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Girl for Sale: The Truth from the Girl Trafficked and Abused by the Oxford Sex Ring
One girl's heartbreaking and shocking true story about Oxford's evil sex ring and the fight to bring her abusers to justice.
At the vulnerable age of 13, Lara McDonnell was picked out by a gang of men who befriended her, showered her with attention and gained her trust. Manipulated and groomed, her life quickly spiralled out of control as the men trafficked her around the country, deliberately keeping her compliant with drink and drugs. Deeply disturbed, and frightened about what the gang would do to her if she tried to break free, it would take over 4 years for Lara to find the strength to fight back, flee Oxford and escape her nightmare.
This is her heartbreaking story.
At the vulnerable age of 13, Lara McDonnell was picked out by a gang of men who befriended her, showered her with attention and gained her trust. Manipulated and groomed, her life quickly spiralled out of control as the men trafficked her around the country, deliberately keeping her compliant with drink and drugs. Deeply disturbed, and frightened about what the gang would do to her if she tried to break free, it would take over 4 years for Lara to find the strength to fight back, flee Oxford and escape her nightmare.
This is her heartbreaking story.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2015
154 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 11, 2020
I have to congratulate Lara for writing this book. Talk about a lost childhood. She goes over her early life and parents at the time. Drugs and violence are the order of the day. That does not end for Lara until many years later.
She is brutally honest, it appears, in her words. She needed to write this book she later tells us. Grooming. Once again, a vulnerable young girl is picked off the street, literally, and plied with drink and drugs (crack cocaine) and then it is payback time. She is 13 years old.
It is horrifying. Lara was trafficked around the country to be raped and abused by adult men. The gang were brazen. They knew they were untouchable. They could do whatever they liked, they felt, and would not be bothered by the police. How right they were. I have no idea what my blood pressure hit when reading this. What a disgrace the authorities are.
Lara does not go into as much detail as other books of this ilk. I imagine it is quite difficult remembering anything when you are on crack cocaine.
This book should be read by every police officer and social services worker in England. Lara goes over the signs of what a young child who has been groomed look like. This is a reference manual. It is that important.
She is brutally honest, it appears, in her words. She needed to write this book she later tells us. Grooming. Once again, a vulnerable young girl is picked off the street, literally, and plied with drink and drugs (crack cocaine) and then it is payback time. She is 13 years old.
It is horrifying. Lara was trafficked around the country to be raped and abused by adult men. The gang were brazen. They knew they were untouchable. They could do whatever they liked, they felt, and would not be bothered by the police. How right they were. I have no idea what my blood pressure hit when reading this. What a disgrace the authorities are.
Lara does not go into as much detail as other books of this ilk. I imagine it is quite difficult remembering anything when you are on crack cocaine.
This book should be read by every police officer and social services worker in England. Lara goes over the signs of what a young child who has been groomed look like. This is a reference manual. It is that important.
August 16, 2018
Great that I pick this book up!
My rating is based on plot development
Kudos to the author for stepping out of her comfort zone! The world is even better when broken people walk out getting stronger and helping others in need.
The issue with the plot was about how Lara kept going back to the ring despite being saved multiple times. Based on plot development, it became repetitive. On the other hand, based on a personal story, the details are a must have.
On the whole, I definitely understand the importance of a healthy childhood. Illegal activities as such still exist in the world but it could be even better if everyone can alert the authorities/ kin whenever a suspicious event occur.
Thank you for being brave and embracing your past.
My rating is based on plot development
Kudos to the author for stepping out of her comfort zone! The world is even better when broken people walk out getting stronger and helping others in need.
The issue with the plot was about how Lara kept going back to the ring despite being saved multiple times. Based on plot development, it became repetitive. On the other hand, based on a personal story, the details are a must have.
On the whole, I definitely understand the importance of a healthy childhood. Illegal activities as such still exist in the world but it could be even better if everyone can alert the authorities/ kin whenever a suspicious event occur.
Thank you for being brave and embracing your past.
December 19, 2016
Very shocking, disturbing and sad.
This grooming epidemic needs to be stopped. Now.
This grooming epidemic needs to be stopped. Now.
December 24, 2017
I was aware of the ring that operated in Rochdale, but never expected it in Oxford; as Lara says people imagine the spires and seats of education rather than the grimy crack houses. This type of crime; the grooming and trafficking of our young is getting too commonplace. It cannot have been easy for Lara to relive both her formative years and her years from when the paedophile ring got their clutches into her. I ask myself why do I read such books of torment and and if just one book like this helps identify the signs and save others then it isn't in vain. These children deserve a voice and deserve justice. I wish you every happiness in the future Lara.
October 22, 2018
This book is a heartbreaking story about a young girl who grows up poor and neglected, and gets lured in to child trafficking. We all think of "trafficking" as something that doesn't happen in our own country, or something where children are shipped off to another country, but it can happen domestically. Although this book is based in England, this could, and does, happen anywhere. And it happens while Lara is living with a loving adoptive mother.
Kudos to Lara for sharing her story - such a brave thing to do and it makes for a good read.
Kudos to Lara for sharing her story - such a brave thing to do and it makes for a good read.
December 20, 2017
Not the sort of thing I would normally pick but I read this book for work, to help better understand the complexities from a victim of CSE’s point of view. Well written without sensationalising the terrible experience. Certainly helped with understanding the failures of professionals and also recognise the behaviour and emotional impact CSE has on those affected. Lara is very brave in her telling of her experience and I wish her the very best for her future.
June 24, 2018
Good book, a very honest and heartfelt book. Not normally the sort of book I would read but I’m glad I read this and stepped out to see the world in which she grew up in. Made me cry so many times and it’s so harrowing but what a brave and inspirational character she is.
January 24, 2018
Good book
Open our eyes to abuse tat no child or adult should face. Glad these men got wat they all deserved. Some people are sickening
Open our eyes to abuse tat no child or adult should face. Glad these men got wat they all deserved. Some people are sickening
May 21, 2023
Shocking maybe if she had a better mother life would of been different
August 11, 2019
Fantastic read
This true story gripped me from start to finish. I could not put it down . Told from the heart with gut wrenching detail but with such bravery. Excellent.
This true story gripped me from start to finish. I could not put it down . Told from the heart with gut wrenching detail but with such bravery. Excellent.
February 20, 2018
brought up in a violent and dysfunctional family Lara is eventually rescued then sent to a number of unsuitable foster homes. eventually she is adopted by a woman who cares deeply for her. at first things seem fine then Lara gets sucked into a gang who are basically paedophiles and exploit her using her as a prostitute for other paedophiles getting her hooked on drink and drugs. her mother tries all she can to get her away from the gang but the hold on her is too strong. in the end Lara falls pregnant which buys her time away then by the time they can use her again she is starting to get too old for their uses. in the end the mother moves them away from the area for a fresh start. things start to work out then the police arrive and ask Lara to give a statement about the men to help get a prosecution against the gang. after a long investigation and trial justice is gradually done.
this is a haunting book and one you will never forget. it is quite sad how easily gangs like this thrive and seem to seek out vunerable members of society well worth reading
this is a haunting book and one you will never forget. it is quite sad how easily gangs like this thrive and seem to seek out vunerable members of society well worth reading
September 6, 2019
So captivating.
The way that she describes being in the system and growing up with abusive parents is not only heartbreaking, but true to reality. I had to put the book down while reading the chapter "Sam the rapist" because it was so intense, that chapter had me in tears. By far one of the better books I've read of this genre. This book is right next to "the incest diary" for me, heartbreaking, but also an incredible read.
The way that she describes being in the system and growing up with abusive parents is not only heartbreaking, but true to reality. I had to put the book down while reading the chapter "Sam the rapist" because it was so intense, that chapter had me in tears. By far one of the better books I've read of this genre. This book is right next to "the incest diary" for me, heartbreaking, but also an incredible read.
September 18, 2020
I’ve made it a bit of a mission to read books that tell the story of the British grooming child exploitation rings, and this story is set around the Oxford ring. It is so important we know about these rings and the signs to look out for. The contents of her book, reflect her horrific experience and describe the characters of the men involved. It is enough to disgust and appal any decent human being. She was “girl 3” in the subsequent trial that gripped the nation, so horrific was her testimony that a grown man on the jury was left in tears and it helped land 4 men a life sentence. Although police and social services have undergone much more training since These cases came to light (Oxford, Telford, Halifax, Rochdale and more) Still these rings operate, still young girls are abused. There is something that one cannot help asking when reading these stories, and that is around the culture that breeds such disrespect and disregard of female children. Who brings these men up, how inter generational is this ingrained belief That females are there to be used and mistreated, how can this be changed? (The answer to who brings these men up was partly answered in Holly Archers book I Never Gave My Consent: A Schoolgirl's Life Inside the Telford Sex Ring In the chapter entitled “Kev” where Holly met Farouk.) I would like to follow this book up with You Can't Have My Daughter which is written by Lara’s mother who was trying to fight for Lara while all this was going on. Thanks go to Lara for sharing her story and explaining to us what goes through a child’s mind when subject to the abuse of these nasty, twisted men who practice a form of psychological control over children for their own sick and perverted needs.
October 5, 2018
Eliana Katoch
October 5, 2018
Book review
Girl for sale, Lara Mcdonnell
Summary
The shocking story of Lara Mcdonnell’s life gives you perspective on what’s hidden in the streets of Oxford. Raised in a neglectful and abusive home, Lara is eventually placed into the foster care system at 4 years old. After years of being in the system, she is adopted and moved to Oxford. Due to her lack of a structured childhood, Lara talks with men much older than her. She eventually ends up trapped in a gang of pediphioes at 12 years old and sold repeatedly. Police and Lara’s mom are worried about her constant running away and reckless behavior but can’t do anything unless she exposes the gang. At 16 Lara falls pregnant. Will Lara escape repetitive behaviour of the the gang and raise her child in a safe environment?
Overview
Girl for Sale shines a light on a topic that is hard to talk about. If I wouldn’t have read this, I wouldn’t have known what it would mean to be abused. While I was reading this book my heart went out to Lara and girls who feel trapped like Lara.
Cons of the book
I would have enjoyed this book more if it had less grammatical errors.
Offensive Content
There were many graphic scenes in this book that can be seen as graphic, such as abuse and rape.
Pros of the Book
Girl for sale was very powerful; each chapter strung a chord in my heart. I especially appreciated how personal Lara was with the reader, as if she was pouring her heart out into her diary. From Lara’s perspective, writing this had to of been hard, bringing bad memories to light; I can not imagine the amount of courage it must’ve taken to write this book.
“As I closed the door behind me I tried to understand how my life had become the misery it was. I was a slave, I was sold - I was just 13.” (Mcdonnell 66)
October 5, 2018
Book review
Girl for sale, Lara Mcdonnell
Summary
The shocking story of Lara Mcdonnell’s life gives you perspective on what’s hidden in the streets of Oxford. Raised in a neglectful and abusive home, Lara is eventually placed into the foster care system at 4 years old. After years of being in the system, she is adopted and moved to Oxford. Due to her lack of a structured childhood, Lara talks with men much older than her. She eventually ends up trapped in a gang of pediphioes at 12 years old and sold repeatedly. Police and Lara’s mom are worried about her constant running away and reckless behavior but can’t do anything unless she exposes the gang. At 16 Lara falls pregnant. Will Lara escape repetitive behaviour of the the gang and raise her child in a safe environment?
Overview
Girl for Sale shines a light on a topic that is hard to talk about. If I wouldn’t have read this, I wouldn’t have known what it would mean to be abused. While I was reading this book my heart went out to Lara and girls who feel trapped like Lara.
Cons of the book
I would have enjoyed this book more if it had less grammatical errors.
Offensive Content
There were many graphic scenes in this book that can be seen as graphic, such as abuse and rape.
Pros of the Book
Girl for sale was very powerful; each chapter strung a chord in my heart. I especially appreciated how personal Lara was with the reader, as if she was pouring her heart out into her diary. From Lara’s perspective, writing this had to of been hard, bringing bad memories to light; I can not imagine the amount of courage it must’ve taken to write this book.
“As I closed the door behind me I tried to understand how my life had become the misery it was. I was a slave, I was sold - I was just 13.” (Mcdonnell 66)
January 11, 2020
According to the Liberty Project, “Human Trafficking is the third most profitable criminal activity in the world (after drugs and arms trafficking) making US $10 billion every year.” Only 1-2% of trafficking victims are ever rescued. THIS MUST STOP. We must get educated on the subject and help those individuals that have become victims to this horrible act. www.humanrightsfirst.org offers resources, information and how to take action. The more knowledge we can obtain about this subject, the safer our community will be.
“Girl For Sale- The Truth from the Girl Trafficked and Abused by the Oxford Sex Ring”, by Lara McDonnell is a tragic and honest look at the world and how individuals can get trapped into trafficking.
This frightening story tells how the author at a young age was trapped by a gang in which they gained her trust and then quickly placed her in an unimaginable world with alcohol, drugs and sex. By threatening the safety of herself and those she cared about, they were able to control her life for an unimaginable amount of time.
A reader will never be the same after this book. It is a MUST READ for every parent of teenagers and I believe, though a harsh topic, probably a an important read for teenagers as well. As dark and scary as this topic is, the numbers are too high to hide behind. Education and knowledge on the subject are our true weapons.
@fourseasonreader
“Girl For Sale- The Truth from the Girl Trafficked and Abused by the Oxford Sex Ring”, by Lara McDonnell is a tragic and honest look at the world and how individuals can get trapped into trafficking.
This frightening story tells how the author at a young age was trapped by a gang in which they gained her trust and then quickly placed her in an unimaginable world with alcohol, drugs and sex. By threatening the safety of herself and those she cared about, they were able to control her life for an unimaginable amount of time.
A reader will never be the same after this book. It is a MUST READ for every parent of teenagers and I believe, though a harsh topic, probably a an important read for teenagers as well. As dark and scary as this topic is, the numbers are too high to hide behind. Education and knowledge on the subject are our true weapons.
@fourseasonreader
April 17, 2021
What an amazing book! I have so much respect and admiration for Lara and what she went through from the very start of her life with her birth family and then being moved around like an object by the social services. It’s such an eye opener of how it used to be in the early 2000s. Then the gang getting her sucked in and seeing honestly how easy it was for a vulnerable child to be trafficked like this. Some of the awful things they did to her and the psychological abuse at the same time. I’m not surprised she didn’t speak up. I was literally telling her to go and get out when she started to see what the gang were really like and my heart broke when she went back. I’m so glad she got out when she did because I agree with Lara that she probably would’ve been killed for knowing too much and the thought of her not being here for her son and to share her story completely breaks my heart. I’m so glad they got the sentences they deserved and hope something changes by then and life really does mean life.
October 3, 2018
Brave
I cannot fathom the amount of courage it must have taken to write this book, going through all those horrible memories that scar you for a lifetime. I have never read a book of this sort before. Knowing that it was the true story of the author's life made it very hard to read. As I went through the pages, I felt devastated for the little girl who had no one to care for her except her siblings who were almost the same age as her. And just when I started to feel the rays of hope when finally she got adopted by an amazing woman, I saw slowly how horror unfolded for her and her mother. Those terrible demons deserved more than they got for depriving all those young girls of their adolescence. I am proud of Lara, it must have taken so much strength to fight back for a normal happy life. I wish all the best for her and her children.
I cannot fathom the amount of courage it must have taken to write this book, going through all those horrible memories that scar you for a lifetime. I have never read a book of this sort before. Knowing that it was the true story of the author's life made it very hard to read. As I went through the pages, I felt devastated for the little girl who had no one to care for her except her siblings who were almost the same age as her. And just when I started to feel the rays of hope when finally she got adopted by an amazing woman, I saw slowly how horror unfolded for her and her mother. Those terrible demons deserved more than they got for depriving all those young girls of their adolescence. I am proud of Lara, it must have taken so much strength to fight back for a normal happy life. I wish all the best for her and her children.
August 2, 2024
This is Reality
Sexual abuse of innocent children whether to a girl or boy happens across all races and all socioeconomic levels. I read this book to get a better understanding of the psychology behind this atrocity. Lara’s account helps to explain how people end up drug addicts, prostitutes and living on the streets. We can’t help them if we don’t understand what goes on in their minds. Lara, thank you for sharing your story with us.
Sexual abuse of innocent children whether to a girl or boy happens across all races and all socioeconomic levels. I read this book to get a better understanding of the psychology behind this atrocity. Lara’s account helps to explain how people end up drug addicts, prostitutes and living on the streets. We can’t help them if we don’t understand what goes on in their minds. Lara, thank you for sharing your story with us.
May 22, 2017
Eye Opening
It is shocking and sad to read these true life stories of young girls abused so terribly in life. To know that a girl could be living this life right under the noses of adults is hard to accept. It opens eyes to horrors that a human being should never live, much less a child. The book sheds light and brings awareness to a situation all too prevalent these days.
It is shocking and sad to read these true life stories of young girls abused so terribly in life. To know that a girl could be living this life right under the noses of adults is hard to accept. It opens eyes to horrors that a human being should never live, much less a child. The book sheds light and brings awareness to a situation all too prevalent these days.
December 29, 2017
Heartbreaking
A heartbreaking in site to the shocking reality of trafficking and exploitation. Lara is an inspiration to many and a strong person who in the end realised that us victims aren't to blame for the perpetrators behaviours and ill treatment of us. I mean how can child wish for any of what she and other went through to happen?!
A heartbreaking in site to the shocking reality of trafficking and exploitation. Lara is an inspiration to many and a strong person who in the end realised that us victims aren't to blame for the perpetrators behaviours and ill treatment of us. I mean how can child wish for any of what she and other went through to happen?!
April 12, 2018
Brave, strong and amazing.
What a strong and honest family unit Lara has now. Nan was just as strong as Lara. Very positive and brave to confront those evil monsters. Cowards and hope they get out of jail in a cardboard box. Lara, may you find the peace and happiness you rightfully deserve. Karin from Australia
What a strong and honest family unit Lara has now. Nan was just as strong as Lara. Very positive and brave to confront those evil monsters. Cowards and hope they get out of jail in a cardboard box. Lara, may you find the peace and happiness you rightfully deserve. Karin from Australia
June 10, 2019
What a shocking but fascinating read. I truly hope this book educates all those who read it and thank you Lara for writing it. I'm so sorry you went through such an awful life, but you came out the other side a much stronger and better person and your experiences have shaped you into becoming the woman you are today. Well done for getting through this and good luck for the future.
February 23, 2020
Hard read
Another extremely upsetting story from a young woman caught in sex trafficking, that to me bring up question, how can these things happens? Quite rightly these girls ARE NOT at fault but there is something completely scewed up with our system that this can ever happen to anyone let alone a child
Another extremely upsetting story from a young woman caught in sex trafficking, that to me bring up question, how can these things happens? Quite rightly these girls ARE NOT at fault but there is something completely scewed up with our system that this can ever happen to anyone let alone a child
August 2, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down. It was heartbreaking and infuriating to read how many people abused this poor girl. I kept turning the pages, hoping for some justice or a glimmer of hope. I'm glad there were some decent prison sentences handed out (though honestly, they still didn’t feel long enough). A powerful, emotional read that stays with you.
July 10, 2017
Educational
Fabulous way of educating people about the signs of sexual abuse and trafficking. The sec trade is unfortunately very active and understanding it in order to end it is key.
Fabulous way of educating people about the signs of sexual abuse and trafficking. The sec trade is unfortunately very active and understanding it in order to end it is key.
January 24, 2023
A harrowing account of a girls stolen childhood. She is lucky to have been given a mum who never gave up on her and finally found the courage to stand up to the vile scumbags who tainted her childhood with experiences nobody should ever have to experience
March 2, 2025
This book was an excellent, though very heartbreaking, first hand account. It’s definitely a story that should be read, Lara gives us a poignant perspective and many facets of all the elements that contributed to how young girls can fall prey to disgusting and cruel people in this world.
April 22, 2025
I read this book and every page had me crying that this is how some men treat women like they are a toy she has been abused in so many ways but I am glad she is safe and hope to see more books written by this amazing women.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2026
Bright future
What a courageous young woman and what an amazing lady her mam is. I wish her all the best in her future leaving behind the ugly past. Lara should be proud of herself x
What a courageous young woman and what an amazing lady her mam is. I wish her all the best in her future leaving behind the ugly past. Lara should be proud of herself x
July 30, 2017
How does one review a telling of such atrocities?
I'm amazed at the resilience and strength of this young girl
I hope her future holds nothing but peace and happiness
I'm amazed at the resilience and strength of this young girl
I hope her future holds nothing but peace and happiness
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews