Tell Me Why, Mummy

by David Thomas

'Most of the time, I thought I had the best mummy in the whole world. But then she'd change...'
A heartbreaking story of abuse, betrayal and ultimate redemption.

From the age of four, David Thomas carried with him the most terrible secret of all-his mother was sexually abusing him every time she got drunk.

When sober, David's mother was the perfect mum, baking cookies and playing games. David adored her. But when drunk she turned into the monster of David's worst nightmares. Half dressed, she'd rampage around the house, accidentally set things on fire and nearly always abuse David.

Confusingly, when she sobered up, David's mother could never recall anything she'd done. David was completely alone with the daily horror. But things soon became even worse when his stepfather started beating him senseless.

Locked in a downward spiral of self-loathing, David did anything to try to forget life at home. Even if it meant breaking the law.

Then, one night, he saw a programme on TV that changed his life. Suddenly he found the strength to turn his back on his past and make his future worth fighting for.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Abuse, Memoir, True Story, Autobiography

321 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2008

Reviews

[Mandy Pattinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this books covers very serious safeguarding issues, it was brilliantly written. I could not put the book down.

[Sharryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A true story of childhood abuse by a mother of her son, written by the victim himself.
This book touches on many taboo subjects, sexual abuse, alcoholism, mental abuse and physical abuse.
It reflects on the life of David Thomas from early childhood into his adult years and how he coped with his childhood traumas inflicted by his mother and step father.
For those that have endured such abuse it’s a little to close to home and for those that haven’t it’s an eye opener.
I don’t think it’s fair to rate the story itself seeing as it’s true and actually what a victim went through but I found myself getting lost in some of the times and places being written about that I thought details were a little wishy washy.
After finishing this book I did Google the author to see how he is getting on now and was pleased to read he is quite successful in life.

[Mila Nights · Rating 3 out of 5]

CONTENT and/or TRIGGER WARNINGS
This book contains themes that might be sensitive or potentially distressing to some readers, including child sexual abuse, child abuse, alcoholism, mental health, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, emotional abuse and trauma.


Summary
'Tell Me Why, Mummy' is a heartbreaking memoir by David Thomas. It recounts his harrowing childhood experiences and his journey to overcome the trauma he endured. The book focuses on the Thomas' relationship with his mother, who harboured a shameful secret that had a profound impact on his life. The story delves into themes of child abuse, neglect, family dysfunction, and the emotional toll of growing up in a challenging environment. As the author confronts the memories of his past, he grapples with forgiveness and healing. The memoir explores the power of resilience and the human capacity to find strength in the face of adversity. It's a candid and emotionally charged account of a difficult upbringing and the process of coming to terms with the past.


Review
Thomas' personal account offers an intimate glimpse into the emotional struggles he faced, and the narrative's strength lies in its unflinching honesty, shedding light on the devastating impact of his unstable and abusive childhood.

The author's commitment to raising awareness about mental health after dealing with trauma is commendable, and the book succeeds in fostering empathy for those dealing with such issues. The personal anecdotes provide a humanising touch that allows readers to connect with the experiences in the household.

However, I book wasn’t as well written as it could have been. I was hard to tell if the author was speaking about events from his point of view as an adult or as it would have felt when he was a child.

The book's emotional resonance is undeniable, the heavy subject matter may be overwhelming for some readers. It's important to approach the book with caution if you are sensitive to themes mentioned above in the trigger warnings.

In summary, 'Tell Me Why, Mummy' offers an honest account of the impact of his mental health and development during and after his traumatic experiences. This memoir is likely to resonate with those interested in personal stories that tackle the challenges of mental health head-on.

3/5 ⭐️

[Alex tizzard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what to think about this book.
Firstly, yes, it was very sad and tragic, but on the other hand it was very poorly written and very repetitious.
Secondly, it was boring as hell. It really needed a good editor - cut that crap out!
Finally, it felt like it was written by a 12 year old. Again, it needed an editor (or at least a better editor). "Oh I really want the jumper". It felt really juvenile to me.

This guy really needed therapy, and the poor thing never received it (to the best of my knowledge).

Recommendation: This is a big fat pass for me.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is heart-wrenching.loved the writer of this book couldn't put this book down.

[The Novel Vault · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a weird book to read, it's unudual that a woman sexual assult their child and that the child they assult is male is also unusual,
But whats even more unusual in this case is that we never find out whether David's mother even knew what she was doing as it only happened when she was blinded drunk.

I do fully believe that David's mum should be viewed as a pedophile because even subconsciously she knew her son was under age to start with and we even knew that it was her son in the first place as she asks for him by name: 'F**k me, David'
It wouldn't be nearly as horrific if you could kid yourself into think she didn't know it was her son not her husband when he was an adult, but to do that you need to ignore the fact that when he was a little boy she sexual abused him.

It's a sad situation because you hope he gets some kind of closure in the form of answers from her about why she did it but he doesn't.

I felt very strongly for David during this books, Atleast in his mother's death he is abused me to let go of the past.

[Shelf._.Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔰If you are looking for a healthy mother-child relationship, this book is not for you ⚠️

Honestly speaking, I bought this book from a garage sale for it’s cover, but i’m quite sure I won’t read it again ‘cause it’s sad and equally disturbing.
.
Review:
🔰David Thomas, a world memory championships medalist struggles to break free from his toxic, abusive mother. What’s worse, she wouldn’t even remember a thing she does to him when she is drunk, and the next day she is just like any normal caring mother being all sober until she gets drunk again.

🔰If you are looking for a healthy mother-child relationship, this book is not for you ⚠️
.
🔰Along with spreading awareness on physical abuse, this book highlights what a child goes through when being bullied✨

🔰The book is autobiographical, so basically the author gives you the insight on how things are beyond one’s imagination. I’ll tell you what happened to the author is beyond our worst nightmare❗️

[Weronika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel so conflicted. So much misery but woven with good times and feelings as what, because what really is life- nothing is black and white- or is it? That’s a story that sticks with you for a long time. What a vulnerable book it is. I read it in one sitting although the writing wasn’t perfect. I’d like to leave you with this great passage from the ending lines:

‘However, I can extinguish the flame and turn the hot embers of past events into ashes of oblivion. I look at my mother for the last time and free us both from the shackles of the past. The future is opening up to me slowly, gently, like the inside of an engine being revved up by my father. The nightmare fades away gradually, like the bicycle brake Reg taught me to use when he was still good to me. I come into the world again, like a pea plucked from a pod, when I was sitting in the garden with my mother that sunny day.’

[Semz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very honest in the way I leave my feedbacks, the story was very heartbreaking and disturbing and yet sad. David is an unincredible boy, such a strong minded, smart, and very wise in his thoughts as a very young boy. His story is sad. Well done for being brave and sharing your story. All though as much as i enjoyed the start half, I didn't enjoy the format of the layout from the second half. I got bored towards the middle and skipped some pages as it felt like it was repetitive and dragged on a bit too long. However, i finished it normally, i dont, but i was very curious about the ending to see how his outcome of his life ended. I am so glad he held on strong and didn't let his past stop him or defind him. Well done. You are an inspiration

[Debbie Burton-Peddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad and disturbing to think what David Thomas had to endure throughout his childhood in physical and emotional abuse. To see his struggle with poor choices throughout his teenage and young adult life and then to rise above it all with determination, courage, and great success is deeply inspiring. Through it all, he didn't let his past defeat him but instead triumphed with a forgiving heart that enabled him to live and move on.

[Tamika Hewitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

David’s story is extremely sad however I found that the book itself wasn’t written very well. There were a lot of parts that were mentioned numerous times throughout the book and I had to go back as I thought I had already read it. The best part about David’s story is how he turned his life around. It was very inspiring and in the earlier parts of the book I didn’t expect him to achieve what he eventually did achieve.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a heartbreaking story about David and the abuse he suffered from his Mother and Stepfather. I found that throughout this book he was still defending his Mum and saying all these lovely things, it just annoyed me.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a tough book to read. How this boy and then man survived as well as he did is amazing. I imagine he carries a lot of scars from the abuse he suffered as a child.

Left me with questions on how he was able to cope and whether he ever sought ongoing therapy or support.

[Shahla Kahlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't get my head out of it. Such an emotional book.. . It was quite a sad story though and it was excellent!

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

David's a brave, courageous young boy. He survived everything that happened to him and totally turned his life around. Finished Mother's Day.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad story about alcohol and child abuse. Really really sad. I recently heard David Thomas give one of his motivational lectures and it was funny, entertaining, and inspirational!

[Lora Starkings · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wonder why he never told anyone, and why it was never picked up. A deeply moving story.

[Chantellé Sieberhagen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely book. But the beginning is way to streached out. Could have been at least 100pages shorter. Loads that gets repeated

[Amaarah Noordien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and absolutely breathtaking

[Kavikse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okrutne, nie dla wrażliwych.

[Michelle Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart breaking

[Danine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

[Jacqueline Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to put down once you have started. I read it in less than 24 hours. Very honest, moving and open account of his life.

[Joelene Draper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't want to believe this could be a true story. As a fictitious read, it is harrowing...I can't comprehend it to be non-fiction.

[Paw · Rating 3 out of 5]

R.T.C

[Asha Greye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshingly this story is not your typical run-of-the-mill, abused child misery memoir. The evil that menaced the author from his earliest years when his parents divorced and his alcoholic mother turned him into a living sex toy led to his eventual fall from grace as a teen, nearly ruining his life and earning him the scorn of clueless adults, who knew nothing about his private Hell. Imagine that your father effectively abandons you by age 5 choosing to live abroad with a new family leaving your fate to chance. Imagine that you are afraid to go to sleep in your own bedroom in your own home, because your fear your hammered mother with burst in and attempt to force herself on you like you're a grown man. Imagine that your mother marries a retired man so old that he could be your grandfather and you are told to call this man 'Granddad'. Imagine your mother moves you into this man's home and people laud him, even your own father, for giving you a stable home and a real family, but your amazing 'Granddad' really does not want you around and your home life soon goes from bad to worse to nearly unbearable. Imagine you arrive home from school one day eager to tell your new 'Granddad' all about what you learned, but he resents being your babysitter and you are welcomed back to your new home by a bewildering accusation and pummeled with fists. Imagine that your 'Granddad' says by way of explanation "Right, don't cause anymore trouble or you will get it again!" Do what exactly, return from school and try to interact with the man you view as a father figure?! Imagine that a day comes that you can no longer endure your private Hell passively in silence and fall into delinquency raging against the world. Imagine all of these things and you have the author's Hellish lonely childhood when his own resilience was the only thing he could rely on to get himself through solitary days and sleepless nights.

[Leila Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a story, this book is not much different from any other childhood abuse story. Although clearly, this was not the case for the author, David, who suffered years of sexual abuse from his mother and physical abuse from his step-father. His life was traumatic and I think the worst part was that he had no one to turn to. He was alone and helpless. After a rocky adolescence he managed to succeed as an adult and I commend him for the courage it must have taken to write his story and share it with the world after carrying around such a weighty secret for about thirty years. I wish him continued healing and success.

The writing itself didn’t grip me and it is very repetitive. Each section ends with a similar phrase, something like, “But I had no idea just how bad things were about to become.” The author writes from the perspective of the age he was as he describes the incidents and perhaps because of this, dates, ages, and some facts are confusing. I was surprised when, towards the middle of the book, he mentions that his mother never gets drunk during the week, only on weekends. From previous descriptions, it sounded like she was drunk most nights. Small parts of the content may be offensive to sensitive readers as the author describes the abuse, but it’s easy to skim over these as they are written in italics.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child abuse stories are always hard to hear about whether its in the news or on tv but to read a heart wrenching account first hand from a child who grew up and wrote their own story...that was difficult..

well written and it was a struggle to read...and I still to this day do NOT understand how a parent who is supposed to LOVE and PROTECT their child could ever do this...people DO KNOW the right and wrong and to just overlook it and harm the hair on a child's head will NEVER make sense too me.

Thank you David Thomas, for writing about such a difficult time in your childhood and thank you for being a survivor!!

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas did a great job portraying his story - especially that it's a story most of us would never even dream of being in. He really got his feelings across to me during the entire book and while I questioned a few of his responses or actions, especially in the later years when he was an adult and still dealing with the repurcusions of his mothers drunken actions, I still understood why he did what he did - because he was able to give that to the reader.
This is different than any other mis-lit book I've ever read and I've read a decent amount.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was good and sad. I was so mad and angry and pissed off. At all of the adults that mistreated this little boy. But it amazed me how strong he was to keep a secret this big. He really over came a lot growing up and his life really could of went down the wrong road but he realized that and chose a more positive path which I felt was very inspiring. This book was just so heartbreaking and inspirational.