Too Many Tears

by Fiona Doyle

As heard on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour 'Ireland and its people know that Fiona Doyle is a trailblazer' Sunday Independent 'A wrenching read ... Doyle resists giving her story a Hollywood gloss' Irish Independent '[A] hopeful, horrific read' Ray D'Arcy, Today FM 'A testament to her resolve and courage. A remarkable story by a remarkable woman' Irish Times 'Always inspirational' National Women's Council of Ireland @NWCI 'Fiona Doyle is a hero' Roisin Ingle @roisiningle 'Well worth reading' Colette Fitzpatrick, MidWeek, TV3 Too Many Tears is the moving and inspiring story of how Fiona Doyle came through the agony and humiliation of being sexually abused by her father, how she foudn the strength to seek justice, and how she coped when, at the final hurdle, it appeared that he was about to escape prison. For as long as she can remember, and well into her teens, Fiona's father raped and abused her. Her mother blamed Fiona for leading him on. The effects on her life were catastrophic. Fiona first reported her father, Patrick O'Brien, to the authorities in the early nineties but the police investigation went nowhere. She made a second complaint in 2010 and this time, it appeared, O'Brien would face the consequences of his crimes . He, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting his daughter and Fiona assumed the next time she came to court, he would be going to jail. Instead, shockingly, having suspended nine years of a twelve-year sentence, the judge released O'Brien on bail. Three days later, following a national outcry and questions in parliament, the presiding judge expressed his 'profound regret' to Fiona Doyle and sent O'Brien to jail. Too Many Tears is Fiona Doyle's story of abuse and its aftermath - the turmoil and isolation she experienced as a child and young girl, the devastating price she continued to pay in her adult life, and how finally she had the courage and tenacity to take on her father - and the authorities - to make him face up to what he had done. It is a startling and inspiring story of survival and hope against the odds.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2013

Reviews

[Paw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Books title really does sum up this book completely, from been sexualy, phyand mentally abused all her childhood and adult life.

I really do feel for Fiona and am happy she seemed justice after so many heartbreaking years of been let down.

5 outstanding 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, a story that needs to be told but not an easy story to read. Fiona’s braveness and perseverance in recovering from such a tough start in life is amazing.

[Gail murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but your ask yourself why so many times

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona Doyle is an increadibly strong person who has verbalized her experience for the better of an entire country's legal system. While it doesn't feel like it at times to her (per writing in this book), Doyle fearlessly has not let the bad win, has shown her kiddos what brave is, and helped so many survivors.

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of the author as she honestly and openly shares with us her abusive childhood. Her father betrayed her trust on an almost daily basis; while her mother did nothing to help or support her; often blaming the child for the abuse. In spite of this, Fiona grew into a strong and loving woman; who after many years , eventually got her day in court. I could not put this book down. There were parts of it that reminded me of my own childhood. I was left feeling that if she can stand up to her bullies,then so can I.

[M]

Can't believe what this woman went through, not just the abuse but afterwards and when she tried to get justice. Very brave. His sentence was extended today, shouldn't have taken so many years for him to be punished.

[Sandra Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

She stood up for her self

I hope that this book will show anyone that they can get help with abuse but it is not easy but they have to keep fighting in order to ever be able to live a life and be happy. You never forget but maybe you can move on.

[Alex Delogu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful read and a useful insight into the unpleasant but real world of abuse.

[Rachel Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unreal as to how Fiona survived this horrendous abuse from her father and yet still felt so much sympathy when he got sentenced. a powerful read.