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John Blake Publishing Ltd Why, Father? From the No.1 bestselling author, a new true story of abuse and survival for fans of Cathy Glass.
From No.1 bestselling author Toni Maguire comes a new true story of abuse and survival
Gerri was only a young girl when she was first abused by her father. After her mother found out, and believing there was nothing she could do to help her child, nor deal with the stigma attached to it in their small Northern Irish town in the 1960s, she committed suicide.
Gerri and her siblings were split up and placed in different foster homes, all knowing they were unlikely to see each other ever again. Told that her mother had committed a grave sin, Gerri was completely alone and abandoned as she confronted even more horrors from her past.
After years of shame and isolation, she finally met a man who would help her heal the wounds she had been left with. With his love and support, Gerri decided it was time for her story to be told.
Why, Father? is her true and moving story of survival.
Gerri was only a young girl when she was first abused by her father. After her mother found out, and believing there was nothing she could do to help her child, nor deal with the stigma attached to it in their small Northern Irish town in the 1960s, she committed suicide.
Gerri and her siblings were split up and placed in different foster homes, all knowing they were unlikely to see each other ever again. Told that her mother had committed a grave sin, Gerri was completely alone and abandoned as she confronted even more horrors from her past.
After years of shame and isolation, she finally met a man who would help her heal the wounds she had been left with. With his love and support, Gerri decided it was time for her story to be told.
Why, Father? is her true and moving story of survival.
352 pages, Paperback
Published April 13, 2023
222 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Toni Maguire
43 books547 followers“Don’t tell Mummy”, my memoir of my own childhood abuse, became a UK best seller in 2007. Writing about my experiences was hard emotionally, but in retrospect it has helped me deal with my past and realize that there is no shame in being the victim. It is never the child’s fault, whatever the abuser makes them believe at the time. How can it be? I then wrote a sequel, “When Daddy Comes Home”, which deals with the mental trauma of having a father jailed for incest, return to a home where my mother welcomed him back as if nothing had happened and turned her back on me.
My success with my two autobiographies encouraged others who had kept their childhood secrets hidden to approach me and five books depicting their stories followed: Helpless, Nobody Came, Don’t You Love Your Daddy? Can’t Anyone Help Me? All very different, but with one thing in common; the victims all thought they were somehow to blame.
I hope that my books have helped expose and lift the social taboos of acknowledging physical and emotional abuse together mental illness. Whereas children are victims, adults need to be survivors. I not only used my own name in my books, but placed my photograph there as well, making my point that no shame should be attached to having been a victim.
To date I have published over 1.5 million books worldwide. In October last year France published Madeline’s story, “They Stole my Innocence,” which will be available in the UK in August. Before I wrote it, I had started writing my first novel; a mixture of fact and fiction which happily I have now finished, titled “Pretty Maids all in a Row” Set against the capricious, unequal and often cruel landscape of London’s Victorian era, it is the story of Agnes a fisherman’s daughter and Emily a heiress. One travels to London in search for her sister, the other is kidnapped, simply because she is was so beautiful. Both girls are taken to Mary Jefferies, the notorious brothel keeper whose clients were some of the most powerful men in England. Her sponsor was King Leopold, the cousin of Queen Victoria. Against this background the passionate men and women known as the Reformers were striving to get the age of consent. This is a major departure in the style of my writing and I think my previous fan-base and totally new readers of my work will find it enthralling.
My success with my two autobiographies encouraged others who had kept their childhood secrets hidden to approach me and five books depicting their stories followed: Helpless, Nobody Came, Don’t You Love Your Daddy? Can’t Anyone Help Me? All very different, but with one thing in common; the victims all thought they were somehow to blame.
I hope that my books have helped expose and lift the social taboos of acknowledging physical and emotional abuse together mental illness. Whereas children are victims, adults need to be survivors. I not only used my own name in my books, but placed my photograph there as well, making my point that no shame should be attached to having been a victim.
To date I have published over 1.5 million books worldwide. In October last year France published Madeline’s story, “They Stole my Innocence,” which will be available in the UK in August. Before I wrote it, I had started writing my first novel; a mixture of fact and fiction which happily I have now finished, titled “Pretty Maids all in a Row” Set against the capricious, unequal and often cruel landscape of London’s Victorian era, it is the story of Agnes a fisherman’s daughter and Emily a heiress. One travels to London in search for her sister, the other is kidnapped, simply because she is was so beautiful. Both girls are taken to Mary Jefferies, the notorious brothel keeper whose clients were some of the most powerful men in England. Her sponsor was King Leopold, the cousin of Queen Victoria. Against this background the passionate men and women known as the Reformers were striving to get the age of consent. This is a major departure in the style of my writing and I think my previous fan-base and totally new readers of my work will find it enthralling.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 23, 2023
Absolutely brilliant book I couldn’t put it down finished in a day
June 29, 2023
What Gerri goes through is shocking good read
August 20, 2024
Very Intense True Story
Despite having gone through abuse myself by my former stepfather, it sometimes still stuns me that people could harm ANYONE -- much less a child! Yet sweet little Gerri not only had to endure sexual abuse by her father but also the young new parish priest who began visiting the family after Gerri's father had gone to confession. This opened the door to an almost unbelievable series of events once her beloved mother returns from work and finds her violated bleeding daughter unconscious and smelling of alcohol that had been fed to the child. Gerri and her 3 brothers lives were never the same after these events...
This book reads almost like a suspenseful novel ; I found myself returning to the book once I'd put it down to get things done -- only to be anxious to find out what would happen next! I have to say I don't like the way the author's mom handled things because however unintentionally, it caused her children further pain and added to their trauma.
I also think that the lady "Mrs Donaldson" has NO idea what a true Christian is! She should be ashamed of herself but then, one needs a conscience for that!
Kudos to Holly for being such a loving and persistent friend to Gerri as well as her Uncle John and his wife Marion for stepping up along with the vicar and his family. God bless you all and I pray Gerri continues to heal and live a happy life.
Well done!
Despite having gone through abuse myself by my former stepfather, it sometimes still stuns me that people could harm ANYONE -- much less a child! Yet sweet little Gerri not only had to endure sexual abuse by her father but also the young new parish priest who began visiting the family after Gerri's father had gone to confession. This opened the door to an almost unbelievable series of events once her beloved mother returns from work and finds her violated bleeding daughter unconscious and smelling of alcohol that had been fed to the child. Gerri and her 3 brothers lives were never the same after these events...
This book reads almost like a suspenseful novel ; I found myself returning to the book once I'd put it down to get things done -- only to be anxious to find out what would happen next! I have to say I don't like the way the author's mom handled things because however unintentionally, it caused her children further pain and added to their trauma.
I also think that the lady "Mrs Donaldson" has NO idea what a true Christian is! She should be ashamed of herself but then, one needs a conscience for that!
Kudos to Holly for being such a loving and persistent friend to Gerri as well as her Uncle John and his wife Marion for stepping up along with the vicar and his family. God bless you all and I pray Gerri continues to heal and live a happy life.
Well done!
September 23, 2023
This book broke my heart. It's a 5* rating as I couldn't imagine giving it any less, even though it was very difficult to read at many times. Toni Maguire shares the story of Gerri Mayo who grew up in a village in Ireland and got groomed by her father who eventually raped the girl at a young age, and beyond that, allowed a village priest to do the same. It was heartbreaking to read that this was not all of devastation life had on the cards for Gerri, as she got fostered by a family that adopted her younger brother and turned him against her. To live like a slave and an animal in the garage after so much harsh treatment. Happy tears when she finally got answers to many of her questions and leave Ireland to be with her best friend and start a independent life.
November 22, 2024
I’ve read some pretty dark and heavy memoirs in the past, but as a parent of young children, this book hit hard. What happens to Gerry as a young child is horrific enough as it is, but to have her mother leave her, that felt like the worst thing to me. I understand the explanation she gave, however it wasn’t enough in my eyes. I would protect my children with my life and could never have let them go especially after such a horrific incident. What continues on in Gerry’s life is so extremely upsetting and sad. I just wanted to wrap her up and rescue her and take her home with me to shower her with the love and affection she so desperately needed.
I’m so glad she’s got her happy ending now.
I’m so glad she’s got her happy ending now.
April 17, 2023
This is another brilliant book from Toni Maguire. I had tears reading this one and it was heartbreaking and awful what Gerri went through. If you have enjoyed Toni's other books I definitely recommend reading this one as well.
Spoilers below:
I couldn't believe how Emily Donaldson treated Gerri and what she put her through, she was another evil person. I'm so glad that Holly came back into Gerri's life and rescued her from the evil foster parents. I thought it was kind as well that Gerri told us why her Ma did commit suicide.
Spoilers below:
I couldn't believe how Emily Donaldson treated Gerri and what she put her through, she was another evil person. I'm so glad that Holly came back into Gerri's life and rescued her from the evil foster parents. I thought it was kind as well that Gerri told us why her Ma did commit suicide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2023
Why, Father. by Toni Maguire.
I normally enjoy Toni Maguire’s books but this one just didn’t do it for me.
Written through the eyes of the victim … and even though what happen to her was horrendous and should never have happened … I personally thought it was dragged out a bit which took away from the story.
I normally enjoy Toni Maguire’s books but this one just didn’t do it for me.
Written through the eyes of the victim … and even though what happen to her was horrendous and should never have happened … I personally thought it was dragged out a bit which took away from the story.
August 30, 2024
As an incest survivor with a lot of healing, I found this harder to read than I would have thought. It has a decent ending, but the descriptions of the incest and her treatment at the hands of her foster mother and the loss of her mother and brothers made it a sad, bleak read for me. When I realized it’s a true story, that made me feel worse.
August 27, 2025
such strength of this young girl
I am in such amazement of the way this young lady kept herself going. Also the evil that lurks around all of us , even in our own homes. Powerful story
I am in such amazement of the way this young lady kept herself going. Also the evil that lurks around all of us , even in our own homes. Powerful story
October 19, 2025
Even though it was really shocking what Gerri went through, my heart broke for her. I just felt like the story was written poorly and a lot of the information wasn’t needed. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed.
June 11, 2023
This book made you think of some poor children what they went through,
July 6, 2023
A very shocking and very sad true story. How can any parent be so nasty and evil and how can any foster carer be so cold and cruel ?
September 13, 2023
Brilliant. Heartbreaking that one human could do this to another x
October 14, 2023
rough story but comforting aspect =)
August 21, 2024
WOW
What a tragic thing to have happened to Gerri Mayo, but this book shows that she is made of strong stuff. What a well written book also. Thank you for sharing!
What a tragic thing to have happened to Gerri Mayo, but this book shows that she is made of strong stuff. What a well written book also. Thank you for sharing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2024
Brutal. No child should have to be hurt like that; a little annoyed that they escaped a prison sentence; she finally got closure though. Brilliant read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2024
Gripping read!
Couldn't put this book down. Perfect for bedtime reading! Toni is an amazing writer and I love all her books.
Couldn't put this book down. Perfect for bedtime reading! Toni is an amazing writer and I love all her books.
November 7, 2024
Why Father
Avery good book to read I really enjoyed it SegUndo most Toni Maguire books,at least this one has a nice ending.
Avery good book to read I really enjoyed it SegUndo most Toni Maguire books,at least this one has a nice ending.
November 14, 2024
How could a father do to his own child what this depraved human being did? He needs to be taught what he did was competely wrong
February 19, 2025
Fantastic read, highly recommend
February 22, 2025
Great read
This book is truly inspiring. I love the way it read . I hope this book helps anyone who is coping with things in their past
This book is truly inspiring. I love the way it read . I hope this book helps anyone who is coping with things in their past
March 13, 2025
Really good read, what gerri went through had tears my eyes
Shame her and the brothers was split and never spoke again 🥹
Shame her and the brothers was split and never spoke again 🥹
April 2, 2025
loved this book
This book has helped me deal with my own depression. I loved it and Geri is such a strong and amazing woman! I know her mother is so proud of her.
This book has helped me deal with my own depression. I loved it and Geri is such a strong and amazing woman! I know her mother is so proud of her.
October 8, 2025
Wow!
Hard read as it is graphic, but wow talk about triumph!!!! I am amazed by Gerri’s incredible strength after all she went through!
Hard read as it is graphic, but wow talk about triumph!!!! I am amazed by Gerri’s incredible strength after all she went through!
September 2, 2024
Why father review
This review has also been shared on our Facebook group, fostering, memoirs and non fiction books and a newly made group for Toni Maguire’s fans of her books called Toni maguire fans of her books of children who have fallen through the net. If you wish to join one or both of these groups they both include the brilliant Toni maguire herself and updates about new upcoming books and projects.
‘Why father?’ is a profound recollection of what it truly means to be a survivor rather than a victim of violence and child abuse. It explores how Gerri was groomed and abused by the very hands who should have been protecting her. It’s both deeply shocking & disturbing that Gerri not only suffered at the hands of her very own father but also the local priest.
Why father? Is a true survivor story of overcoming trauma, child abuse, violence, suffering and recovering from trauma, including sucide.
Gerri’s recollection of the abuse she suffered as a child is a core shocking retelling account as well as a true tragedy of her silence & powerlessness, believing no one would believe her of the shocking abuse she lived through.
Praise for Gerry for her bravery to stand up and be heard 50+ years on, as well as her courage and determination not to be silenced anymore. The fact that Gerri speaks up as survivor many years on, shows a significant shift in empowerment, by highlighting her own resilience and courage. May, other survivors of abuse find their own voices and be heard . Gerri is living proof that it’s never too late to be stand up & be heard!
If you’ve only began to read the fantastic Toni Maguire - there are many more voices like Gerri’s to be heard!
This review has also been shared on our Facebook group, fostering, memoirs and non fiction books and a newly made group for Toni Maguire’s fans of her books called Toni maguire fans of her books of children who have fallen through the net. If you wish to join one or both of these groups they both include the brilliant Toni maguire herself and updates about new upcoming books and projects.
‘Why father?’ is a profound recollection of what it truly means to be a survivor rather than a victim of violence and child abuse. It explores how Gerri was groomed and abused by the very hands who should have been protecting her. It’s both deeply shocking & disturbing that Gerri not only suffered at the hands of her very own father but also the local priest.
Why father? Is a true survivor story of overcoming trauma, child abuse, violence, suffering and recovering from trauma, including sucide.
Gerri’s recollection of the abuse she suffered as a child is a core shocking retelling account as well as a true tragedy of her silence & powerlessness, believing no one would believe her of the shocking abuse she lived through.
Praise for Gerry for her bravery to stand up and be heard 50+ years on, as well as her courage and determination not to be silenced anymore. The fact that Gerri speaks up as survivor many years on, shows a significant shift in empowerment, by highlighting her own resilience and courage. May, other survivors of abuse find their own voices and be heard . Gerri is living proof that it’s never too late to be stand up & be heard!
If you’ve only began to read the fantastic Toni Maguire - there are many more voices like Gerri’s to be heard!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2023
Struggled to read this as to heart breaking
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews