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Fighting Back: A Battered Woman's Desperate Struggle to Survive
The shocking true story of a woman pushed to homicidal rage by the hands of her violent husband . . .
Long before there were abuse hot lines and shelters for battered women, June Briand fired four bullets into her husband's head and was sentenced to fifteen years to life. This is the shocking true story of survival--and the intense bond June shared with her pathologically violent husband, a monster who physically and sexually tortured, degraded, and dominated her so relentlessly that she refused to believe he was dead even after she killed him.
What kind of woman would slay her own husband? What kind of man would drive her to do it? Why didn't she just leave him? Based on extensive interviews with June Briand, FIGHTING BACK explores these difficult questions while exposing the twisted sadomasochistic dynamics of a relationship that enslaves a woman--and drives her to kill.
At once terrifying and maddening, heartrending and ultimately exhilarating-- including an unforgettable glimpse at life inside a maximum security prison--FIGHTING BACK is a book you will never forget.
Long before there were abuse hot lines and shelters for battered women, June Briand fired four bullets into her husband's head and was sentenced to fifteen years to life. This is the shocking true story of survival--and the intense bond June shared with her pathologically violent husband, a monster who physically and sexually tortured, degraded, and dominated her so relentlessly that she refused to believe he was dead even after she killed him.
What kind of woman would slay her own husband? What kind of man would drive her to do it? Why didn't she just leave him? Based on extensive interviews with June Briand, FIGHTING BACK explores these difficult questions while exposing the twisted sadomasochistic dynamics of a relationship that enslaves a woman--and drives her to kill.
At once terrifying and maddening, heartrending and ultimately exhilarating-- including an unforgettable glimpse at life inside a maximum security prison--FIGHTING BACK is a book you will never forget.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 11, 2018
999 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 16, 2018
This wonderfully informative book, originally published as FIGHTING BACK in 2000 is by Robert Davidson. It tells the story of June Briand, whose life of misery turns even worse when she marries Jimmy Briand. What started out feeling like the answer to her prayers when her previous husband left her, slowly turns into the biggest nightmare a person could imagine as Jimmy begins battering June to control her, fearing she might leave him. It just gets worse as time goes by, and the injuries are awful just to read about. One can’t imagine having to suffer through them while trying to keeping house to please such a brute and take care of his children too.
She was so mentally beaten down by him, and so terrified of him that it’s a wonder she didn’t break before she did. The book gives some really good background on June and some on how Jimmy became the way he was, and explains how their codependency played off one another in this vicious cycle of abuse. A good book for those interested in true crime, women’s issues, domestic violence, and more.
WildBlue Press 2nd Edition published March 13, 2018
She was so mentally beaten down by him, and so terrified of him that it’s a wonder she didn’t break before she did. The book gives some really good background on June and some on how Jimmy became the way he was, and explains how their codependency played off one another in this vicious cycle of abuse. A good book for those interested in true crime, women’s issues, domestic violence, and more.
WildBlue Press 2nd Edition published March 13, 2018
May 24, 2015
The events, this woman and her book are the nightmare of my life. Ive watched many true stories thru-out my life and endured an unhealthy relationship my self. I have learned during the course of my entire life that there is three sides to every story. His, hers and the truth. Not every verbal story, written book or produced movie is 100% factual. I know this, because this is MY life that everyone comments on! As the daughter of James Briand I am devastated by the customer and authors reviews. Yes, to the common person this book may be a good read. This book may relate to the real abused portion of the world but someone who lived it and can remember every horrifying detail can whole heartily tell you that June Briand is a complete and total LIAR! My father was no saint, but he was the best man in my world! I was daddys little girl. My father loved with all his heart his two little girls. This maybe hard for anyone to accept, but June Briand was in fact the ABUSER! June Briand beat me all the time. I have a dent in my skull til this day from her slamming me into a corner. The only physical,verbal and mental abuse that was endured in our home was by June Briand. My father made sure June Briand had everything she wanted within his limits. No relationship is perfect and people fight. June Briand killed my father for the shear simple fact he was going to leave her! It absolutely devastates and breaks my heart and soul to read the crushing words that my father was/is a monster! I have read reviews on the internet from people and the things everyone says is the most soulless, gut wrenching words any daughter could read. June Briand destroyed my life! June Briand tore my family apart! As I stated, this book may be a good read and everyone is entitled to read and comment but please please keep in mind NOT everything is true and the cruel insensitive pass of judgement of words is the worst considering his daughters will one day have to read them. Yes there is only one book and one side of the story...but Has it ever occurred to you that maybe the Briand family is struggling daily to get thru the daily reminders of my fathers unnecessary death and have not chose to write a book due to the pain it causes? I cant speak for anyone else on here or any other review pertaining to my father but I am his daughter and I know the truth! I lived it..remember it and still living it! Im just asking all readers to please respect the Briand family with the comments and please please understand that this is a true book of lies. I cant keep stressing this enough. My father James Briand was my Teddy Bear....NOT A MONSTER!!! I LOVE YOU DADDY!!! XO
March 26, 2020
‘This is a true story of an abused wife who took her husband’s life and was subsequently sentenced to fifteen years to life for her crime.’
The abused wife was June Briand. She had suffered ‘seven torturous years of horrendous physical and emotional atrocities’ by her ‘brutal husband’. We start at the beginning when her mother, Ann Jackson, dumps her with June’s grandparents the day she was born. This is one dysfunctional family. What a horrific start to life June had. Raped as a teenager. Married at 14 to a sexual abuser who dumps her and takes everything after three years of marriage and then she meets Jimmy Briand who ‘was known in the community as an incorrigible, uneducated brute who was constantly in trouble with the law.’ This was July 1980.
Usually with these books the backstory can be a little dull and over-detailed. Not so with this one I thought. I was hooked. The way Jimmy controls June is beyond belief. As time goes on it just gets more-and-more. The control could be beatings (absolutely vicious) for not doing the housework to his liking or stopping her from learning and having books in the house. She was not even allowed the phone book. ‘He wanted me stupid like he was and tried to make me believe I was. When he got mad, one of his favorite things to say was, ‘You’re stupid, right, June?’ And I’d answer, ‘Yes’ — and believe it!’
The beatings and controlling and Jimmy’s paranoia hit the extreme. We know from the beginning of the book that June eventually takes actions into her own hands. The book leading up to this is utterly compelling if very difficult to read.
The book is split into five parts with the last two being her time in prison and the hearings thereof. A worthy book with resources at the end.
The abused wife was June Briand. She had suffered ‘seven torturous years of horrendous physical and emotional atrocities’ by her ‘brutal husband’. We start at the beginning when her mother, Ann Jackson, dumps her with June’s grandparents the day she was born. This is one dysfunctional family. What a horrific start to life June had. Raped as a teenager. Married at 14 to a sexual abuser who dumps her and takes everything after three years of marriage and then she meets Jimmy Briand who ‘was known in the community as an incorrigible, uneducated brute who was constantly in trouble with the law.’ This was July 1980.
Usually with these books the backstory can be a little dull and over-detailed. Not so with this one I thought. I was hooked. The way Jimmy controls June is beyond belief. As time goes on it just gets more-and-more. The control could be beatings (absolutely vicious) for not doing the housework to his liking or stopping her from learning and having books in the house. She was not even allowed the phone book. ‘He wanted me stupid like he was and tried to make me believe I was. When he got mad, one of his favorite things to say was, ‘You’re stupid, right, June?’ And I’d answer, ‘Yes’ — and believe it!’
The beatings and controlling and Jimmy’s paranoia hit the extreme. We know from the beginning of the book that June eventually takes actions into her own hands. The book leading up to this is utterly compelling if very difficult to read.
The book is split into five parts with the last two being her time in prison and the hearings thereof. A worthy book with resources at the end.
November 11, 2011
This is an incredible story of survival. Never before have I heard of someone surviving such abuse. If you have ever watched Sleeping With The Enemy then you already know a little about June Briands ordeal. Not that the movie is about her, but her husband was the exact same way as the abusive husband in that movie. All labels on food items had to be a certain way, everything had to be perfect, and no matter how hard June tried he would find some excuse to beat her.
Though some people might not believe that June Briand should have spent a single day behind bars I feel that it was good for her. Not that I believed she should be punished further (her husband had punished her enough), but the inner growth it allowed her to accomplish made it all worth it.
I hope that June was able to form some sort of relationship with her daughters. She did what she did for them more so than herself really. She would have just allowed that monster to kill her only she didn't want to leave the kids behind without being there to protect them. I hope they read her story, and go through the documented evidence of their mothers physical torture to see that their mother was not trying to destroy their lives she was only trying to save them.
Though some people might not believe that June Briand should have spent a single day behind bars I feel that it was good for her. Not that I believed she should be punished further (her husband had punished her enough), but the inner growth it allowed her to accomplish made it all worth it.
I hope that June was able to form some sort of relationship with her daughters. She did what she did for them more so than herself really. She would have just allowed that monster to kill her only she didn't want to leave the kids behind without being there to protect them. I hope they read her story, and go through the documented evidence of their mothers physical torture to see that their mother was not trying to destroy their lives she was only trying to save them.
October 10, 2018
The Beast I Loved: A Battered Woman's Desperate Struggle to Survive tells the story of June Briand. In February 1987, after five years of marriage, she shot and killed her husband James. Convicted of first-degree murder, Briand served ten years of a fifteen year sentence before being pardoned.
This true crime offering paints a grim picture of June Briand's life, telling readers about a woman who suffered abuse throughout her life. Her marriage to James Briand was filled with brutal violence, until finally—fearing he would kill her after discovering she was planning to leave him—June took his life, shooting him while he slept.
I read this book in a matter of hours, unable to stop reading about this tragic story until I reached the end. Writing this review has been problematic for me, and it took me a while to figure out why. The Beast I Loved only tells June's side of the story. While her side would obviously be the focus of the book, not including a rebuttal of events from members and/or a representative of the Briand family leaves the book feeling unbalanced.
Was June justified in shooting him as a result of suffering from Battered Woman's Syndrome, as illustrated in the book? Or was she a cold-blooded killer who was never abused by her husband, as the Briand family maintains? Either way, June's actions that night irrevocably changed not only her life, but the lives of everyone who loved James Briand.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of WildBlue Press via Netgalley.
This true crime offering paints a grim picture of June Briand's life, telling readers about a woman who suffered abuse throughout her life. Her marriage to James Briand was filled with brutal violence, until finally—fearing he would kill her after discovering she was planning to leave him—June took his life, shooting him while he slept.
I read this book in a matter of hours, unable to stop reading about this tragic story until I reached the end. Writing this review has been problematic for me, and it took me a while to figure out why. The Beast I Loved only tells June's side of the story. While her side would obviously be the focus of the book, not including a rebuttal of events from members and/or a representative of the Briand family leaves the book feeling unbalanced.
Was June justified in shooting him as a result of suffering from Battered Woman's Syndrome, as illustrated in the book? Or was she a cold-blooded killer who was never abused by her husband, as the Briand family maintains? Either way, June's actions that night irrevocably changed not only her life, but the lives of everyone who loved James Briand.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of WildBlue Press via Netgalley.
December 19, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/Fact-or-Crap...
THIS IS THE TRUE STORY!
Robert Davidson wrote this book a few years back which devastated the family with his false claims.. The devastation is not so much the fact Mr. Davidson wrote a book, its due to the fact he lied. Its been found that Mr. Davidson recently came out with a second addition of this book called the Beast I loved, with a different cover from its original Fighting back.
This very statement from Robert Davidson “Based on hundreds of hours interviewing June Briand, speaking with her lawyers, and poring over countless pages of court transcripts, police and hospital records, and interviews with virtually every key person involved with this case”
Is 100% false! We have created a page to give the readers as they requested the real True story of events! We have real documents, as Mr Davidson does not. We have everything needed to show proof. This is an on going page, with new information being released daily and will not stop until we can finally get some Justice. Please share, get the word out. We are targeting to reach all the readers of these two books, the media, newspapers, true crime journalists,investigators and lawyers.
Here is the true story of June Briand : https://www.facebook.com/Fact-or-Crap...
Everything is public and no need to join the page to read.
Cut and pasted from the internet about this case.
Everywhere I turn I find lying manipulative women--and the ever-present
advocates who support them.
"Briand Fiction"
by Raymond Hughes RR 2 Box 475, Claremont, NH 03743 (603) 542-2708
published 11/26/96 in the "News Leader" 6 Sullivan St. PO Box1358,
Claremont, NH 03743 (603) 543-1500
I assume you've all have read of the June Briand pardon hearing
last week.
Briand killed her husband James 10 years ago, plea bargained to
second degree murder (against the dead man's family's wishes) and got 15 to
life.
I'm also assuming you know a little about the domestic violence
agenda advanced by women's advocates--domestic violence is always a man's
fault, so if a woman kills her husband or children, she must have had a
reason.
That's why June petitioned the governor for a pardon--she claims
she was a battered woman, therefore, she had to kill him.
So, the NH Domestic Violence Coalition supported her. Indeed,
dozens of women's advocates attended the hearing wearing "Pardon June"
pins.
I became skeptical of June's argument of abuse when newspaper
articles never offered hard evidence of it, so I contacted the dead man's
family.
What Jimmy Briand's extended--and extensive--family told me is that
they saw no abuse and they were quite close to June and Jim, camping,
fishing, celebrating holidays together. They treated June as a daughter.
Back to the hearing, a 5 1/2-hr. nightmare. For the first 3 1/2
hours, advocate after advocate, including Barry McMichaels, co-director of
the NH Domestic Violence Commission, outlined how it is that no one,
including June's own family, realized she was being battered, that Jim
abused her so cleverly he left no marks.
Hours of testimony on battered women before the Briand family had a
chance to say word one. Yet, in all that testimony not one person testified
that they saw abuse, or were told of it by June before the murder. And the
few second hand accounts of abuse related 10 years ago were simply weak
hearsay, the worst being that Jim told someone in her family he hat hit
June once. Certainly no one suggested the systematic abuse which defines
Battered Women Syndrome.
Curious in all this is that there was one woman who did know,
June's best friend at the time she shot Jim in cold blood in his sleep four
times.
Reporters claimed they couldn't locate her. So I did.
I spoke at length with Cynthia Newell, who was actually with June
and Jim at their apartment the night of the murder. The same Cynthia that
June claimed helped plan the murder, bought the bullets, looked for a spot
to dump the gun and encouraged her to pull the trigger.
Except, June claimed at the hearing that she herself loaded the gun
because someone called and threatened Jim and he asked her to load it. And
previously, she claimed she acted alone, not to mention that the night she
herself pulled the trigger, she told the police--and Jim's family--that an
intruder had shot Jim.
But if Cynthia helped plan it, why did she run to Jim's best friend
downstairs and have him call the police?
Though police never believed Cynthia helped June and she was never
charged, when the story resurfaced in June's pardon petition, Cynthia was
devastated again by the accusation, but she fears for her life and couldn't
bring herself to face June, something she regrets. So here is her story.
"James did not abuse June," Cynthia says flatly. "He may have
picked on her, but he did not batter her."
"That night, he came home from work late, June and I went for some
pizza, he had some, watched a little TV with us and went in to bed."
Though Jim and June argued, as any married couple, they did not
fight that night. Jim did not assault June in any way that night, or ever,
according to the only eyewitness to the events leading up to the murder, a
woman who was very close to June and Jim the entire year before the murder,
during which time she often spent the night, went with them camping,
swimming, to dinner, on weekdays, weekends.
She saw June in dresses, shorts, bikinis, and even during all the
time she spent with June alone, she never once saw any evidence of
psychological or physical abuse, and June mentioned none.
In spite of the fact much of this story was told police at the
time, women's advocates at the hearing chose to ignore this and believe
June's contradictory tale of systematic abuse.
June even had the audacity to say at the hearing that all the
Briand women are abused. I have spoken with them all and this is simply
ludicrous.
Indeed, the only Briand girl to confirm abuse was Jim's oldest
daughter by a previous marriage, Jana, now 17, who said that it was June
who abused her and threatened her if she ever told her father, adding that
she fears for her life if her stepmother is pardoned.
And Mara's mother, who lived with Jim for several years like a
wife, told police Jim had never abused her.
Not to mention, the state's psychiatrist at sentencing said June's
actions were most likely the result of June's drug abuse and "chaotic
childhood."
Yet, advocates pointed to the 1500 women killed by spouses last
year (without mentioning the 700 or so men killed by women), to the "44000
women" battered last year in NH, which is simply absurdly inflated and
ignores even UNH studies, among others, which conclude women attack men at
an equal rate and instigate disturbances at a higher rate.
It was intellectually insulting listening to woman after woman
offer excuse after excuse for June, like alms at an altar.
This one took the cake--she killed him because he came home and
didn't abuse her, the premise being that the pattern of abuse had changed,
thus her life was in danger. The old calm before the storm deal.
The fact is, no one, including June, ever said he even threatened
to kill her.
And not on person stood up in that room to say that he/she had seen
James abuse June, or even that they personally knew someone who knew,
indeed, none of them even knew her then.
None of June's advocates ever knew Jim.
This all without noting the other tragedy, an abuse of almost equal
proportions--that of the two daughters, Jana and Pam.
After the murder, June insisted the two girls be brought to her
grandparents house before she would confess, into a home everyone has
acknowledged had a sordid history of abuse. They were later ferried from
one foster home to another, one replete with bars on the windows.
"We spent over four years and over $4000 on lawyers fighting for
custody in district court," says Jim's mother, Linda, who read a damning
family statement at the hearing.
"I can't tell you how many times I had to look at her laughing with
her state-paid lawyer while I was in tears, barely able to make ends meet.
"Is she also asking the Governor to pardon her for ruining these
two girl's childhoods? For keeping them from our home, where they were
loved and where they loved to be?
"This woman canceled and cut short court-ordered visits to the
prison by a foster mother and the two girls. She even canceled a Christmas
visit. She says she wants to reconnect with the girls, but it's just
another lie."
Certainly neither of the girls have indicated they want to
reconnect with her, the oldest even testifying she's afraid June will kill
her.
Which raises the most important question-- rehabilitation.
I am all for rehabilitating criminals, but the first step in
rehabilitation is recognizing the problem.
And the problem is, June hasn't even taken the first step--she
would have us believe it was all Jim's fault. She still even blames her
one-time best friend.
Well, Jim may have hit June, and June may have hit Jim, and
certainly Jim's sisters recall the Thanksgiving June ripped one sister's
blouse off (not to mention June had a major write up in prison for
fighting), but no one hit anyone the night of the murder--according to an
eyewitness, June's own best friend.
According to that same friend, June was off work from an accident
she faked for compensation and was high at least on Demerol that night.
The state's psychiatrist had it right--June's actions were due to
her drug abuse and abuse before she ever met James Briand. She simply took
it out on her husband.
This woman is not repentant, she is not rehabilitated.
And she is not helping the cause to address domestic violence.
Indeed, she has exposed the sexism inherent in their cause--funded by your
tax dollars. These victims advocates never even spoke with the real
victim's family, forgetting, I guess, her dead husband's family, notably
his sisters, mother, daughters, aunts. Women who do not tolerate domestic
violence from anyone.
June Briand has such a long line of lies trailing her veil of
innocence that she doesn't even know the truth herself anymore.
And women's advocates played the fool at the macabre wedding--of
liar to suckers.
She's embarrassed these all-too-receptive advocates, and they will
remain in the dark until they factor all elements into the domestic
equation.
There are plenty of battered women out there, but not all who claim
to be, are.
June once told Cynthia, "I should have been an actress."
Well, she may have gotten the Oscar from women's advocates, but it
was all scripted and rehearsed . . . fiction.
Merged review:
Robert Davidson wrote this book a few years back which devastated the family with his false claims.. The devastation is not so much the fact Mr. Davidson wrote a book, its due to the fact he lied. Its been found that Mr. Davidson recently came out with a second addition of this book called the Beast I loved, with a different cover from its original Fighting back.
This very statement from Robert Davidson “Based on hundreds of hours interviewing June Briand, speaking with her lawyers, and poring over countless pages of court transcripts, police and hospital records, and interviews with virtually every key person involved with this case”
Is 100% false! We have created a page to give the readers as they requested the real True story of events! We have real documents, as Mr Davidson does not. We have everything needed to show proof. This is an on going page, with new information being released daily and will not stop until we can finally get some Justice. Please share, get the word out. We are targeting to reach all the readers of these two books, the media, newspapers, true crime journalists,investigators and lawyers.
Here is the true story of June Briand : https://www.facebook.com/Fact-or-Crap...
Everything is public and no need to join the page to read.
THIS IS THE TRUE STORY!
Robert Davidson wrote this book a few years back which devastated the family with his false claims.. The devastation is not so much the fact Mr. Davidson wrote a book, its due to the fact he lied. Its been found that Mr. Davidson recently came out with a second addition of this book called the Beast I loved, with a different cover from its original Fighting back.
This very statement from Robert Davidson “Based on hundreds of hours interviewing June Briand, speaking with her lawyers, and poring over countless pages of court transcripts, police and hospital records, and interviews with virtually every key person involved with this case”
Is 100% false! We have created a page to give the readers as they requested the real True story of events! We have real documents, as Mr Davidson does not. We have everything needed to show proof. This is an on going page, with new information being released daily and will not stop until we can finally get some Justice. Please share, get the word out. We are targeting to reach all the readers of these two books, the media, newspapers, true crime journalists,investigators and lawyers.
Here is the true story of June Briand : https://www.facebook.com/Fact-or-Crap...
Everything is public and no need to join the page to read.
Cut and pasted from the internet about this case.
Everywhere I turn I find lying manipulative women--and the ever-present
advocates who support them.
"Briand Fiction"
by Raymond Hughes RR 2 Box 475, Claremont, NH 03743 (603) 542-2708
published 11/26/96 in the "News Leader" 6 Sullivan St. PO Box1358,
Claremont, NH 03743 (603) 543-1500
I assume you've all have read of the June Briand pardon hearing
last week.
Briand killed her husband James 10 years ago, plea bargained to
second degree murder (against the dead man's family's wishes) and got 15 to
life.
I'm also assuming you know a little about the domestic violence
agenda advanced by women's advocates--domestic violence is always a man's
fault, so if a woman kills her husband or children, she must have had a
reason.
That's why June petitioned the governor for a pardon--she claims
she was a battered woman, therefore, she had to kill him.
So, the NH Domestic Violence Coalition supported her. Indeed,
dozens of women's advocates attended the hearing wearing "Pardon June"
pins.
I became skeptical of June's argument of abuse when newspaper
articles never offered hard evidence of it, so I contacted the dead man's
family.
What Jimmy Briand's extended--and extensive--family told me is that
they saw no abuse and they were quite close to June and Jim, camping,
fishing, celebrating holidays together. They treated June as a daughter.
Back to the hearing, a 5 1/2-hr. nightmare. For the first 3 1/2
hours, advocate after advocate, including Barry McMichaels, co-director of
the NH Domestic Violence Commission, outlined how it is that no one,
including June's own family, realized she was being battered, that Jim
abused her so cleverly he left no marks.
Hours of testimony on battered women before the Briand family had a
chance to say word one. Yet, in all that testimony not one person testified
that they saw abuse, or were told of it by June before the murder. And the
few second hand accounts of abuse related 10 years ago were simply weak
hearsay, the worst being that Jim told someone in her family he hat hit
June once. Certainly no one suggested the systematic abuse which defines
Battered Women Syndrome.
Curious in all this is that there was one woman who did know,
June's best friend at the time she shot Jim in cold blood in his sleep four
times.
Reporters claimed they couldn't locate her. So I did.
I spoke at length with Cynthia Newell, who was actually with June
and Jim at their apartment the night of the murder. The same Cynthia that
June claimed helped plan the murder, bought the bullets, looked for a spot
to dump the gun and encouraged her to pull the trigger.
Except, June claimed at the hearing that she herself loaded the gun
because someone called and threatened Jim and he asked her to load it. And
previously, she claimed she acted alone, not to mention that the night she
herself pulled the trigger, she told the police--and Jim's family--that an
intruder had shot Jim.
But if Cynthia helped plan it, why did she run to Jim's best friend
downstairs and have him call the police?
Though police never believed Cynthia helped June and she was never
charged, when the story resurfaced in June's pardon petition, Cynthia was
devastated again by the accusation, but she fears for her life and couldn't
bring herself to face June, something she regrets. So here is her story.
"James did not abuse June," Cynthia says flatly. "He may have
picked on her, but he did not batter her."
"That night, he came home from work late, June and I went for some
pizza, he had some, watched a little TV with us and went in to bed."
Though Jim and June argued, as any married couple, they did not
fight that night. Jim did not assault June in any way that night, or ever,
according to the only eyewitness to the events leading up to the murder, a
woman who was very close to June and Jim the entire year before the murder,
during which time she often spent the night, went with them camping,
swimming, to dinner, on weekdays, weekends.
She saw June in dresses, shorts, bikinis, and even during all the
time she spent with June alone, she never once saw any evidence of
psychological or physical abuse, and June mentioned none.
In spite of the fact much of this story was told police at the
time, women's advocates at the hearing chose to ignore this and believe
June's contradictory tale of systematic abuse.
June even had the audacity to say at the hearing that all the
Briand women are abused. I have spoken with them all and this is simply
ludicrous.
Indeed, the only Briand girl to confirm abuse was Jim's oldest
daughter by a previous marriage, Jana, now 17, who said that it was June
who abused her and threatened her if she ever told her father, adding that
she fears for her life if her stepmother is pardoned.
And Mara's mother, who lived with Jim for several years like a
wife, told police Jim had never abused her.
Not to mention, the state's psychiatrist at sentencing said June's
actions were most likely the result of June's drug abuse and "chaotic
childhood."
Yet, advocates pointed to the 1500 women killed by spouses last
year (without mentioning the 700 or so men killed by women), to the "44000
women" battered last year in NH, which is simply absurdly inflated and
ignores even UNH studies, among others, which conclude women attack men at
an equal rate and instigate disturbances at a higher rate.
It was intellectually insulting listening to woman after woman
offer excuse after excuse for June, like alms at an altar.
This one took the cake--she killed him because he came home and
didn't abuse her, the premise being that the pattern of abuse had changed,
thus her life was in danger. The old calm before the storm deal.
The fact is, no one, including June, ever said he even threatened
to kill her.
And not on person stood up in that room to say that he/she had seen
James abuse June, or even that they personally knew someone who knew,
indeed, none of them even knew her then.
None of June's advocates ever knew Jim.
This all without noting the other tragedy, an abuse of almost equal
proportions--that of the two daughters, Jana and Pam.
After the murder, June insisted the two girls be brought to her
grandparents house before she would confess, into a home everyone has
acknowledged had a sordid history of abuse. They were later ferried from
one foster home to another, one replete with bars on the windows.
"We spent over four years and over $4000 on lawyers fighting for
custody in district court," says Jim's mother, Linda, who read a damning
family statement at the hearing.
"I can't tell you how many times I had to look at her laughing with
her state-paid lawyer while I was in tears, barely able to make ends meet.
"Is she also asking the Governor to pardon her for ruining these
two girl's childhoods? For keeping them from our home, where they were
loved and where they loved to be?
"This woman canceled and cut short court-ordered visits to the
prison by a foster mother and the two girls. She even canceled a Christmas
visit. She says she wants to reconnect with the girls, but it's just
another lie."
Certainly neither of the girls have indicated they want to
reconnect with her, the oldest even testifying she's afraid June will kill
her.
Which raises the most important question-- rehabilitation.
I am all for rehabilitating criminals, but the first step in
rehabilitation is recognizing the problem.
And the problem is, June hasn't even taken the first step--she
would have us believe it was all Jim's fault. She still even blames her
one-time best friend.
Well, Jim may have hit June, and June may have hit Jim, and
certainly Jim's sisters recall the Thanksgiving June ripped one sister's
blouse off (not to mention June had a major write up in prison for
fighting), but no one hit anyone the night of the murder--according to an
eyewitness, June's own best friend.
According to that same friend, June was off work from an accident
she faked for compensation and was high at least on Demerol that night.
The state's psychiatrist had it right--June's actions were due to
her drug abuse and abuse before she ever met James Briand. She simply took
it out on her husband.
This woman is not repentant, she is not rehabilitated.
And she is not helping the cause to address domestic violence.
Indeed, she has exposed the sexism inherent in their cause--funded by your
tax dollars. These victims advocates never even spoke with the real
victim's family, forgetting, I guess, her dead husband's family, notably
his sisters, mother, daughters, aunts. Women who do not tolerate domestic
violence from anyone.
June Briand has such a long line of lies trailing her veil of
innocence that she doesn't even know the truth herself anymore.
And women's advocates played the fool at the macabre wedding--of
liar to suckers.
She's embarrassed these all-too-receptive advocates, and they will
remain in the dark until they factor all elements into the domestic
equation.
There are plenty of battered women out there, but not all who claim
to be, are.
June once told Cynthia, "I should have been an actress."
Well, she may have gotten the Oscar from women's advocates, but it
was all scripted and rehearsed . . . fiction.
Merged review:
Robert Davidson wrote this book a few years back which devastated the family with his false claims.. The devastation is not so much the fact Mr. Davidson wrote a book, its due to the fact he lied. Its been found that Mr. Davidson recently came out with a second addition of this book called the Beast I loved, with a different cover from its original Fighting back.
This very statement from Robert Davidson “Based on hundreds of hours interviewing June Briand, speaking with her lawyers, and poring over countless pages of court transcripts, police and hospital records, and interviews with virtually every key person involved with this case”
Is 100% false! We have created a page to give the readers as they requested the real True story of events! We have real documents, as Mr Davidson does not. We have everything needed to show proof. This is an on going page, with new information being released daily and will not stop until we can finally get some Justice. Please share, get the word out. We are targeting to reach all the readers of these two books, the media, newspapers, true crime journalists,investigators and lawyers.
Here is the true story of June Briand : https://www.facebook.com/Fact-or-Crap...
Everything is public and no need to join the page to read.
March 17, 2018
The Beast I Loved by Robert Davidson is a non-fiction horror account of spousal abuse. As the subtitle clearly states, it is “A Battered Woman’s Desperate Struggle to Survive.” Published in 2018, in the preface the author provides a context for the book’s publication with an account of the TIME OUT movement in December 2017. This book doesn’t need a context to report the understated horrors of this case that drew national attention in 1996; the actions described remain always horrible, criminal, and a crime against humanity no matter the current attention paid to developing social trends. Davidson points out that this book focuses on the important attention paid to the narrower phenomena of Battered Women’s Syndrome expressed through “learned helplessness.” As if the horrors June Briand were not terrible enough in their own right, she was then abused further by a slow-moving near non-responsive justice system when she was imprisoned for taking extreme measures while attempting to survive and protect her children. In the sense that this novel contributes to the overall movement for increased empowerment for women in a search for equality, this is a novel of social justice. Readers will discover that this novel has its own niche and stands alone in a genre of non-fiction domestic abuse horror.
To support the credibility of this non-fiction account, Davidson uses actual names of people many people will be familiar with. Peter Jennings of ABC News, leaders of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and high-profile lawyers are included in the hard-to-pronounce popular term “fact-checkable.” There is a helpful resources section. Davidson presents interesting information in the author’s notes section that explains his difficulties as a male author in gaining acceptance by principals to tell this story. I feel this is a NSFW novel not due to crude or graphic language. That would be superfluous with these descriptions of abuse. It is because some of the accounts may make a reader shocked and nauseous to the point one could not continue work. Read this one at home.
Davidson’s skill as a writer kept me turning pages until the end in this one-session read. I resisted the urge to turn to the end and discover early the eventual outcome of the case of June Briand. I knew the victim(s) would survive. Even as I read I wanted to enjoy the author’s investigation of the justice system in New Hampshire. In a nation that struggles every day in a conflict between States Rights and Federal Sovereignty, individuals can become extremely depressed as they stare from confinement facilities at States that would decide judicial cases with more compassion and even-handedness. The obvious victim, in this case, was June Briand. Her children were also victims. As June Briand would later state in an address she made during court proceedings, she considered her abuser and husband, Jimmy Briand, the person she killed, a victim.
Liberal US interests frequently obtain national exposure as they mount campaigns for social justice that rely on blaming childhood trauma for present-day criminal behavior. This general reliance on “psychobabble” attract derision from conservative social factions. That is because in attempting to appear on CNN and attract the most attention in the least amount of time available to them, advocates on all sides rely on generalized language that becomes meaningless as it morphs into different forms on late night comedy shows. But when we unpack individual cases such as Briand’s, how can we fail to see the truth of some liberal assertions? The abuse suffered by Briand was abuse that began in childhood and escalated in violence both physical and mental until it (literally) exploded.
June Briand is not a currently a person on the national stage garnering attention. She is attempting to get on with her life. Her case deserves attention as part of campaigns to discourage and eliminate these types of behavior. If human nature is such that we will always have these types of aberrant behavior, we should at least develop better systems for early detection leading to a society that emphasizes social justice rather than social vengeance. Briand is to be commended for lending accounts of her private struggles to highlight social problems.
I gave this novel a five-star Amazon rating and highly recommend it. I read it for free on Kindle Unlimited (KU). It is worth much more than the Amazon purchase price of USD 2.99.
To support the credibility of this non-fiction account, Davidson uses actual names of people many people will be familiar with. Peter Jennings of ABC News, leaders of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and high-profile lawyers are included in the hard-to-pronounce popular term “fact-checkable.” There is a helpful resources section. Davidson presents interesting information in the author’s notes section that explains his difficulties as a male author in gaining acceptance by principals to tell this story. I feel this is a NSFW novel not due to crude or graphic language. That would be superfluous with these descriptions of abuse. It is because some of the accounts may make a reader shocked and nauseous to the point one could not continue work. Read this one at home.
Davidson’s skill as a writer kept me turning pages until the end in this one-session read. I resisted the urge to turn to the end and discover early the eventual outcome of the case of June Briand. I knew the victim(s) would survive. Even as I read I wanted to enjoy the author’s investigation of the justice system in New Hampshire. In a nation that struggles every day in a conflict between States Rights and Federal Sovereignty, individuals can become extremely depressed as they stare from confinement facilities at States that would decide judicial cases with more compassion and even-handedness. The obvious victim, in this case, was June Briand. Her children were also victims. As June Briand would later state in an address she made during court proceedings, she considered her abuser and husband, Jimmy Briand, the person she killed, a victim.
Liberal US interests frequently obtain national exposure as they mount campaigns for social justice that rely on blaming childhood trauma for present-day criminal behavior. This general reliance on “psychobabble” attract derision from conservative social factions. That is because in attempting to appear on CNN and attract the most attention in the least amount of time available to them, advocates on all sides rely on generalized language that becomes meaningless as it morphs into different forms on late night comedy shows. But when we unpack individual cases such as Briand’s, how can we fail to see the truth of some liberal assertions? The abuse suffered by Briand was abuse that began in childhood and escalated in violence both physical and mental until it (literally) exploded.
June Briand is not a currently a person on the national stage garnering attention. She is attempting to get on with her life. Her case deserves attention as part of campaigns to discourage and eliminate these types of behavior. If human nature is such that we will always have these types of aberrant behavior, we should at least develop better systems for early detection leading to a society that emphasizes social justice rather than social vengeance. Briand is to be commended for lending accounts of her private struggles to highlight social problems.
I gave this novel a five-star Amazon rating and highly recommend it. I read it for free on Kindle Unlimited (KU). It is worth much more than the Amazon purchase price of USD 2.99.
March 16, 2018
‘Battered Woman’s Syndrome is something real and worth learning about.”
Author Robert Davidson is an international speaker and contributor to columns in many papers and magazines. THE BEAST I LOVED was originally published 2000 under the title FIGHTING BACK. The book has now been revised and updated with new material, allowing Robert to examine family dysfunction, the psychology of violence, and the resulting tragedy. He was the winner of New England’s venerable Seacoast Writers Association award for Best Nonfiction. He also wrote HOW GOOD PARENTS RAISE GREAT KIDS in which he addresses successful childrearing and the keys to personal fulfillment. Excerpts from the book have appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, and Family Life, and it has been translated into eight foreign languages.
True crime books are haunting in that they represent reportage of actual incidents instead of created horror stories. Perhaps too few have heard of the story of June Briand – an error this book corrects. But the importance of this revised version being published at this particular time – when FINALLY the tragedy of abuse of women is gaining global attention and movements are being successfully launched to make these many tragedies visible – a time to step inside the grit of spousal abuse and the intricacies of damage that genre of crime desperately needs addressing.
Beginning his book with a Preface is a welcome manner to open the door on this case – ‘This is a true story of an abused wife who took her husband’s life and was subsequently sentenced to fifteen years to life for her crime. Many of the names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect privacy. The events, however, are factual and if anything, understated, because no matter how it is written, much of what happened to June Briand cannot be described in words. Ordinary cases of domestic violence don’t make national news. This one did, but then, it was anything but ordinary — it was extraordinary. Extraordinary that after finally putting an end to seven torturous years of horrendous physical and emotional atrocities, administered by the cruelest of men, June Briand was punished still further — this time by a confused and compassionless legal system that was incapable of distinguishing self-defense from criminal intent, child of circumstances from cold-blooded killer, and indeed, right from wrong.’
The facts of the case are clearly outlined in the synopsis: ‘Before domestic violence hot lines and safe houses were widespread, June Briand shot four bullets into her husband’s head and was sentenced to fifteen years to life. This is the shocking true story of survival—and the intense bond June shared with her pathologically violent husband, a monster who physically and sexually tortured, degraded and dominated her so relentlessly that she refused to believe he was dead even after she killed him. What kind of woman would slay her own husband? What kind of man would drive her to do it? Why didn’t she just leave him? Based on hundreds of hours interviewing June Briand, speaking with her lawyers, and poring over countless pages of court transcripts, police and hospital records, and interviews with virtually every key person involved with this case, the author explores those difficult questions while exposing the twisted dynamics of a relationship that enslaves a woman—and drives her to kill the beast she loved when she was finally out of hope, out of time, and out of her mind. This story is at once terrifying and maddening, heartrending and ultimately exhilarating—including an unforgettable glimpse inside a maximum security prison.’
After are meticulously detailed related series of interviews and investigation of all the factors of this case, Robert shares the ending – ‘the Pardon Petition also stated “further incarceration is unproductive given the substantial contribution June Briand can offer society if released from prison.”
Impressively written and immensely disturbing, Robert Davidson allow light at the end of his survey of this true crime – June has been given another chance for a more normal life. Prepare for a shockingly real true crime book written by a man who knows how to inform us and bring his concept of human rights into the light. Highly recommended.
Author Robert Davidson is an international speaker and contributor to columns in many papers and magazines. THE BEAST I LOVED was originally published 2000 under the title FIGHTING BACK. The book has now been revised and updated with new material, allowing Robert to examine family dysfunction, the psychology of violence, and the resulting tragedy. He was the winner of New England’s venerable Seacoast Writers Association award for Best Nonfiction. He also wrote HOW GOOD PARENTS RAISE GREAT KIDS in which he addresses successful childrearing and the keys to personal fulfillment. Excerpts from the book have appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, and Family Life, and it has been translated into eight foreign languages.
True crime books are haunting in that they represent reportage of actual incidents instead of created horror stories. Perhaps too few have heard of the story of June Briand – an error this book corrects. But the importance of this revised version being published at this particular time – when FINALLY the tragedy of abuse of women is gaining global attention and movements are being successfully launched to make these many tragedies visible – a time to step inside the grit of spousal abuse and the intricacies of damage that genre of crime desperately needs addressing.
Beginning his book with a Preface is a welcome manner to open the door on this case – ‘This is a true story of an abused wife who took her husband’s life and was subsequently sentenced to fifteen years to life for her crime. Many of the names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect privacy. The events, however, are factual and if anything, understated, because no matter how it is written, much of what happened to June Briand cannot be described in words. Ordinary cases of domestic violence don’t make national news. This one did, but then, it was anything but ordinary — it was extraordinary. Extraordinary that after finally putting an end to seven torturous years of horrendous physical and emotional atrocities, administered by the cruelest of men, June Briand was punished still further — this time by a confused and compassionless legal system that was incapable of distinguishing self-defense from criminal intent, child of circumstances from cold-blooded killer, and indeed, right from wrong.’
The facts of the case are clearly outlined in the synopsis: ‘Before domestic violence hot lines and safe houses were widespread, June Briand shot four bullets into her husband’s head and was sentenced to fifteen years to life. This is the shocking true story of survival—and the intense bond June shared with her pathologically violent husband, a monster who physically and sexually tortured, degraded and dominated her so relentlessly that she refused to believe he was dead even after she killed him. What kind of woman would slay her own husband? What kind of man would drive her to do it? Why didn’t she just leave him? Based on hundreds of hours interviewing June Briand, speaking with her lawyers, and poring over countless pages of court transcripts, police and hospital records, and interviews with virtually every key person involved with this case, the author explores those difficult questions while exposing the twisted dynamics of a relationship that enslaves a woman—and drives her to kill the beast she loved when she was finally out of hope, out of time, and out of her mind. This story is at once terrifying and maddening, heartrending and ultimately exhilarating—including an unforgettable glimpse inside a maximum security prison.’
After are meticulously detailed related series of interviews and investigation of all the factors of this case, Robert shares the ending – ‘the Pardon Petition also stated “further incarceration is unproductive given the substantial contribution June Briand can offer society if released from prison.”
Impressively written and immensely disturbing, Robert Davidson allow light at the end of his survey of this true crime – June has been given another chance for a more normal life. Prepare for a shockingly real true crime book written by a man who knows how to inform us and bring his concept of human rights into the light. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2018
I love memoirs, true crimes, biographies and all of genres that tell true stories about real people. This book sounded right up my alley and I was interested to read a story about a battered woman.
Unfortunately, the book was poorly written and didn’t do any justice to the story. The book had cheesy lines foreshadowing “what Unfortunate events were about to unfold” to the point that it went from being amusing to annoying. The book wasn’t researched from all angles nor did it give any perspective other than June’s. It basically read as a one-sided account of a series of complex events. The author basically shaped June as a perpetual victim of circumstance and bad luck. The author simplified things as such and gave a lack of depth to the story as well. For example, suddenly June is pardoned then she finds the love of her life and suddenly men treat her right and she has a baby and lives happily ever after.
I feel like this could’ve been a lot better if it was researched from various sides and tried to be a little more objective for credibility’s sake.
Unfortunately, the book was poorly written and didn’t do any justice to the story. The book had cheesy lines foreshadowing “what Unfortunate events were about to unfold” to the point that it went from being amusing to annoying. The book wasn’t researched from all angles nor did it give any perspective other than June’s. It basically read as a one-sided account of a series of complex events. The author basically shaped June as a perpetual victim of circumstance and bad luck. The author simplified things as such and gave a lack of depth to the story as well. For example, suddenly June is pardoned then she finds the love of her life and suddenly men treat her right and she has a baby and lives happily ever after.
I feel like this could’ve been a lot better if it was researched from various sides and tried to be a little more objective for credibility’s sake.
June 3, 2018
A tragic story
I have a 5 star rating because June's story was so well written. During the telling of the violent episodes i cried for June and her children. She is a remarkable woman and I pray her two daughters get the help they so desperately need. I recommend this book to every woman out there. Who knows? One of you may know someone who can benefit from this horrendous and courageous woman's story.
I have a 5 star rating because June's story was so well written. During the telling of the violent episodes i cried for June and her children. She is a remarkable woman and I pray her two daughters get the help they so desperately need. I recommend this book to every woman out there. Who knows? One of you may know someone who can benefit from this horrendous and courageous woman's story.
March 1, 2019
I wasn’t sure I believed this story because in some parts it was unbelievable to me, however they do say that the truth is stranger than fiction, or at least it can be.
One of June’s stepdaughters, who is all grown up now, went to a local newspaper after the publication of this book and said that June’s story is all lies and that it was June who was physically abusive towards her and her sister, not her father, she also said that her Dad was a great father. After June went to jail for the murder of Jimmy then his girls, and June’s stepgirls, were raised by Jimmys family so it’s very possible that his family have lied to her and said that it was all June who gave her beatings and that Jimmy wasn’t as bad as June made out, it’s also very possible that she has romanticised her fathers memory as people often do when somebody close to them dies.
Jimmys family were said to have been physically abusive to him whilst he was growing up (June said) so would they really have gotten custody of his 2 little girls, I don’t believe so.
Just because June has wrote a book then it doesn’t mean that what she says is true, and the murder of him as suggested by her ‘I thrive on other peoples dramas’ friend just doesn’t fit with me.
Read for yourself and make your own mind up, I’ll be happy to discuss the book with others, we can see what your findings are. If the book is true then I really feel for June, if true then it’s a typical story of a vulnerable girl who has been neglected and uncared for by her own family all her life, so it’s no wonder that she ended up with a violent, controlling bastard like Jimmy, and the sexual paedophilic husband that she had before him, what sort of family allows their 14 year old granddaughter to marry a man in his 30s? This was only in the 1970s so ‘it was a different time back then’ doesn’t really wash with me, June came from a family of hillbillies by the sounds of it, they should be held accountable for some of her life ‘choices’, very very dense people that raised her.
One of June’s stepdaughters, who is all grown up now, went to a local newspaper after the publication of this book and said that June’s story is all lies and that it was June who was physically abusive towards her and her sister, not her father, she also said that her Dad was a great father. After June went to jail for the murder of Jimmy then his girls, and June’s stepgirls, were raised by Jimmys family so it’s very possible that his family have lied to her and said that it was all June who gave her beatings and that Jimmy wasn’t as bad as June made out, it’s also very possible that she has romanticised her fathers memory as people often do when somebody close to them dies.
Jimmys family were said to have been physically abusive to him whilst he was growing up (June said) so would they really have gotten custody of his 2 little girls, I don’t believe so.
Just because June has wrote a book then it doesn’t mean that what she says is true, and the murder of him as suggested by her ‘I thrive on other peoples dramas’ friend just doesn’t fit with me.
Read for yourself and make your own mind up, I’ll be happy to discuss the book with others, we can see what your findings are. If the book is true then I really feel for June, if true then it’s a typical story of a vulnerable girl who has been neglected and uncared for by her own family all her life, so it’s no wonder that she ended up with a violent, controlling bastard like Jimmy, and the sexual paedophilic husband that she had before him, what sort of family allows their 14 year old granddaughter to marry a man in his 30s? This was only in the 1970s so ‘it was a different time back then’ doesn’t really wash with me, June came from a family of hillbillies by the sounds of it, they should be held accountable for some of her life ‘choices’, very very dense people that raised her.
Read
January 27, 2022A disturbing and one-sided tale of a woman abused by her husband. I didn’t finish it. Some (most) scenes weren’t adding up and seemed repetitive to the point of being clownish.
I don’t recommend either.
I would have loved to read at least one eyewitness account that would give insight into Jimmy’s side of the story. All this book provided was June’s side of things. We only saw Jimmy and learned of his atrocities through June. That’s not how I expect a true crime to read.
I expected an unbiased narrative that covers all sides (his, hers, eyewitnesses). This book didn’t do that. Added to its implausibility are Mara (Jimmy’s daughter) and other reviewers calling it a lie, adding more doubt to a suspiciously skewed tale.
Not my jam.
I don’t recommend either.
I would have loved to read at least one eyewitness account that would give insight into Jimmy’s side of the story. All this book provided was June’s side of things. We only saw Jimmy and learned of his atrocities through June. That’s not how I expect a true crime to read.
I expected an unbiased narrative that covers all sides (his, hers, eyewitnesses). This book didn’t do that. Added to its implausibility are Mara (Jimmy’s daughter) and other reviewers calling it a lie, adding more doubt to a suspiciously skewed tale.
Not my jam.
August 19, 2018
He's lucky I wasn't there to kick his a$$. I am one who always yells at the TV, screaming, "OMG how can you put up with this, beat him senseless!" but of course it's easy to say a lot of things when you haven't gone through it. It's one of those scenarios that I've tossed around in my mind probably thousands of times... .what would I really do if... But, I know, unless you've gone through it, you just don't know. So, I give ultimate respect to those that have been through this. It makes me mad, it makes me want to punish... but then, am I any better than the punisher?
This is a great book, with great narration, I don't have anything bad to say about it whatsoever, it's a great and powerful story everyone should read/listen to :) Captivating. Enthralling. Scary as hell. Real as hell.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is a great book, with great narration, I don't have anything bad to say about it whatsoever, it's a great and powerful story everyone should read/listen to :) Captivating. Enthralling. Scary as hell. Real as hell.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 23, 2019
Required reading exists here
I would have to first mention, this book should be required reading for criminal justice majors of all kinds: future police officers, attorneys, prison guards, etc. I feel it is perhaps the best study of cowed, fearful woman living through Battered Woman 's Syndrome that I have ever read. But beyond that, those who read true crime or biographies of "political prisoners" should read this too. The author mentions this book was an exhaustive exercise for him to write at times and it is often exhausting to read but so worth it. I absolutely recommend this book and only wish I hadn't waited so long to pick it up. Lastly, if you are a woman who is living in fear of an abusive man, please read June Briand's story. It is one I will never forget.
I would have to first mention, this book should be required reading for criminal justice majors of all kinds: future police officers, attorneys, prison guards, etc. I feel it is perhaps the best study of cowed, fearful woman living through Battered Woman 's Syndrome that I have ever read. But beyond that, those who read true crime or biographies of "political prisoners" should read this too. The author mentions this book was an exhaustive exercise for him to write at times and it is often exhausting to read but so worth it. I absolutely recommend this book and only wish I hadn't waited so long to pick it up. Lastly, if you are a woman who is living in fear of an abusive man, please read June Briand's story. It is one I will never forget.
May 19, 2018
This book is beyond disturbing. This is the story of June Briand, who had a horrible childhood and grew up only to be married at a young age to a man that physically and emotionally abused her until eventually she took his life. The abuse as described in this book is so heinous. It’s amazing June was able to live through the abuse but I believe it was only because protecting her daughters became her sole goal. This book sheds light on domestic abuse but is very disturbing.
June 25, 2018
All I have to say is WOW... I have read alot of true crime books but this one was gripping..Kept me reading nonstop....The author told this incredible story from beginning to end... I would definitely recommend this book to all people who need a little hope in their lives..
Thank you netgalley for letting me review this book..
Thank you netgalley for letting me review this book..
June 26, 2018
This book is so beautifully written. It truly captures the story of June. As a reader, I did not feel that the author was writing as a biased writer, but rather reporting the facts in a way that allows the reader to fully grasp all of the characters as whole individuals--from the depravity to the sorrow to the love to the loss... Extremely well written.
March 28, 2018
Good read
Very shocking story about domestic violence that resulted in murder. In my opinion June should never of gone to prison.
Very shocking story about domestic violence that resulted in murder. In my opinion June should never of gone to prison.
April 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book even though it was very difficult to read at times. The things June went through at the abusive hands of her husband were awful. The physical, mental, and emotional abuse. I liked June but couldn’t understand why she would stay with a man who treated her like that. But the book explains all that also. Even though these kinds of books are hard to read, they keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. That is one reason I like to read them. I do recommend this book to those who like domestic true crime books, but do know that it is about domestic violence if that is a trigger for you.
September 1, 2018
This is a heartbreaking story of a woman who was severely controlled and abused by the man who was supposed to love and protect her. The book was written so welll and it was easy to follow. I never wanted to put the book down. Each section of the book was more intense than the last. It definitely brings attention to extreme spousal abuse. I hope this book helps all those who finds themselves in similar circumstances.
January 30, 2019
Good and necessary story but full of editing issues
This is one of those stories that HAD to be told, and the author accomplished his goal . . . but the copy is FRAUGHT with errors which disrupts the flow for those of us who are aware of such. I would love the opportunity to edit/repair at LEAST the Kindle version. But all in all, June is a hero, a survivor, and most of all, a VICTOR!!
This is one of those stories that HAD to be told, and the author accomplished his goal . . . but the copy is FRAUGHT with errors which disrupts the flow for those of us who are aware of such. I would love the opportunity to edit/repair at LEAST the Kindle version. But all in all, June is a hero, a survivor, and most of all, a VICTOR!!
November 26, 2021
very well written
The author did a wonderful job with this book. He did not sensationalize it or draw it out with statistics, but rather told June’s story and told it well. I am amazed at what the human body and mind can endorse ( specifically June’s). And having no help to boot! Thank you for being an advocate for this cause June and know that your story reached people. At least it did for me. Much love and respect to both June and this author (Robert).
The author did a wonderful job with this book. He did not sensationalize it or draw it out with statistics, but rather told June’s story and told it well. I am amazed at what the human body and mind can endorse ( specifically June’s). And having no help to boot! Thank you for being an advocate for this cause June and know that your story reached people. At least it did for me. Much love and respect to both June and this author (Robert).
November 29, 2022
A truly tough listen, and I will need a pallet cleanser afterwards, but what a remarkable story of a truly remarkable and extraordinary woman. My heart goes out to June and every battered woman like her who is a victim of one's circumstance with little hope of escape. This book was very well written and I was along for the entire ride. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but these stories need to be heard so that society can have more compassion towards those in similar situations.
May 27, 2018
Gripping story
Of you have been a victim of domestic violence then this story will ring true to you.... I'm glad she is not a victim anymore and living a quiet life with her husband and 2sons, my only gripe is what happened after her pardon is she in contact with her daughter's as it seems these girls sort of got lost forgot about...
Of you have been a victim of domestic violence then this story will ring true to you.... I'm glad she is not a victim anymore and living a quiet life with her husband and 2sons, my only gripe is what happened after her pardon is she in contact with her daughter's as it seems these girls sort of got lost forgot about...
May 27, 2018
An incredible story. How this mother put up with her abusive husband is beyond my imagination. He was not human but an animal. This story also shows how justice in this country is so unfair to women, the poor, the minorities. It was a real wake up call to me. I hope, now in 2018 it is more fair for everyone.
July 21, 2018
This is a very well researched and organized book. It's a totally enthralling story of a remarkable woman who managed to overcome unimagineable abuse and make something of her life. And Kevin Pierce's performance is flawless.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 14, 2018
THIS IS THE TRUE STORY OF THIS BOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/Fact-or-Crap...
Robert Davidson is working harder on getting rid of this proof more than he did on his book.
This gives you evidence of the book being full of lies.
You read the book, now read what we've provided and you decide.
https://www.facebook.com/Fact-or-Crap...
Robert Davidson is working harder on getting rid of this proof more than he did on his book.
This gives you evidence of the book being full of lies.
You read the book, now read what we've provided and you decide.
August 31, 2021
I wish everyone would read this book
Battered women need to understand that there is help for them today. Society needs to hear what it is like to feel you can never escape an unacceptable situation. I wish the book gave more information about what help states offer for battered women.
Battered women need to understand that there is help for them today. Society needs to hear what it is like to feel you can never escape an unacceptable situation. I wish the book gave more information about what help states offer for battered women.
July 27, 2018
Fantastic...
Very well written. Very graphic. But it's a must read for our time. Domestic violence is everywhere. In my opinion everyone needs to read this story. It might help to save lives...
Very well written. Very graphic. But it's a must read for our time. Domestic violence is everywhere. In my opinion everyone needs to read this story. It might help to save lives...
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