No More Silence: He thought he’d got away with it. But one day little David would find the strength to speak out.

by David Whelan

David had everything. No-one knew the London businessman was born into a world beyond poverty, the son of a rapist father and disturbed mother. Abandoned as a baby, he spent most of his childhood in care and suffered appalling sexual abuse. But no-one knew. But a call from the abuser's wife, 30 years on, proved he was living in a house of cards. The youngest of five children, David was the son of a drunkard rapist father and a mentally unhinged mother. His father was jailed and his mother deserted the family, leaving five urchins to battle to survive in an inner city Glaswegian slum. Rescued, but separated, David grows up with vague memories of Ma, but no memory of his siblings. For the next years of his young life David was shipped from pillar to post, until the authorities decided the best place for him and his youngest sister was Quarriers Children's village, where he was delivered into the hands of a paedophile. Helpless, powerless and alone, it was beaten into David that no-one cared for him and no-one loved him. Finally David escapes and goes on to build a life of success, determined to bury his secret and never tell anyone what happened to him. Then he receives a phone call from his abuser's wife, and all that he has built comes tumbling down. She asks David to be a character witness on behalf of the man who stole his childhood. Instead David chooses to tell the truth, turning the tide for detectives involved in a massive investigation and changing his own life forever. This is his remarkable story.

Genres: True Crime, Biography

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2010

Reviews

[Afreen Khalil Inscribed Inklings · Rating 4 out of 5]

No more silence by David Whelan 📚



Trigger warning: Child Abuse

I have no memory of buying this book or choosing this book. But I have. If I knew that this book was an autobiography of a man who had suffered from child abuse, I don't know if I would have bought it. But I feel privileged to know the story of David from his own hand. It's not everyday, someone does a tell all about their own traumatic past. It's beyond brave.

The story is gripping from the start, especially because we know its a true story. David has 4 siblings. His dad was abusive and drunk. His mom didn't have it in her to fight for them. Eventually, his dad got taken to prison and they were free. But his mom started unraveling soon after and they were all placed in the care of the state.

Every time they get settled into a nice place, his mom reclaims them and shatters the illusion of happiness. In the end, David and his sister Irene ended up at the Quarrier home. Here is where the abuse began. What can one do when they are abused by the one who is supposed to guard them. A man who's supposed to be his father traps David in an abusive relationship.

The story follows his life until he finally tells the world the truth 30 years later. Only to face hatred and back lash from the supporters. Read this to know how a boy grows into a man and gets free from the demons that haunt him.

- Afreen

[Nel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mum was in quarries in the 40s and reading this book it looks like nothing had changed in the 20 year between them. The beast and Helen where there when she was and Helen is as bad as him. My mum told me things about Helen.

[Lucie Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so sorry for what happened to you David. Thank you for telling your story!

[Sophie Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wouldn't be surprised if any one star ratings were from those related to the Porteous family. I've known about Quarrier’s for a long time and this book gave a detailed and emotional insight.

[jessica bystedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Written

I have read many novels similar in topic to David Whelan's but his stands out. He just happens to have a talent for the written word and his story is so eloquently told from the heart. This is not just a story of depravity, neglect, and abuse.. It is a story of finding your way back from those experiences. I don't often give five star reviews as I feel those are reserved for classics that are relevant for centuries, but in this case I was not only impressed by the writing and gripped by the story, I feel that Mr Whelan deserves five stars and nothing less for his bravery in telling this tale. This book, as I am sure his set out to accomplish, is a must read for anyone who has suffered abuse.. You will be touched and inspired. Bravo!

[Lynne McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking.

This is a story shared by millions of folks all over the world. Mr Whelan provides a wonderful voice for them and a great lesson for those of us in the professions of caring for such children. My only wish is that Scotland would adopt what we have in the US. Even though a "statute of limitations" exists in how long a victim of abuse can charge a perpetrator, that perpetrator wears the moniker of " Sex Offender" for the rest of his or her life. They are most likely shunned from living in various towns or cities. They are also forbidden to live near parks or schools. Anywhere a child is going to be, the perpetrator is forbidden.

[Maureen Supan · Rating 3 out of 5]

What should I say?
Whenever I read this book.. I know my heart is pumping faster.. that I am scared. Somehow, I know how he fells.. to remain the secrecy.
Anyway, the story because it is true always caught me perplexed. That things can always get worse. But somehow.. I hate when he suddenly gives flashbacks without any indication of which timeline it is...

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An autobiography that doesn't sensationalize sexual abuse as is so common. Because it is set in Scotland, it was quite interesting to learn about the 'children's services' system. Nothing unpredictable or particularly exciting, more like laying out the facts and trying to make sense of it all. Still, a survivor's story is always worth reading.

[Sylvia sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

What a truly courageous and amazing story how u survive ed and came out t other side is incredible. I hope you continue to live a good life and both u and Jeanette find love and peace

[Mavio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The order with which the story was layed out was confusing at times but overall it was an engaging read and I could feel the fear of the author.

[Silvia Milone-martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was graphic in places, but beautifully written.

[Charles Perfecto · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Whelan finally breaks his silence and revealed his childhood deepest darkest secrets. I was kinda bored reading it and really confused with the timeline of his storytelling.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confusing timeline but good book overall.