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Keri Karin: the Shocking true story continued
THIS IS IT: THE LONG-AWAITED SECOND VOLUME OF KAT WARD'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY!
Back in 2011, a BBC documentary team were busy compiling testimonies from women claiming to have been sexually abused as children, by the late TV presenter, Sir Jimmy Savile. However, just days before the programme was due to air, it was cancelled; a move that not only angered those women, but further fuelled rumours of a wider conspiracy, as even after his death, it seemed that any mention of wrongdoing on the part of “Old Jimmy” would inevitably only be met by a cold, eerie silence. A silence all too familiar for his victims.
A year later, a rival TV company decided to make their own documentary concerning the Savile abuse claims. After some initial reluctance, Kat Ward agreed to speak to them. This time, the programme did air – and the story was huge.
Literally overnight, a man, who was, in the eyes of the British public, a national institution - as harmless as afternoon tea for many - now stood accused of crimes so heinous, that a collective air of disbelief began to descend, as people struggled to reconcile the claims with his cheery image as a children’s champion and charity fundraiser.
However, over the following days, more women came forward. Any disbelief soon vanished. Within a week, the list of potential victims had soared into the hundreds. Prime Minister David Cameron sought to appease a growing public demand for the posthumous revocation of his knighthood, and the Metropolitan Police publicly acknowledged Savile as a “predatory sex offender”. No tears were shed as his gravestone was demolished.
His victims must have thought they’d never see the day.
But Kat Ward had long given up hope of justice anyway. After suffering a tormented early childhood, in which she was abused by her family, she eventually found herself shuttled between care homes and approved schools; institutions that promised a sanctuary from abuse, but all too often seemed to sponsor it.
Many decades later, and after a life marred by depression, she was persuaded by a psychiatrist to write about her experiences, in the hope that doing so might be cathartic. She obliged, and last year her debut offering, “KERI” - in which she recounts her earliest years - took literary circles by surprise, as it became an international bestseller.
And now, in this much-anticipated volume, she recounts her early-mid teen years; no longer a small child, but a girl on the cusp of adolescence. Still traumatized by her early experiences, but not entirely without that sense of vague hope that is the inalienable property of youth.
Now at Duncroft Approved School for “emotionally disturbed girls”, her life had come to resemble that of a prisoner; a good day was a bad one and a bad day was horrific. A pattern interrupted only by the periodic visits of a certain creepy old man in a shiny tracksuit, with a pocket full of a cigars and a caravan full of demands.
There were Rolls-Royce trips to London. There were jaunts to TV studios. And, of course, for Kat, as with most of the girls, there were dreams of a brighter future. But despite all the promises, there was simply no way out. For at almost every turn, another nefarious character was waiting to take advantage of the girls that no-one would believe anyway.
Now you can read her full story here. No punches pulled; no stone left unturned. Just the truth, committed to paper over many years, in the hope that it might help inspire the brave, enlighten the misled and heal the abused…
WARNING: contains passages some readers may find disturbing.
Back in 2011, a BBC documentary team were busy compiling testimonies from women claiming to have been sexually abused as children, by the late TV presenter, Sir Jimmy Savile. However, just days before the programme was due to air, it was cancelled; a move that not only angered those women, but further fuelled rumours of a wider conspiracy, as even after his death, it seemed that any mention of wrongdoing on the part of “Old Jimmy” would inevitably only be met by a cold, eerie silence. A silence all too familiar for his victims.
A year later, a rival TV company decided to make their own documentary concerning the Savile abuse claims. After some initial reluctance, Kat Ward agreed to speak to them. This time, the programme did air – and the story was huge.
Literally overnight, a man, who was, in the eyes of the British public, a national institution - as harmless as afternoon tea for many - now stood accused of crimes so heinous, that a collective air of disbelief began to descend, as people struggled to reconcile the claims with his cheery image as a children’s champion and charity fundraiser.
However, over the following days, more women came forward. Any disbelief soon vanished. Within a week, the list of potential victims had soared into the hundreds. Prime Minister David Cameron sought to appease a growing public demand for the posthumous revocation of his knighthood, and the Metropolitan Police publicly acknowledged Savile as a “predatory sex offender”. No tears were shed as his gravestone was demolished.
His victims must have thought they’d never see the day.
But Kat Ward had long given up hope of justice anyway. After suffering a tormented early childhood, in which she was abused by her family, she eventually found herself shuttled between care homes and approved schools; institutions that promised a sanctuary from abuse, but all too often seemed to sponsor it.
Many decades later, and after a life marred by depression, she was persuaded by a psychiatrist to write about her experiences, in the hope that doing so might be cathartic. She obliged, and last year her debut offering, “KERI” - in which she recounts her earliest years - took literary circles by surprise, as it became an international bestseller.
And now, in this much-anticipated volume, she recounts her early-mid teen years; no longer a small child, but a girl on the cusp of adolescence. Still traumatized by her early experiences, but not entirely without that sense of vague hope that is the inalienable property of youth.
Now at Duncroft Approved School for “emotionally disturbed girls”, her life had come to resemble that of a prisoner; a good day was a bad one and a bad day was horrific. A pattern interrupted only by the periodic visits of a certain creepy old man in a shiny tracksuit, with a pocket full of a cigars and a caravan full of demands.
There were Rolls-Royce trips to London. There were jaunts to TV studios. And, of course, for Kat, as with most of the girls, there were dreams of a brighter future. But despite all the promises, there was simply no way out. For at almost every turn, another nefarious character was waiting to take advantage of the girls that no-one would believe anyway.
Now you can read her full story here. No punches pulled; no stone left unturned. Just the truth, committed to paper over many years, in the hope that it might help inspire the brave, enlighten the misled and heal the abused…
WARNING: contains passages some readers may find disturbing.
639 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2012
251 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 15, 2012
I finished Keri on Friday night and bought and read Keri Karin today. Wow. I didn't expect the child to survive passed 14. She was embroiled in the organised pimping of children in care that is being so strenuously denied at present. Her teenage mirrors my own somewhat and I#m waiting on tenter hooks for the next episode.
December 26, 2012
As good a read as the first book, this one is a little less dark and depressing. It actually contains some funny moments, and you can't help feeling like you are there, with Keri, throughout her journey.
Keri Karin picks up exactly where the first book ended and it ends right where I imagine the next one will start. Looking forward to reading the next volume to learn what happens next in Keri's life.
Highly recommended if you enjoyed the first book. And if you haven't read the first one, start there first. I'm willing to bet you'll want to read Keri Karin right after.
Keri Karin picks up exactly where the first book ended and it ends right where I imagine the next one will start. Looking forward to reading the next volume to learn what happens next in Keri's life.
Highly recommended if you enjoyed the first book. And if you haven't read the first one, start there first. I'm willing to bet you'll want to read Keri Karin right after.
December 9, 2012
A truly inspiring story of courage, a must read as is the first book of Kat's life 'Keri'
June 9, 2016
This is the third book of Kat Ward's shocking autobiography and begins where she arrives at Duncroft - an Approved School for intelligent but 'emotionally disturbed' girls. It is hard to believe that this sort of regime was still the norm at this time (I am a similar age to the author) where girls were under lock and key and handed out drugs like Lithium as if they were sweets. In fact, one of the staff there refers to the drugs as their 'sweeties'.
This is the part of the author's autobiography where Keri and the other girls are taken out in Jimmy Savile’s sports car on the promise of trips to London to appear on his show in return for sexual favours. It actually only forms a small section of the book but it is very easy to see how girls of this age at this time were lured in this way. Keri got to meet celebrities, some of them abusive, but some of them kind, respectful and intelligent, like David Bowie! (And here I have to admit complete envy because although I saw David Bowie twice in concert, once during his Ziggy Stardust tour, to have spent an hour talking to the Thin White Duke would have been a dream come true!) I was also an obsessive fan of Wimbledon at the same time as Keri (and in the years to follow although again I didn’t go to see a live game until 1989 and didn’t get to meet the players in the same way as Keri did.) But Keri is invited up there by one of the teachers at Duncroft since she has shown a penchant for tennis. She is lucky enough to meet some of the players, like Nastase, Borg and Connors!
In spite of the regime at Duncroft, Keri knows where she stands and is happy there. It’s only when she has to go home to spend time with her abusive mother that all the old anxieties and fears come flooding back. But when she is alone with her Nana she can relax more and be herself.
At the age of sixteen Keri moves on to the hostel, Norman Lodge, where there are no bars, and girls have more freedom and independence as they are all working. Keri strikes up a bond with Candice and enjoys her work in an office where she has no shortage of offers of dates including with her boss! She also meets art gallery owner, Gregory, who’s not only interested in Keri’s artwork. Keri’s to endure more shocks and horrors as she tries to explore her sexuality and what it is to be ‘normal’.
Kat Ward has an extraordinary writing talent and keeps you turning the pages, even as you know there will be some more horrific challenges for her to overcome. I always want to know what happens to her in the next phase of her life.
This is the part of the author's autobiography where Keri and the other girls are taken out in Jimmy Savile’s sports car on the promise of trips to London to appear on his show in return for sexual favours. It actually only forms a small section of the book but it is very easy to see how girls of this age at this time were lured in this way. Keri got to meet celebrities, some of them abusive, but some of them kind, respectful and intelligent, like David Bowie! (And here I have to admit complete envy because although I saw David Bowie twice in concert, once during his Ziggy Stardust tour, to have spent an hour talking to the Thin White Duke would have been a dream come true!) I was also an obsessive fan of Wimbledon at the same time as Keri (and in the years to follow although again I didn’t go to see a live game until 1989 and didn’t get to meet the players in the same way as Keri did.) But Keri is invited up there by one of the teachers at Duncroft since she has shown a penchant for tennis. She is lucky enough to meet some of the players, like Nastase, Borg and Connors!
In spite of the regime at Duncroft, Keri knows where she stands and is happy there. It’s only when she has to go home to spend time with her abusive mother that all the old anxieties and fears come flooding back. But when she is alone with her Nana she can relax more and be herself.
At the age of sixteen Keri moves on to the hostel, Norman Lodge, where there are no bars, and girls have more freedom and independence as they are all working. Keri strikes up a bond with Candice and enjoys her work in an office where she has no shortage of offers of dates including with her boss! She also meets art gallery owner, Gregory, who’s not only interested in Keri’s artwork. Keri’s to endure more shocks and horrors as she tries to explore her sexuality and what it is to be ‘normal’.
Kat Ward has an extraordinary writing talent and keeps you turning the pages, even as you know there will be some more horrific challenges for her to overcome. I always want to know what happens to her in the next phase of her life.
April 1, 2016
Because Kat endured....Because she shared!
Kats writing continues to entice you with the way Keri's life continues to unfold. The journey is well worth the time it takes to join her. Indeed, Kats writing is above standard, and it lacks the foul words so often associated with books relating such abuse and pain. I personally found this refreshing. Kat refuses to play the victim card all the time. She often lays claim to stupidity on her part for the mistakes one without the baggage she has, might well find normal for one her age. This Part 3 was much easier on the heart but still most difficult to put down. Do continue with me to Part 4. I feel certain we won't be sorry.
Kats writing continues to entice you with the way Keri's life continues to unfold. The journey is well worth the time it takes to join her. Indeed, Kats writing is above standard, and it lacks the foul words so often associated with books relating such abuse and pain. I personally found this refreshing. Kat refuses to play the victim card all the time. She often lays claim to stupidity on her part for the mistakes one without the baggage she has, might well find normal for one her age. This Part 3 was much easier on the heart but still most difficult to put down. Do continue with me to Part 4. I feel certain we won't be sorry.
July 22, 2016
Riveting series
I just cannot believe that one poor child went through all the hell Keri went through. The fact that it never ceased, no one really helped her, & the people who should have gotten her out of this hell just kept turning their backs on her just blows my mind. God help me for this comment but I hope Keri's mother is living a miserable life & suffering everyday for the awful disgusting things she did & allowed to happen. Keri has to be one of the strongest people who has ever lived. I wish more than anything I could have been there for her. I would have helped somehow. Bless her. I am going to finish the last few books & I am so hoping that she finds some happiness in the end.
I just cannot believe that one poor child went through all the hell Keri went through. The fact that it never ceased, no one really helped her, & the people who should have gotten her out of this hell just kept turning their backs on her just blows my mind. God help me for this comment but I hope Keri's mother is living a miserable life & suffering everyday for the awful disgusting things she did & allowed to happen. Keri has to be one of the strongest people who has ever lived. I wish more than anything I could have been there for her. I would have helped somehow. Bless her. I am going to finish the last few books & I am so hoping that she finds some happiness in the end.
July 30, 2015
Again, the writing of this author has left me intrigued and needing more!
This story is painful, depressing, and down right sad. If this was happening now, there is no doubt Milly's bum would be in jail or dead from revenge. May God help Keri find peace in her lifetime.
Now I must go on to the next book. For I am addicted and wanting to read of revenge!
This story is painful, depressing, and down right sad. If this was happening now, there is no doubt Milly's bum would be in jail or dead from revenge. May God help Keri find peace in her lifetime.
Now I must go on to the next book. For I am addicted and wanting to read of revenge!
Read
January 23, 2014Couldn't put it down!!
I have seldom read a book that I absolutely hated to put down. Keri draws you into her life in a way that you are completely sharing her experiences. So many episodes of raw emotion that will bring you to tears. Definitely worth the read!
I have seldom read a book that I absolutely hated to put down. Keri draws you into her life in a way that you are completely sharing her experiences. So many episodes of raw emotion that will bring you to tears. Definitely worth the read!
February 5, 2013
This poor girl and what she went through, yet came out the other side...
September 26, 2013
fab reading gr8 author
February 11, 2014
Continued
I don't often find a book that I can't put down. This is one that o quite literally couldn't. excellent.
I don't often find a book that I can't put down. This is one that o quite literally couldn't. excellent.
April 13, 2016
An amazing woman , amazes me how much she went they and made it out alive. Amazing story of survival.
December 30, 2014
Great read
Loved the books because it shows things do happen that people don't know about sad but true ...touching to go thru this
Loved the books because it shows things do happen that people don't know about sad but true ...touching to go thru this
March 8, 2015
Great
On to the next book can't wait to see how she gets along on her own. Part 3 helps get into the real feelings of distress along with some happiness.
On to the next book can't wait to see how she gets along on her own. Part 3 helps get into the real feelings of distress along with some happiness.
April 24, 2015
Great book
This series is so touching. You really feel what the people feel. I cried, laughed and sat in wonder. It's hard to except children really live these lives.
This series is so touching. You really feel what the people feel. I cried, laughed and sat in wonder. It's hard to except children really live these lives.
March 4, 2017
Good
Keri's life story of abuse continues, still addicting. Can't wait to read her next book! This book describes her teenage years.
Keri's life story of abuse continues, still addicting. Can't wait to read her next book! This book describes her teenage years.
September 21, 2019
Great read
Wow I cannot put it down I'm now gonna read all the others in the collection. Shes got strength x
Wow I cannot put it down I'm now gonna read all the others in the collection. Shes got strength x
September 5, 2023
Best author I have come across in my 43 years alive.
I was not just a reader, I was there, at every moment. I walked beside Keri. I sat in the room watching her life unfold in front of my very eyes.
Never before have I been so absorbed in a story as I was reading these books.
I never wanted them to end.
I've not been able to find any book that can grab my interest so intensely these books did.
Definitely worth reading, although expect to do little else once you start
I was not just a reader, I was there, at every moment. I walked beside Keri. I sat in the room watching her life unfold in front of my very eyes.
Never before have I been so absorbed in a story as I was reading these books.
I never wanted them to end.
I've not been able to find any book that can grab my interest so intensely these books did.
Definitely worth reading, although expect to do little else once you start
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
Great book
I have read part 1,2, and now 3. I can't put it down. It's very sad but a great y.
I have read part 1,2, and now 3. I can't put it down. It's very sad but a great y.
Read
February 20, 2021This is a great book. There are 7 or 8 in the series and I am on number 3. I would reccommend this book to anyone who has been in an abusive family, relationship or home.
September 20, 2021
What a horrible childhood
Read
December 11, 2022Spellbinding. Makes you want to read further.
April 13, 2016
Great follow up from the first book!
April 13, 2016
good book!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews