encounters, infidelities and internet dalliances.
I think that she is a very lucky lady, in that her sons have accepted her explanations and forgiven her. She has access to their families, which is very magnanimous of them. I hope she is truly grateful for this, as it is far more than she deserves.
I am glad that I bought the book, as it helped me to understand what happened, but I am glad that my money is not profiting her and is being donated to charity. That, thankfully, is the law.
Following the viewing of the television drama outlining these events, I decided that I would read Anne Darwin's book, to see what her version of events were. I am afraid that I do not believe her stance that she was coerced into carrying out this fraud by her husband. I believe that it may have been his idea, his plans, which she followed, but she chose to be a part of it, and was keen to share the profits from their ill gotten gains.
From the start of the book, she blames her husband for everything. She claims to have had no choice in anything, including lying to close family members and deceiving their two sons. She watched them grieve for their father, but continued with her lies. She claims she was coerced and controlled by her husband to continue with these lies for many years, even when he was actually outside of the country. Everything that she says in this book, is a direct attack on her husband, but her actions, and photographs, show her as quite happy to set up a new life with him in Panama. She was excited about it. She even risked implicating her sons in their fraud, by laundering money through their names. She was happy to move away to Panama and leave them alone in Britain, while she enjoyed her new life. All of the lying, and fraudulent claims were made by her, while he simply lay low, waiting for her to do the necessary. You have to be really keen and focused to pull those actions off.
Following their discovery, she lied constantly to everyone. She did everything she could to escape any blame. When that didn't work, she said she was ashamed of her actions, but I don't think that she truly demonstrates any remorse in her words. She just regretted getting caught. She continued to plan a life together with him, long after they were jailed. Their letters demonstrate this. She only turned against him when newspaper reports reported his sexual encounters, infidelities and internet dalliances.
I think that she is a very lucky lady, in that her sons have accepted her explanations and forgiven her. She has access to their families, which is very magnanimous of them. I hope she is truly grateful for this, as it is far more than she deserves.
I am glad that I bought the book, as it helped me to understand what happened, but I am glad that my money is not profiting her and is being donated to charity. That, thankfully, is the law.
September 6, 2022
Sad and tragic story, I watched the series and decided to read the book. It is so easy for people to judge someone and they have no idea what they would do if faced with the same situations. Of course the Justice system can't be bothered to analyze the situation and do the right thing. My mother would have totally done what my father asked. She was so codependent and could not see herself living without him. She would not have wanted to break the law or hurt anyone. In the end he would have talked her into doing things his way. He cheated on her and controlled her entire life until she died at 69. She had a nervous breakdown and while taking all the meds prescribed, tried to kill herself. He didn't care and she wouldn't leave him. After she died, he married a woman younger than me and catered to her until he died at 82.
I hope Anne found peace and built a good life for herself. I hope her sons can see to forgive and understand what she went through. I never forgave my father, forgiveness is a word like I am sorry, doesn't mean anything to me. I guess John Darwin walked out and never looked back.
I hope Anne found peace and built a good life for herself. I hope her sons can see to forgive and understand what she went through. I never forgave my father, forgiveness is a word like I am sorry, doesn't mean anything to me. I guess John Darwin walked out and never looked back.
May 7, 2024
"Out of My Depth" by Anne Darwin is a gripping memoir that delves into one woman's extraordinary journey of deception, betrayal, and self-discovery. Anne Darwin recounts the shocking true story of her life with her husband, John, who faked his own death in a canoeing accident as part of an elaborate insurance scam. As Anne grapples with the aftermath of her husband's disappearance and the subsequent media frenzy, she reflects on her own role in the deception and the toll it takes on her family and her sense of self. Darwin's candid and introspective narrative offers a fascinating insight into the complexities of human nature and the power of love and forgiveness in the face of adversity. "Out of My Depth" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will leave readers questioning the boundaries of trust, loyalty, and morality. Darwin's courageous storytelling and unflinching honesty make this memoir a truly unforgettable read.
July 9, 2025
Had a hard time rating this one. On the one hand the story was intriguing. But on the other the almost constant repetition of Anne's supposed remorse at her part in it seemed too much. Clearly she knew from the start the hurt she would be causing her sons, but she went along with it. Lying to them for years! Had her scallywag of a husband not decided he wanted to be "alive" again, it probably would have continued. She was enjoying her sun filled days in Panama, with seemingly no concern for her elderly parents, or her grieving sons. It does seem doubtful given her husbands track record of not successful business schemes that the Eco-camp probably would have failed as well.
Easy for me to say, but she should have dropped that loser after he cheated on her the first time. I am glad she is rid of him, and her sons have forgiven her.
Easy for me to say, but she should have dropped that loser after he cheated on her the first time. I am glad she is rid of him, and her sons have forgiven her.
January 5, 2023
Actually quite gripping considering I already knew the bare bones of the case. Hearing it first hand hits different I guess!!
Couldn't stop listening to it and felt Anne was genuine when she (it's narrated by someone else but her words) said it was mostly husband John's crackpot idea to fake his own death to get out of their debts. Basically leaving Anne to do all the lying while he sat on his backside. He comes across a total arse and I can't believe she stuck by him so long. I suppose it's that generation who believes in marriage for life and working through problems no matter what the cost.
There was some repetition of certain phrases and it was quite simply written but hey she's not a writer is she? It was more like a really long Take A Break article but I have to admit I lapped it up!!
Couldn't stop listening to it and felt Anne was genuine when she (it's narrated by someone else but her words) said it was mostly husband John's crackpot idea to fake his own death to get out of their debts. Basically leaving Anne to do all the lying while he sat on his backside. He comes across a total arse and I can't believe she stuck by him so long. I suppose it's that generation who believes in marriage for life and working through problems no matter what the cost.
There was some repetition of certain phrases and it was quite simply written but hey she's not a writer is she? It was more like a really long Take A Break article but I have to admit I lapped it up!!
Read
June 26, 2021A very interesting book. How someone can do this terrible thing to their family and friend is unbelievable. But she did go along with her husband and carry out this fraud, and they almost got away with it. This book was unputdownable, and I was curious about all that had happened, and what they did in Panama. She explained how she was absolutely against it from the start, but was persuaded by her husband to go ahead with the deception.
She was thoroughly ashamed of what she did, when it all came out, and they had to admit it.
After serving her time in prison, she seems to be leading a quiet life without her husband.
Highly recommended
She was thoroughly ashamed of what she did, when it all came out, and they had to admit it.
After serving her time in prison, she seems to be leading a quiet life without her husband.
Highly recommended
January 29, 2018
The story of John & Anne Darwin's life. How he faked his own deather & they lied to their children for 5 years as he was actually still alive. They both spent over 3 years in prison & further time being monitored after that. He divorced her even though she was thinkingalong the same lines. Anne has re-built a relationship with her sons & their families. John married a Phillipino then left her for a Russian woman who saw through him before he finally returned to England. His sons have nothing to do with him.
April 17, 2023
This is a story of true crime without the sensationalism often accompanying such stories. Anne Darwin writes her account as the wife in the husband-wife duo who perpetrated an insurance fraud by faking his death. The story could be distilled into one sentence, "I was manipulated and had no other choice but to participate." Readers will be challenged to accept or discount her version of events. The BritBox version (The Thief, His Wife, and the Canoe) has a better script. If it weren't a true story, it would be laughably absurd fiction.
March 12, 2017
I was drawn into this book from page one. I was familiar with some of the story from the newspapers but this gives an insight to the emotions involved. I found myself sympathetic to Anne's plight though I did sometimes shout at her (in my head) and tell her to stop what she was doing. I couldn't put it down and that's about the best thing I can say about a book.
January 14, 2021
It's an interesting case, and you're not going to find a more comprehensive breakdown of it than this, so the book is well worth a read. However, the tabloid-style writing and the constant repetition ("I shouldn't have agreed to this, but I was stupid" being a regular refrain) makes it a 3 out of 5 for me.
May 1, 2022
Better than TV version
I enjoyed this book decided to down load it after seeing TV program Anne's husband has a lot to answer for he made Anne pay for his big ideas justice was served but was it ??? Anne seemed to get the short straw glad she got her life back on track I would recommend this book
I enjoyed this book decided to down load it after seeing TV program Anne's husband has a lot to answer for he made Anne pay for his big ideas justice was served but was it ??? Anne seemed to get the short straw glad she got her life back on track I would recommend this book
September 11, 2021
Interest book. Super easy to read but it was really obvious that the author of this book is not really an author was just writing to tell her story. An interesting book if you can pick it up at a charity shop but wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to buy it.
April 28, 2022
A very brave lady..
I loved Anne's honesty and glad she could put the record straight to help those who
couldn't see it by themselves. Heartbreaking for her to have suffered so much but such an amazing lady who at last is herself. Thank you.
I loved Anne's honesty and glad she could put the record straight to help those who
couldn't see it by themselves. Heartbreaking for her to have suffered so much but such an amazing lady who at last is herself. Thank you.
May 10, 2022
“It wasn’t me” “I didn’t do it” “I feel so sorry for myself”. What a whinefest this book is. Lie after lie after lie and she only slowly admitted to all the crimes when there was absolutely no other way out.
June 14, 2017
The last autobiography I read and enjoyed was Geri Halliwell's but now I can safely add this one.
Interesting, enjoyable and eye opening
Interesting, enjoyable and eye opening
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