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Little Drifters: Kathleen’s Story
The harrowing true story of a travelling Irish family bonded by love, broken apart by life, and then betrayed by their carers in a cruel convent in Ireland.
“For those who we lost along the way, I tell this story. For all the children who suffered in this terrible place. For all those I consider my brothers and sisters; the ones who died, the ones who lost their minds, the ones who drown their memories everyday in a bottle of whisky, I tell this for you.
Because in the end we are all brothers and sisters – and if we don’t feel that bond of love between each other, just as human beings, then we are nothing. We are no better than the monsters that ran the convents.”
Based in Ireland in the 1960s and 70s, Kathleen’s story is a story of extreme hardship, suffering and abuse. It is the story of 11 siblings, abandoned by their mother and torn from their father, incarcerated in convents and then driven apart in the cruellest ways imaginable; it is the story of their ruined childhoods and their fight for recompense. But more than that, it is a story of courage, survival and the incredible strength of sibling bonds against overwhelming adversities.
Out of terrible darkness comes a remarkable story. In the tradition of Irish storytelling, Kathleen offers a mesmerising account of her family’s experience.
“For those who we lost along the way, I tell this story. For all the children who suffered in this terrible place. For all those I consider my brothers and sisters; the ones who died, the ones who lost their minds, the ones who drown their memories everyday in a bottle of whisky, I tell this for you.
Because in the end we are all brothers and sisters – and if we don’t feel that bond of love between each other, just as human beings, then we are nothing. We are no better than the monsters that ran the convents.”
Based in Ireland in the 1960s and 70s, Kathleen’s story is a story of extreme hardship, suffering and abuse. It is the story of 11 siblings, abandoned by their mother and torn from their father, incarcerated in convents and then driven apart in the cruellest ways imaginable; it is the story of their ruined childhoods and their fight for recompense. But more than that, it is a story of courage, survival and the incredible strength of sibling bonds against overwhelming adversities.
Out of terrible darkness comes a remarkable story. In the tradition of Irish storytelling, Kathleen offers a mesmerising account of her family’s experience.
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 29, 2018
#50 #2018
5/5 Little drifters is about the childs that being taking care in Catholic homes. The child was have been through the abuse but no one seem to know bout it except for a few people and the childs as well.
I feel so mad reading this because of the poor and awful thing that nun and staff of the Catholic homes done to the kids. They are so poor and a lot of children suffer because of it, not mention the mental breakdown and the death.
I believe that the child abuse is still happen nowadays,, and it's happening all around of the world. We should open our eyes ,, see our surroundings and you will notice that there is child abuse around us.
I feel upset, mad and cry while reading this book. People should read this.
5/5 Little drifters is about the childs that being taking care in Catholic homes. The child was have been through the abuse but no one seem to know bout it except for a few people and the childs as well.
I feel so mad reading this because of the poor and awful thing that nun and staff of the Catholic homes done to the kids. They are so poor and a lot of children suffer because of it, not mention the mental breakdown and the death.
I believe that the child abuse is still happen nowadays,, and it's happening all around of the world. We should open our eyes ,, see our surroundings and you will notice that there is child abuse around us.
I feel upset, mad and cry while reading this book. People should read this.
June 16, 2014
Very sad and inspiring. This book had such a big impact on me. The shocking events that unfolded in this story had me had me reaching for tissues. I commend kathleen for being brave and telling her story in such a touching and loving way.
Truly great and inspiring book.
Easy infectious read.
Truly great and inspiring book.
Easy infectious read.
June 24, 2018
Kathleen
What a horrendous ordeal these children went through how can someone like a nun treat children like this as Kathleen says some didn't make it they killed themselves the Catholic church has a lot to answer for 5STARS .
What a horrendous ordeal these children went through how can someone like a nun treat children like this as Kathleen says some didn't make it they killed themselves the Catholic church has a lot to answer for 5STARS .
March 24, 2023
This book broke my heart.
Trauma is real.
The power of the Church and their ability to cover abuse up is very real.
And its not talked about enough
Trauma is real.
The power of the Church and their ability to cover abuse up is very real.
And its not talked about enough
May 23, 2019
Fascinating but heatbreaking
I've been reading a lot about orphanages that existed many years ago that were run by nuns, mainly in Ireland. First I want to say to all the reviewers of these biographies have their head in the sand when they make comments like, "Oh, I can't believe that nuns would do such things". Well, believe it. There is story after story recounting the same abuses from the children that lived them. Many children did not survive past young adulthood and the ones that did are emotionally disturbed beyond belief. A whole generation of Irish children were made to suffer and were cruelly abused in every way possible. The Catholic church is morally bankrupt and I wish they'd just go fiscally bankrupt too. No one was punished for these crimes and most of the orphans cannot identify their attackers due to confidentiality clauses so there is no justice. The hush money given was just that and many of the abused don't want the money they were offered (a mere pittance) as they feel it's tainted. This book started out so happy and carefree. Yes, the O'Shea children were living an imperfect life but at least they had love and each other. What happened to them is inexcusable. I'm going to read some more books about these institutions but I can tell you the stories these women have written line up perfectly. No room for doubt or disbelief. Like the most painful fairy tale you can imagine, there was rarely a Cinderella ending for these dear children.
I've been reading a lot about orphanages that existed many years ago that were run by nuns, mainly in Ireland. First I want to say to all the reviewers of these biographies have their head in the sand when they make comments like, "Oh, I can't believe that nuns would do such things". Well, believe it. There is story after story recounting the same abuses from the children that lived them. Many children did not survive past young adulthood and the ones that did are emotionally disturbed beyond belief. A whole generation of Irish children were made to suffer and were cruelly abused in every way possible. The Catholic church is morally bankrupt and I wish they'd just go fiscally bankrupt too. No one was punished for these crimes and most of the orphans cannot identify their attackers due to confidentiality clauses so there is no justice. The hush money given was just that and many of the abused don't want the money they were offered (a mere pittance) as they feel it's tainted. This book started out so happy and carefree. Yes, the O'Shea children were living an imperfect life but at least they had love and each other. What happened to them is inexcusable. I'm going to read some more books about these institutions but I can tell you the stories these women have written line up perfectly. No room for doubt or disbelief. Like the most painful fairy tale you can imagine, there was rarely a Cinderella ending for these dear children.
January 10, 2019
A powerful book. Well written. I couldn't put it down. I felt enraged reading about Kathleen and her siblings' neglect and abuse at the hands of their parents, the nuns and attached people who were supposedly 'helping' vulnerable children. Kathleen is such a strong person and has shown a courage and determination to overcome the past that I can only envy. Her forgiveness and love towards her father, who did his best to change and to make amends, is the only truly Christian act she recounts, because it certainly didn't come from within the church.
I don't think it's fair to put all the blame on the Catholic church, because it is clear from Kathleen's words that the whole society was complicit. On the other hand, the behaviour from so-called Christians, especially those in positions of power, was utterly despicable. And as for Kathleen's mother... Words fail me. Highly recommended read.
I don't think it's fair to put all the blame on the Catholic church, because it is clear from Kathleen's words that the whole society was complicit. On the other hand, the behaviour from so-called Christians, especially those in positions of power, was utterly despicable. And as for Kathleen's mother... Words fail me. Highly recommended read.
Read
January 19, 2016Everyone has a story and this story had to be told, so this why I gave it 3 stars. Otherwise the quality of the writing only deserves 2 stars.
June 29, 2023
I couldn't put this book down; it was both heartbreaking and riveting and I finished it in two days. Obviously the horrors Kathleen experienced in the school were absolutely gutting, which I'll come back to, but her life with her family when she was little was horrible, too. I must say, although I know her mom abandoned her and her siblings, I just couldn't help but feel bad for what her mom experienced too. Being a mother myself with just one child, I can't imagine what it would be like to have 11 (?) children. That is so many years of being pregnant, breastfeeding, and recovering only to do it all again. Not to mention the fact that she was physically abused, likely sexually abused, and trying to raise kids in poverty with a largely useless husband. I totally can understand why many of her children hated her, particularly Riley, but I can't help but feel sorry for her. What would life have been like if the mother had support from other adults to help her.
As for Kathleen, what a life that poor child lived. Essentially left to raise herself when with her family, she did her best to survive and always tried to take care of her siblings. Life in the school was absolutely horrible and I don't understand how these nuns could be so harsh and cruel to the children in their care. Living in Canada, there are many similarities to how Indigenous children were treated in Indian Residential Schools. Going beyond the church, it was also shocking how the children would be abused when living with foster families during the summer break. I haven't looked into the legal proceedings that took place, but I really hope those abusers faced legal consequences too, although I doubt they did. My blood was just boiling when I was reading the parts where Kathleen and her sister were sexually abused.
As for the writing itself, I thought the book flowed really well and, like I said, I couldn't put it down. I would like to read more stories about these school in Ireland, and also about Irish Travellers in general.
As for Kathleen, what a life that poor child lived. Essentially left to raise herself when with her family, she did her best to survive and always tried to take care of her siblings. Life in the school was absolutely horrible and I don't understand how these nuns could be so harsh and cruel to the children in their care. Living in Canada, there are many similarities to how Indigenous children were treated in Indian Residential Schools. Going beyond the church, it was also shocking how the children would be abused when living with foster families during the summer break. I haven't looked into the legal proceedings that took place, but I really hope those abusers faced legal consequences too, although I doubt they did. My blood was just boiling when I was reading the parts where Kathleen and her sister were sexually abused.
As for the writing itself, I thought the book flowed really well and, like I said, I couldn't put it down. I would like to read more stories about these school in Ireland, and also about Irish Travellers in general.
March 1, 2018
the story of 11 children in Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s who led a chaotic life with her parents her father being a heavy drinker sometimes violent then their mother left them. eventually, the father has the children taken away from him where they are put in one of the convents which have now been proved to be sites of abuse and cruelty this is the heartbreaking story of one of the family and how she survived then her life now plus how her other family have coped or not a heartbreaking story with a real tear factor
October 4, 2023
A compelling story that needed telling. The ghostwriter does a good job with this one. It's a story about impoverished kids from rural Ireland being sent to a Catholic orphanage and the abuse they receive at the hands of those in charge. The story is action-packed and long-running, depicting the long-term effects of abuse in the form of alcoholism and drug abuse. It's a moving tale and also one that's deeply disturbing; at times it feels like most of the adults are one kind of abuser or another. Not for the faint of heart.
April 4, 2025
4.3/5 I don’t know what to say… it was an awesome book to read but disturbing to read due to abuse, neglect and such suffering!!!
11-siblings are displaced due to mother walking out and father was alcoholic who hit his wife. Many years spent at the Convent orphanage where most were tortured and abused by the Sisters and others.
This is the story of Kathleen of what happened to her and her siblings at the hands of those who held the power and didn’t treat them like human beings.
In the end, they are reunited with some losses and the investigation that happened to those children who suffered.
11-siblings are displaced due to mother walking out and father was alcoholic who hit his wife. Many years spent at the Convent orphanage where most were tortured and abused by the Sisters and others.
This is the story of Kathleen of what happened to her and her siblings at the hands of those who held the power and didn’t treat them like human beings.
In the end, they are reunited with some losses and the investigation that happened to those children who suffered.
July 19, 2019
Amazing read
Only rating I would give this story, it really touches tour heart, well written! You can not put it down once you start. Very sad and upsetting throughout. I read books like this to remind me that there is always someone out there worse off than myself and this book is proof of that. So sad to have lost so much and people you love. Great read thank you for the story
Only rating I would give this story, it really touches tour heart, well written! You can not put it down once you start. Very sad and upsetting throughout. I read books like this to remind me that there is always someone out there worse off than myself and this book is proof of that. So sad to have lost so much and people you love. Great read thank you for the story
January 28, 2018
Heart breaking
Have your tissues by your side while reading this one. Truly heartbreaking account of the abuse faced by already damaged and vulnerable children, and at the hands of so called "sacred" people! My heart gods out to Kathleen and the other "little drifter's" she mentions in her memories. Godbless each and everyone of them.
Have your tissues by your side while reading this one. Truly heartbreaking account of the abuse faced by already damaged and vulnerable children, and at the hands of so called "sacred" people! My heart gods out to Kathleen and the other "little drifter's" she mentions in her memories. Godbless each and everyone of them.
June 12, 2018
Little drifters
This book is heartbreaking,how this abuse was allowed to continue unchallenged beggars belief. How any of these children survived is a miracle,the ones that didn't will never be forgotten.It,s a gripping read and the author brings the character s to life,by the end of the book you feel you know them personally.
This book is heartbreaking,how this abuse was allowed to continue unchallenged beggars belief. How any of these children survived is a miracle,the ones that didn't will never be forgotten.It,s a gripping read and the author brings the character s to life,by the end of the book you feel you know them personally.
May 25, 2019
Abuse of power by the catholic system.
Brilliant emotive topic told through the eyes of a chil
d who suffered under the catholic institutions which were put in place, to care for the ones needing it the most and the abuse of power given to them by the catholic church.
True heartbreaking story of a family torn apart.
Brilliant emotive topic told through the eyes of a chil
d who suffered under the catholic institutions which were put in place, to care for the ones needing it the most and the abuse of power given to them by the catholic church.
True heartbreaking story of a family torn apart.
September 2, 2020
It's been a long time since I've read a true story as I found them hard to read emotionally.
When I was given this book by a friend I got straight into it. It enjoyed the writing style of the author it flowed well.
Every detail and description gave me a outline of what her life was like along with the siblings. A strong woman who has come through so much.
When I was given this book by a friend I got straight into it. It enjoyed the writing style of the author it flowed well.
Every detail and description gave me a outline of what her life was like along with the siblings. A strong woman who has come through so much.
October 22, 2022
It is shameful how abuses perpetrated on children continue to be hidden by powerful organizations. O’Shea is able to recount her experiences in an Irish orphanage despite a non-disclosure agreement preventing her from specifically naming her abusers. She acknowledges her own journey as a survivor and honours those who found themselves too broken by their orphanage incarceration to continue.
June 11, 2023
Harrowing first hand account of what an Irish women had to go through being a young girl back in Ireland. There are no words to describe the awful situations her and her siblings had to endure. It’s so sad and unlawful that the perpetrators are still allowed to be unpunished.
Overall, a good book that pulls at the heartstrings and chokes you up. God bless Drifters
Overall, a good book that pulls at the heartstrings and chokes you up. God bless Drifters
January 6, 2018
Heartbreaking
Kathleen's story is hard to read emotionally, but I couldn't put it down! She puts you right there with her, as you follow the life of her and her family. It's a real eye-opener!
Kathleen's story is hard to read emotionally, but I couldn't put it down! She puts you right there with her, as you follow the life of her and her family. It's a real eye-opener!
July 5, 2018
Little drifters
An incredible story. I have read many similar story's and I never fail to believe every word written. My heart goes out to the victims of abuse. I love to read of some kind of happy ending.
An incredible story. I have read many similar story's and I never fail to believe every word written. My heart goes out to the victims of abuse. I love to read of some kind of happy ending.
August 29, 2018
Shocking
You would never believe that nuns could be so wicked. Kathleen and her brothers and sisters went through hell, their mother was useless too. Thank god these institutions are closed down now.
You would never believe that nuns could be so wicked. Kathleen and her brothers and sisters went through hell, their mother was useless too. Thank god these institutions are closed down now.
March 20, 2019
Heart wrenching
It’s unimaginable that children can suffer like this. And at the hands of so called God-fearing people. I’m thankful the story was shared and pray this is not continuing somewhere still today.
It’s unimaginable that children can suffer like this. And at the hands of so called God-fearing people. I’m thankful the story was shared and pray this is not continuing somewhere still today.
January 14, 2020
It was okay. Yes it was sad and the stuff that was done to her was horrible. However the book was slow and I struggled to get through it.
Most of the book unread are about difficult childhood experiences and I would not put this as a top recommendation for someone to read.
Most of the book unread are about difficult childhood experiences and I would not put this as a top recommendation for someone to read.
September 2, 2017
Please read this book
I was so intrigued by this book and this author. She takes you inside a life that most will and never can envision.
I was so intrigued by this book and this author. She takes you inside a life that most will and never can envision.
November 19, 2017
This must have been hard to write and terrible to live.. I hope it was cathartic for the author.
November 27, 2017
This book was probably the most harrowing I've ever read. (I left it for a few days to read a more light hearted book). it is amazing how "Kathleen" survived such trauma.
February 20, 2018
Brilliant
Fabulous account of a harrowing childhood that was ruled with an iron rod under the nuns, this book is a must read
Fabulous account of a harrowing childhood that was ruled with an iron rod under the nuns, this book is a must read
May 4, 2018
One of the saddest books I have ever read
July 5, 2018
Amazing story
Such a heartbreaking story that’s being told. I really wish you an your brothers and sister so much life and freedom and all the best with your family x
Such a heartbreaking story that’s being told. I really wish you an your brothers and sister so much life and freedom and all the best with your family x
September 2, 2018
Enjoy
I thought a well written book. I is a piece of writing to make you think and be grateful f
I thought a well written book. I is a piece of writing to make you think and be grateful f
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews