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The One That Got Away: My Life Living With Fred and Rose West
When Caroline Roberts accepted a job at 25 Cromwell Street, the infamous address of Fred and Rose West, she was only 16. Realising that there was something very malevolent about the couple, she left their employment soon after, glad to be rid of them. The story should have ended there. A month later she was abducted by the Wests and suffered violent sexual abuse at their hands before being told that she would be killed and buried. Through a combination of sheer luck and quick thinking, despite the trauma of what had happened, Caroline managed to escape to freedom.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2012
28 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Roberts
2 books4 followersThere is more than one author by this name on Goodreads.
Born in Goucester in 1955, Caroline Roberts (formerly Caroline Raine) became the live-in nanny to Fred and Rosemary West's three daughters when she was 17-years-old.
Born in Goucester in 1955, Caroline Roberts (formerly Caroline Raine) became the live-in nanny to Fred and Rosemary West's three daughters when she was 17-years-old.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 26, 2014
Eh
I got through the whole thing? other then that not a lot to recommend it. about 30 pages about the Wests that was interesting, other then that I give it a D-.
I got through the whole thing? other then that not a lot to recommend it. about 30 pages about the Wests that was interesting, other then that I give it a D-.
February 20, 2016
It was difficult to rate this book as obviously what the author went through is absolutely awful and should not be wished on anybody. The writing, however, was lacking.
February 28, 2013
This book was good and Caroline seemed to come out the other side a much stronger person than when she started. It was nice to read a book that started with such horror and then read it through to find that it ended on a good note however I really didn't understand Caroline's way of thinking.
She was raped and abused by Fred and rose west but weeks later hitchhiked with a stranger to get from her boyfriends house. Surely you wouldn't make the same mistake again when you'd just been subjected to an horrific ordeal. Wasn't this young woman scared that they'd come for her again? I know I would have been.
She also seemed to find herself in situations where abuse could happen over and over again. When she mentions she went to a married mans house with her friends only later to go into a bedroom with a man she didn't know and lay in bed with him. he ended up assaulting her. Is it just me that thinks that she was silly for even being in a room with a strange man after everything that had happened?
I'm not saying she deserved it. She didn't. Nobody deserves what this woman went through but I can't help thinking when I read it that she certainly put herself in risky situations. Why wasn't she more cautious??
She was raped and abused by Fred and rose west but weeks later hitchhiked with a stranger to get from her boyfriends house. Surely you wouldn't make the same mistake again when you'd just been subjected to an horrific ordeal. Wasn't this young woman scared that they'd come for her again? I know I would have been.
She also seemed to find herself in situations where abuse could happen over and over again. When she mentions she went to a married mans house with her friends only later to go into a bedroom with a man she didn't know and lay in bed with him. he ended up assaulting her. Is it just me that thinks that she was silly for even being in a room with a strange man after everything that had happened?
I'm not saying she deserved it. She didn't. Nobody deserves what this woman went through but I can't help thinking when I read it that she certainly put herself in risky situations. Why wasn't she more cautious??
March 27, 2016
Could not put this book down
This book pulls on your heartstrings really makes you feel for all those that lost their lives at the hands of The Wests. Caroline is such a brave and inspiring woman for all victims of rape and abuse "don't be afraid of speaking out against the abusers"
This book pulls on your heartstrings really makes you feel for all those that lost their lives at the hands of The Wests. Caroline is such a brave and inspiring woman for all victims of rape and abuse "don't be afraid of speaking out against the abusers"
September 15, 2021
I'm going to Gloucester Prison for an Investigation, where Fred West was held in remand, so I wanted to read a bit more about the awful crimes he committed. I started with this book as I 'enjoy' true crime.
Unfortunately it's not we'll written. I appreciate that Caroline lived through the most awful experiences at the hands of Fred and Rose and feel desperately sorry. I also appreciate that there needs to be a little background into Caroline's life.... but this is very overdone. The actual experiences she suffered is rushed before we go back to her life and troubles. I understand this is a horrendous memory but then why write a book about it?
I admire her honesty about her sex life, taking other girls boyfriends, children with different fathers, drinking and drug taking but it does make her a rather unlikeable person. I can understand why the barrister asked her if she was in court for the money... as he explained, he needed her to be human and show that she was indeed there to get justice for the poor victims and not for her own selfish needs.
Of course an experience like this leaves scars (mental and physical) and I'm glad she has comfort from the spiritual world and the church.... but the book itself only warrants 2 stars I'm afraid.
I hope those poor victims are indeed now 'happy' and at peace.
Unfortunately it's not we'll written. I appreciate that Caroline lived through the most awful experiences at the hands of Fred and Rose and feel desperately sorry. I also appreciate that there needs to be a little background into Caroline's life.... but this is very overdone. The actual experiences she suffered is rushed before we go back to her life and troubles. I understand this is a horrendous memory but then why write a book about it?
I admire her honesty about her sex life, taking other girls boyfriends, children with different fathers, drinking and drug taking but it does make her a rather unlikeable person. I can understand why the barrister asked her if she was in court for the money... as he explained, he needed her to be human and show that she was indeed there to get justice for the poor victims and not for her own selfish needs.
Of course an experience like this leaves scars (mental and physical) and I'm glad she has comfort from the spiritual world and the church.... but the book itself only warrants 2 stars I'm afraid.
I hope those poor victims are indeed now 'happy' and at peace.
April 24, 2016
The One That Got Away: My Life Living With Fred and Rose West (Paperback)
I absolutely loved this book!! It didn't deal much with the Wests, but rather the after effects of her ordeal with them. If you're looking for blood and guts, this isn't for you. If you're looking for a survivor who comes out on top, then by all means pick up this incredible read!
I absolutely loved this book!! It didn't deal much with the Wests, but rather the after effects of her ordeal with them. If you're looking for blood and guts, this isn't for you. If you're looking for a survivor who comes out on top, then by all means pick up this incredible read!
January 10, 2013
Easy to read and gave a great indication of what this experience was really like for Caroline. Not a real scary or shocking read however was good to get a victims story straight from the victim. Would recommend.
August 9, 2018
Probably could have spent more time writing about the abduction, the abuse, the trial, murders etc etc
This book barley touched on that and was basically based around her life and how she slept around, had children to different men and abused her partners..
This book barley touched on that and was basically based around her life and how she slept around, had children to different men and abused her partners..
November 26, 2023
surviver
This gave the reader an insight into the horrific events that took place in that house. A remarkable real step by step a count into the life of a survivor of Cromwell street
Thank you
This gave the reader an insight into the horrific events that took place in that house. A remarkable real step by step a count into the life of a survivor of Cromwell street
Thank you
September 10, 2017
Very predictable, and talks about superfluous history
November 29, 2018
Great read,but towards the end it was more about Spiritualism, which I was not expecting,still a good read.
April 17, 2019
Not a bad read.. I picked it up from the library and had high hopes, then read reviews and dropped my expectations, so I was pleasantly surprised. As some others have said, the title makes you think that the main focus is her time with the Wests. A more appropriate title may be My Life After Escaping, or similar. This really is her life story and how her experiences have affected her and created the person she is today.
The grammar and spelling was sometimes a distraction, as was her somewhat vain opinion of herself, but I couldn't put it down.
The grammar and spelling was sometimes a distraction, as was her somewhat vain opinion of herself, but I couldn't put it down.
August 26, 2019
Started off very much disliking Caroline and thought the first few chapters were poorly written but became easier to read as it went on. A few chapters focused on the West’s but the bulk was her life before and after which didn’t make me warm to her much however the last few chapters I felt she had grown as a person and was genuinely trying to make a change and create something positive in her life I hope that that continues for her.
January 29, 2019
Interesting read
I enjoyed reading this book. Caroline should be very proud of herself for writing about her terrible experiences with the Wests. Nice to know that she has been able to move on and enjoy her life at last. Hopefully it will help others who have gone through similar experiences.
I enjoyed reading this book. Caroline should be very proud of herself for writing about her terrible experiences with the Wests. Nice to know that she has been able to move on and enjoy her life at last. Hopefully it will help others who have gone through similar experiences.
December 5, 2022
The One Thar Got Away
5his book 2as pretty good.It kept my 8ntrest.i feel horrible for the victims.I decided to buy this book after watch8ng Deadly Women and seeing the Wests on the tv.The author was also in that program. The Wests are monsters and unfortunately there are many monsters like that who just haven't gotten caught yet.good job on your story Caroline.
5his book 2as pretty good.It kept my 8ntrest.i feel horrible for the victims.I decided to buy this book after watch8ng Deadly Women and seeing the Wests on the tv.The author was also in that program. The Wests are monsters and unfortunately there are many monsters like that who just haven't gotten caught yet.good job on your story Caroline.
March 15, 2020
Easy read of a hard subject
A book of the personal growth of Caroline showing a different aspect to the trial and press involvement and the different policing methods from that shown to victims of rape in the 70s.
A book of the personal growth of Caroline showing a different aspect to the trial and press involvement and the different policing methods from that shown to victims of rape in the 70s.
October 1, 2021
Good read
This book goes into depth with Caroline's whole life and not just the case
A harrowing read, although the west's take up only half the story. Well done to her for completing the book, few typos but that seems to be common these days
This book goes into depth with Caroline's whole life and not just the case
A harrowing read, although the west's take up only half the story. Well done to her for completing the book, few typos but that seems to be common these days
April 7, 2024
It’s sold as a “Fred and Rose West Survival Story” but that bits all over and done and dusted by chapter 6 and the rest is all about her life’s ups and downs. I got quite bored in the middle of I’m honest
November 11, 2018
Only a small portion of this book covers Caroline Roberts meeting the Wests and what happened to her, however I found her life interesting enough to read on to the end.
December 13, 2019
Fascinating account from a heroic survivor, well worth reading
March 31, 2020
Very Moving
I couldn't put this down.this lady is an inspiration . strong and steadfast in her bid to tell the truth.a heart wrenching story .a survivor.xxxx hugs Joanne
I couldn't put this down.this lady is an inspiration . strong and steadfast in her bid to tell the truth.a heart wrenching story .a survivor.xxxx hugs Joanne
April 26, 2020
I'm sorry I let my true-crime interest lead me here.
August 18, 2021
Good book
good book. brave women. too bad more truth couldnt come out. sick couple they were their poor children so sad
good book. brave women. too bad more truth couldnt come out. sick couple they were their poor children so sad
March 1, 2022
Good account of what happened to this poor young lady 😢 had me gripped
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews