Amelia's Story: A Childhood Lost

Amelia #1

by D.G. Torrens

A life of pain and rejection.
This is a powerful true story of one young girls struggle to survive the state care system in the 70's and 80's. Amelia has just one wish, to make it to adulthood, to hold her destiny in her own hands. This is a harrowing true story, one of survival and human strength. Amelia has been separated from all her siblings never to see them again for many years, she is moved from one children's home to another, until finally it's just too much for her to bear. Amelia starts to wonder about the peace and finality of her own death.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Amazon, Psychology, Biography Memoir, Autobiography

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2011

About the author

D.G. Torrens is a celebrated UK & USA bestselling Author/Poet with an impressive literary portfolio. With 25 published books to date, the author continues to captivate readers across genres.

Beyond her novels, D.G Torrens has contributed four short stories to multi-author anthologies, including “Love Letters to Water,” with all proceeds benefiting charity. Her literary journey began with the unexpected success of her first book, “Amelia’s Story”, which has been downloaded over 500k times worldwide. Originally penned for her daughter, this true-life story resonated with readers, propelling her into the spotlight. Securing a literary agent, who landed the author a three-book deal with Audible for the entire Amelia Series & most recently A foreign rights deal.

The author is currently penning book 26 -THREE FOR A GIRL due for release in 2025 (Autumn)

D.G Torrens has recently co-directed and co-produced her first documentary film titled: Birmingham A City Rooted in Talent, (due for broadcast 2026). The documentary film won Best Documentary 2024 at the Birmingham Film Festival Awards.

The author is represented in the USA by Hershman Rights Management (HRM Literary Agents)
D.G. Torrens subsequent works span diverse genres, from military romance to romantic suspense, domestic thrillers, contemporary romance novels, and poetry collections.
Her impact extended to the airwaves, where she served as a weekly Headline Reviewer on BBC Radio WM 95.6 FM during 2014/15. Discussing daily headlines with thousands of listeners, she navigated the challenge with grace and wit.

A quote from the author:
“It can be quite daunting discussing the day’s headlines knowing thousands of people are tuning in... You never know when you are going to mess up! Thankfully, with lady luck on my side, I managed to wing it! “

A quote by D.G. Torrens:
"Dream it, believe it, and think it into existence."

D.G. Torrens lives by the motto, "The child first and foremost."

Quote by D.G. Torrens: "Not everyone will understand your journey what matters is that you do."


All Titles by D.G. Torrens:

ONE FOR SORROW (Domestic Thriller)
TWO FOR JOY (Domestic Thriller)
Amnesia (Domestic Thriller)
The Poppy Fields (Book #1) Military/Romance
The Poppy Fields (Book #2) Military/Romance
The Poppy Fields (Book #3) Military/Romance
Tears of Endurance (Book #1) Romantic Drama
Whispers from Heaven (Book #2) Romantic
Drama
Broken Wings (Military/Romance)
A Soldier's Fear. (Military/Romance)
FINDING YOU - (Romantic Suspense)
Amelia's Story (Book #1) Autobiography
Amelia's Destiny (Book #2) Autobiography
Amelia The Mother (Book #3) Autobiography
Forbidden (Book #1) Hamilton/Sharma series
Dissolution (Book #2) Hamilton/Sharma series
Unforeseen (Book #3) Hamilton/Sharma series
Love In Times of War (Boxed set collaboration)
Military Boots (War Anthology)
Heart and Mind (Contemporary Poetry)
ABYSS (Thought provoking poetry & prose)
SONDER (Thought provoking poetry & Prose
Midnight Musings (300 quotes)

Short Stories:
Brumology Anthology (Catacoombs behind the green door)
Love Letters to Water Anthology: (The Man behind the Falls)
Love Letters to Water Anthology: ( The Golden Temple)

Author website: dgtorrensauthor.com
Twitter @torrenstp

Reviews

[Arielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is quite possibly the most poorly written book I've ever read, which is saying a lot considering I used to write books when I was 9 that consisted of gems like, "My cousins are fun. One of them is 3 and one of them is 4 and one of them is 6 and one of them is 8." In fact, I'm not convinced this book wasn't written by a 9 year old. Sort of a shame because the story could have been really compelling, but I've never seen such awful, clunky prose in my life.

[Ayla Dahlia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel for the author, I truly do but the book itself was near impossible to understand. Sentences seemed to end abruptly, scenes jumped from one paragraph to the next without any transition and there was an exclamation point hidden about every three sentences - always with a little nugget of present-tense reflection. She rarely delved into how she felt about things and it made it hard to see her as a person, the spontaneous jump scenes only added to that feeling of disconnection from the narrator.

Some specifics that irritated me -

"Monday soon came round and I think building myself up for such a terrible time made the day a little easier - I managed to get through that Monday Morning - just about - and the other children had moved from their insults by the afternoon."

"Unfortunately, there was one girl I took an instant dislike to- her name was Glenda. She was huge, the size of a bear - she looked at me with evil eyes and pulled faces at m."

"Glenda changed after that and the bullying stopped- she could not do enough for me and she actually became quite pleasant to be around. All the other kids were a lot happier too, so it seems my beating was not in vain!"



I also do not know if it is because an ebook or not but the format was insane. There was no indenting between paragraphs and they all seemed separate from one another, there were also many spelling mistakes (like the above, m instead of me).

[BL834 · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I've said before: memoirs are hard to rate because you're evaluating someone's presentation of their own life.

Let me start by saying that Ms. Torrens had an unfortunate childhood. I acknowledge what she lived through was both terrible and sad on a multitude of levels. The fact that she's determined to break the cycle is admirable and I cheer her for recognizing the need to be mindful.

Why then did I only give her memoir (part one) two stars instead of the five so many other reviewers gushingly did? A big part is because in spite of her supposed proficiency with language, Ms. Torrens writes badly. Really badly, like a middle-schooler. This could be forgiven if she didn't twice point out how high her grades/test results were.

Another part is that her modesty rings false and she doesn't seem to take responsibility for her own actions, negating my desire to cheer her on. The fact that this memoir is a two-parter doesn't help. I won't be reading the next book.

**

I noticed that Ms. Torrens has nine books to her writing credit. Surprised, I looked a little further: they appear to be self-published. That explains a lot. I read some of her website; she complains that spending 700 pounds (less than $900) on editing (perhaps she only meant proofreading?) should net better results. That's, what, about two weeks work at minimum wage? She may be surprised to learn what real editing costs.

[Spider the Doof Warrior · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do not know how to feel about this book. On one hand, the story was interesting. Amelia went through a lot of horrible things and I felt bad for her. On the other hand, this book needs an editor. There are grammatical mistakes. The writer will tell you about something that happened and then repeat herself which is very irritating. It annoys the reader when writers do that. It's so irritating and aggravating and you must not do that when you write.

Don't!

But what really frustrated me was the book ENDING ON A CLIFF HANGER?! WHY DO THAT?! All it does is annoy everyone. I really wanted some resolution or to know if Amelia at least gets to see her siblings again.

At least it's educational about how messed up the system is for abused children. Even in England! Amelia is separated from her siblings, forced to live in children's homes full of bullies and indifferent adults. The system still needs to be better for children. Like siblings should never be separated. Homes should be small with individual attention. And more money and effort should be put into caring for kids. I shall give it a 3 to bringing such things to the forefront but it's more of a 2.5.

[Lori Henrich · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just ok for me. The style was at times difficult to read. Not sure if the editing was the problem or that is just the way it was supposed to be. I also wished it would have told more.

This is the story of Amelia and her journey through the care system. It made me think of all the children that get stuck in the system. I sometimes wonder how some manage to turn out as well as they do.

[Kevin Swarbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story truly captured my heart as well as my mind, Amelia takes you on a journey through her childhood and what a shocking one it was. Amelia found herself in the care system due to an abusive mother. I could relate to the story a lot as my childhood wasn't the best. I also had friends at school who were in the same situation and back then the care system was far from a great place to be in!
I take my hat off to Dawn for going through so much and is still here to tell her story, for a first time author this is a great story and I can completely understand why she had to write it.
It was good reading how she did bounce back from the nasty situations that she found herself in.
This story is well written and very easy to understand and for anyone who likes a true story then this is one for you, I am now looking forward to reading Amelia's Destiny. I do feel Dawn is an author to watch out for in the near future. I would also like to take this chance to say to Dawn, Well done on a truly captivated story and I will be following Amelia on her travels.

I am wishing you the very best.

Kevin.
n

[Aimee Kudrna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is so poorly written I would not recommend it to anyone.

[Jeannie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day you will turn around and wonder where your childhood went. Some will want to do it all over again...while others will be glad they lived through the scary part of being a child. My own dad was placed into a state care system and eventually separated from his only brother. Something he never got over. Even as an adult, some of the things that happened to him were still nightmares that he relived, even at his death. Sometimes my dad said what Freddie Mercury said in his song, Bohemian Rhapsody - "Is this the real life? Is it just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality."
I hope you get a chance to read this story that portrays a little girls' courageous journey. I know the author wrote it with love and honesty. What more can readers ask for?
Quote from Abraham Lincoln, "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."


Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I don't like sad stories. When I read a book I'm in search of an escape from everyday life and I don't like enter a world that is worse then the real one.
However this time I decided to read this book because I know it to be a true story. I had the opportunity to meet the author on the internet and other readers recommended "Amelia's Story".
I was surprised! It's an intense reading for people who had similar experience and it's an illuminating reading for people who had a normal childhood.

English is not my mother language, so I can't disscuss style and language properly. But I can tell you
how I felt reading this book. During the reading I felt anger, frustration, hope, disappointment, fear, weariness, joy, shock... and I felt really lucky to have my family.
Reaching the middle of the story, I rushed to the end hoping something better would happen.
I felt inspired by this story and amazed at the Author's strength.

[J.P. Willson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this was something. Yup, not too sure what, but something.
The author (and I use the term loosely) has endured a terrible tragedy in her youth, no child should have to live through such things- ever. Having said that, it would seem that she has indeed flourished in her life since, and I do applaud her for that wholeheartedly...
As for the writing, well another story could be told as to why it appears to have been written by a twelve year old. It is ridiculously repetitive in my opinion, and has a tendency to trail off into either utter redundancy or to points unknown that truly have no place in the story I believe she was trying to tell?
I could be wrong though.
I have nothing but the highest of praise for my editor, perhaps Ms. Torrens should seek the same solace for her collection of words??

[Harj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heart breaking story about one childs struggle through her harrowng childhood. I found it both inspiring and heart breaking. Amelia has spent most of her childhood in various childrens home,this story tells the immense struggle Amelia has just getting through each day. I was fascinated and gripped. I cannot wait for Amelia's story part 11. An author to watch in the future.

[Larry Bassett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems in some way like a true story written by the seventeen year old protagonist. It is not polished or very well crafted or deep. It simply tells a story. While it is a tragic story, it not really have much emotional impact on me. It did not urge me to action or even to want to read the next book in the three book series.

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sad book, and yet I couldn’t put it down. It is the true story of a little girl called Amelia who suffered terrible abuse at the hands of her cruel mother and was then sent to one children’s home after another and eventually separated from her siblings. The book highlights the harsh existence of children living in the care system and is truly heartbreaking. The character of Amelia is well-developed, and no reader will fail to empathise with this unhappy child. Having enjoyed a loving and happy childhood myself, I found it hard to believe that a mother would treat her daughter in this way, and yet, I know this is not an isolated case. This is a story that needed to be told, and this author did an excellent job. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Nanci · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a memoir of a young girl in England growing up in a very dysfunctional family, where she is shipped off numerous times to various children's homes as a ward of the state. It is quite remarkable, after all the abuse, neglect, violence and psychological terror she endured as a child that she is now a happily married mother able to write this memoir for her daughter. It was not pleasant to read about her life, but knowing she survives and is a well-adjusted adult made it easier to read. I didn't realize it was a two-part story, so that was a bit of a disappointment at the end. I think in time I would like to read the sequel to see how her life after 16 continues.

[Beverley Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking!

If ever a story needed telling it's this one. A little girl, who should have been safe, warm, protected and loved by her mother and father. Instead she was abandoned by her biological father, and abused by her alcoholic mother. Eventually she and her siblings were put into care and separated from each other. This had a profound effect on Amelia's emotional and mental well-being.
I won't say anymore so as not to spoil the story, except to say, this book will open your eyes to the failing care system in Britain.
Highly recommended. Five stars.

[Amy Hutchinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I was just bored. This book should have packed a punch and it didn't.

[LaDawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

After listening to about a half an hour of this book, I am throwing in the towel. It's obviously self-published and needs a brutal editor. I found myself thinking, "Yeah, you said that already," and "okay, get on with the story, we understand that your mother terrified you; you've told us ten times already!"

Once home, I got onto Goodreads and read a few reviews. Wish I'd done that before I spent money on the audiobook. I wasted my money, but I refuse to waste my time, especially since she apparently continues the story in a second book!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested in reading this book, because it deals with child abuse. I worked as a child welfare worker, and it brought up a lot of memories of the children I worked with, and I wonder what has happened to them, and if they had similar experiences to the children in this book.

The main character in this book is a young women, who was the oldest of four children. This oldest child took on the role of the loving mother. This seemed to be the way things happened with the children I used to work with. The mother was a sociopath, who had no feelings for her children. She yelled and screamed at them, and locked them in their rooms at night, with no lights, she slapped and hit them. She belittled them, and told them they weren't good enough. The children ended up in various children's homes, and the two young sisters went into foster care. They were told it was for their own good, that they were separated from each other.

I have known a few adults, who have gone through the states foster care and orphanages. They have felt incomplete without their siblings, and have spent many years searching for them. One man finally found his baby brother. The brother received a call from his wife at work, and the man was so moved, that he had to stop his car to recover enough to drive home. Another friend has found all of her siblings except the youngest. She feels guilty for breaking up the family, since she was the oldest, and had reported the abuse.

I found the next book by this author, that tells of her life as she was able to get away from her mother. She had gone to live with former neighbors, and the husband got drunk, and tried to rape her. She had to go to her mother's home, until she had enough money to live on her own. Now I am reading the next phase of her life.

The book isn't very well written, but it tells a powerful story of the strength of a young woman, as she goes through very hard times.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartbreaking yet inspiring story. The writing was deeply personal and flowed with an honesty that was breathtaking. Apart from the odd lapse into American spelling, I thought it was extremely well-written and suited the poignant tale of what can happen when children are put into the hands of despicable people.

And despicable they were.

I'm not sure if children in 'care' are still treated as badly - no voice, split from siblings, abused, stripped of anything that gives them identity and treated as criminals. Where in actuality, it is the parents, social workers and those that own and staff the homes who are indeed immoral, scandalous and surely, breaking the law; truly monsters masquerading as human. It is those who should be incarcerated, not the children. And yet, I have read about the invisibility and unimportance of those unfortunate enough to the lumbered with disgusting 'humans', although I can only hope things have improved. It makes me ashamed to be English, knowing that we allow such things to happen.

It is difficult to believe, and yet we cannot be surprised, that such cruelty exists within the human condition...although, I suppose, we must accept it as true - and my heart aches in response to such terrorism.

Amelia's Story is beautifully told, and is a compelling read. I can only hope that Amelia continues to fight against such awfulness and yes, takes her destiny into her own hands enough to defeat the monsters and live the life she deserves.

Highly recommended.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartbreaking yet inspiring story. The writing was deeply personal and flowed with an honesty that was breathtaking. Apart from the odd lapse into American spelling, I thought it was extremely well-written and suited the poignant tale of what can happen when children are put into the hands of despicable people.

And despicable they were.

I'm not sure if children in 'care' are still treated as badly - no voice, split from siblings, abused, stripped of anything that gives them identity and treated as criminals. Where in actuality, it is the parents, social workers and those that own and staff the homes who are indeed immoral, scandalous and surely, breaking the law; truly monsters masquerading as human. It is those who should be incarcerated, not the children. And yet, I have read about the invisibility and unimportance of those unfortunate enough to the lumbered with disgusting 'humans', although I can only hope things have improved. It makes me ashamed to be English, knowing that we allow such things to happen.

It is difficult to believe, and yet we cannot be surprised, that such cruelty exists within the human condition...although, I suppose, we must accept it as true - and my heart aches in response to such terrorism.

Amelia's Story is beautifully told, and is a compelling read. I can only hope that Amelia continues to fight against such awfulness and yes, takes her destiny into her own hands enough to defeat the monsters and live the life she deserves.

Highly recommended.

[Rachael Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully and sensitively written. I have great admiration for the author of this book. To share the story of a childhood that no one deserves is brave and very poignant, especially when it is written for her own daughter to understand her journey. I was drawn in immediately by the natural writing style and I was totally absorbed by this book. I could not stop reading it, as cliched as that sounds, to the point that it was a good job it was a weekend and I could indulge in an almost non stop reading session!
This story is not simply about the wickedness of a woman who never appreciated the gift of having children, but is about one of those children's amazing strength and courage to try to overcome such a sad start in life. Amelia's Story will leave you wondering at a world where children can be treated with such neglect and degradation, and no displays of love and affection from their own mother. I recommend this book to those who want to learn of a woman's courageous journey to get through one of the most difficult starts to life despite a manipulative mother. Excellent read.

[Leslie Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia's story was one of unremarkable and sorrowful heroism. For such a young girl to start out in life with an abusive mother and be trudged through her mother's perilous loom of boyfriends Amelia conquered through. Bounced from children's house to children's house at the expense of her abusive mother Amelia endured the hardest struggles in life; not being able to be surrounded by her siblings and having all contact cut with them, feeling the torment of bullies and being viciously attacked only to be frowned upon and made feel as though she were the victimizer not the victim.

I was grateful to see Amelia had finally found a place of her own with the Norwegian family, but saddened to see it ungraciously ripped from her by the hands of the man who was supposed to act as her father. However, Jason felt it was his right to make any attempt to rape Amelia, and sadly no one believed her. Amelia is now out on her own, a right she so craved as a child and now her destiny is in her own hands. Will hopefully be continuing with book two as I would like to see where Amelia ends up.

[Mary Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is so badly written that I initially nearly cast it aside thinking, "Thank goodness it was a Kindle freebie." Examples of every conceivable error of grammar, usage, and punctuation are found in abundance. But then I considered who was writing. I am a retired social worker and entered my profession of public child welfare in the U. S. in 1979, about the same time Amelia was entering the U. K. system. Although institutional care was less common, the hundreds of children who were the responsibility of my agency during my thirty-plus years often faced the same soul-searing issues of grief, separation & loss, and, yes, sometimes abuse. Children who "aged out" of care were cut adrift with few skills and little support. It was a struggle to help children complete even basic education (comparable to Amelia's O-Levels), and a high school diploma was cause for rejoicing. I would have been so proud for any of my kids to attempt to write his or her story.

So, while I would not recommend this or its sequel, Amelia's Destiny, I'm glad I read both of them.

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

My goodness, I struggled ! This book is so badly written.
The repetitions were so frequent that at time, I felt it had been written by someone with amnesia. ( didn't the author re-read the book in one sitting and told herself "oh I have already said that 3 pages ago!)
I also struggled with the time line. It seemed that the between the age of 7 and 8, she acquired 2 sisters.
I carried on reading it to see what would happen to her but it ends suddenly when she gets kicked out by her foster mother. I guess the publisher did see an opportunity to do a sequel.
All through the book, Amelia tells us she is writing poems and loves writing. To me it felt like me saying I love dancing. It doesn't make me a professional ballet dancer.
I sympathise with her life struggle but writing as a therapy exercise is one thing, thinking you can be a published author is another.

Was it a true story? Just noticed that she isn't using Amelia as a pen name. Was it fiction?

[Marilou George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia's Story by D.G. Torrens takes you into the real life story of a little girl who is brave and strong beyond her years. Due to abuse and neglect Amelia and her siblings are placed into the state care system where they are eventually separated from each other. Amelia finds herself alone and scared and must endure circumstances that no child should ever have to face. From somewhere deep inside, Amelia has the courage and will to dream of her future and to rise above her current reality and search for more.

This is truly a story that will touch every nerve. You will fall in love with Amelia and find yourself cheering her on to realize her hopes and dreams. This book was written with love and honesty and portray's the life of a little girl that will pull at your heart. Amelia's Story is a must read and is truly an inspiration.

[Marilou George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia's Story by D.G. Torrens takes you into the real life story of a little girl who is brave and strong beyond her years. Due to abuse and neglect Amelia and her siblings are placed into the state care system where they are eventually separated from each other. Amelia finds herself alone and scared and must endure circumstances that no child should ever have to face. From somewhere deep inside, Amelia has the courage and will to dream of her future and to rise above her current reality and search for more.

This is truly a story that will touch every nerve. You will fall in love with Amelia and find yourself cheering her on to realize her hopes and dreams. This book was written with love and honesty and portray's the life of a little girl that will pull at your heart. Amelia's Story is a must read and is truly an inspiration.

[RachelvlehcaR · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a memoir of the abuse and foster care system that Amelia went through. This is in England so the system is a little different. They get out of foster care at the age of 16 instead of 18 (in the states). Amelia started off the book by saying her mother was a pure sociopath and should have been diagnosed as that. Her mother was very upset about where her life was. She thought she deserved so much more but the kids pulled her back so she resented them and abused them emotionally, neglect wise, and physically. The one she didn’t so was sexually but since the kids were in foster care that came later in the system. This is a typical story that many foster children go through. All they want is the approval and love of their parents but instead are dealt a bad hand. The good thing is that she was resilient and overcame all the struggles.

[Cinta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this book since the moment I read the first two sentences. The terrible story of Amelia's childhood is told beautifully, in a way that makes the reader moved, without being a pathetic story. A positive account of a very negative experience. But the story tells us not to give up, because everybody can fulfill their dreams if they really believe in them. This is the story of a child who was forced to grow up when her mum proved to be useless for the task of upbringing her own children. I really think it is a book that everybody should read, since it is a true inspiration for everyone. Well done, Dawn G. Torrens, you moved me to tears and your story helped to look at certain things under a brand new light.

[Julie Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I read a book telling the story of child abuse two things I ponder. How can a mother be so cruel and heartless to her own children and the survival of these children is incredible. How do they survive life when it is so cruel. I couldn't put the book down and as Amelia goes through her childhood, used as a scapegoat for all her mother's problems, being like a mother to her siblings and then separated from them to be put in various institutions. Surviving to the age of sixteen thinking she has found a lovely family from her childhood only to be abused again. When reading these stories I just want to jump into the book and hug and console the victim. I look forward to reading the sequel and am hoping for a happy ending.

[Neko · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is this a self published book where she had no-one to over look the editing of this book?? The way this book was "edited" made this yet another book I couldn't finished and wouldn't bother investing anymore time into it. This novel was written by a prolific author apparently..I'm hoping her other books aren't this badly edited...Some of the problems-
Sentances make no sense.
Sentences end strangely.
Sentences repeat themselves as in the same sentence next to each other.
You'll be reading one bit then another bit THEN a repeat of what you just read moments ago.

I hated it!! I feel so strongly about all the issues this book has that it doesn't deserve a review on what the memoir was about but also I can't really remember because of how BADLY the book read!