OUT OF TUNNEL PB

by Rachel North

Dramatic and traumatic, Rachel North skilfully and grippingly entwines the trauma of a vicious rape attack in 2002 and the unimaginable horror of being a passenger in the first carriage of the underground train that exploded at Kings Cross on 7 July 2005.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

280 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loaned this book out to a couple of friends recently. One thought it one of the most amazing books she'd read in a long time. The other simply couldn't get past the story of the rape.
If this was a work of fiction it would be hard going. It's graphic and packs in so much trouble and torment. It's all true though, which is only one of the reasons that it is an amazing book.
Rachel North was in one of the carriages which was blown apart by the London bombers. She was trying to read an article in Marie Clair about how she'd been raped and left for dead in her own home when the bomb went off.
The book is about both experiences and about how she dealt with them.
One of the other reasons why the book is remarkable is that she is simply such a good writer. I think the real reason why one friend couldn't finish was that she got all too clear a picture of what the experiences were like. Rachel can communicate without sensationalising.
Another reason to read this book though, is that it is a work by one of the most sane and rational writers on the subject of terrorism that you will get to read. Martin (strip search them till they repent) Amis was only in the same country as the bombers and seems to have gone over the edge as a result. Rachel was in the same carriage, but can explain to you why demonising her Muslim neighbours is a stupid (not to mention immoral)idea.

[Natalie Sacks · Rating 2 out of 5]

It sounded promising and an interesting perspective on a tragic event but it got really repetitive. I didn't finish it

[Tamanna Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good read, the book is not gripping or interesting, nor should it be. it's realistic and describes how the author copes with not one but two very traumatic events. it's painful reading the scenes in the beginning, and the book is a real portrayal of the authors pain and struggles. it's a worth a read.

[Angharad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - well written and emotional

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible story of courage and bravery and determination from the author who experienced 2 very traumatic ordeals in her life. She set up the Kings Cross Survivors group which in turn helped many other people who were witness to the terrible bombing on the Picadilly line on the 7/7/05. I enjoyed this book and learnt a lot about how people suffer and cope with the symptoms of PTSD.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well written account of the day of the bombs itself, but tells a much more important story: how the survivors coped afterwards. I admire her in not letting what happened to her make her fall into the hate trap, but stick to her values and not be ruled by fear.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Rachel North who was only just recovering from a rape ordeal - and reading about it whilst on a train - when she found herself on the train where the bomb was set off in the July 7 London bombings.

An inspiring read.