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Please Save Me: One woman's battle for love and hope
One of the most harrowing child abuse memoirs you'll ever read . . .
Please Save Me is a story of the sickening abuse to which a father subjected his daughter, which led to her giving birth to two children conceived from that abuse.
Mandy's father was seen as a pillar of society but no one knew what went on behind closed doors. From the age of 11, he raped his daughter four times a week, like clockwork, forcing himself on her even when she was pregnant. After being dismissed and ignored for years, Mandy finally found someone to believe her and help bring her father to justice. This remarkable woman now tells her story in the hope of shedding light on the horrors so many children endure, as well as exploring the stigma of conception through rape.
Mandy's is a story which will dismay any reader, but one which also offers hope and, ultimately, love.
'A wake-up call to those who turn a blind eye to the epidemic of child abuse across the globe.' Sammy Woodhouse, abuse victim, campaigner and author of Just a Child.
Please Save Me is a story of the sickening abuse to which a father subjected his daughter, which led to her giving birth to two children conceived from that abuse.
Mandy's father was seen as a pillar of society but no one knew what went on behind closed doors. From the age of 11, he raped his daughter four times a week, like clockwork, forcing himself on her even when she was pregnant. After being dismissed and ignored for years, Mandy finally found someone to believe her and help bring her father to justice. This remarkable woman now tells her story in the hope of shedding light on the horrors so many children endure, as well as exploring the stigma of conception through rape.
Mandy's is a story which will dismay any reader, but one which also offers hope and, ultimately, love.
'A wake-up call to those who turn a blind eye to the epidemic of child abuse across the globe.' Sammy Woodhouse, abuse victim, campaigner and author of Just a Child.
- GenresBiographyMental Health
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2024
21 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 3, 2024
Very sad and heartbreaking true story. I felt for Mandy so much. I can't believe people do this to children.
I couldn't believe what Mandy went through at the evil hands of her father and knowing that her mum knew from when Mandy was only 11 years old. To read that Mandy's Mum knew from the extract of the files is sickening.
I couldn't believe what Mandy went through at the evil hands of her father and knowing that her mum knew from when Mandy was only 11 years old. To read that Mandy's Mum knew from the extract of the files is sickening.
October 16, 2024
“To my Charlotte- and for everyone who feels they don’t have a voice x”
This book is so good so far but also heartbreaking. The thing is people do go through this or have been through this and it breaks my heart. And this is based on a true story 🥺
The fact that her dad thinks that it was okay to do that to daughter is absolutely disgusting.
Mandy took a bath at 11 years old (they’re only allowed one bath a week) her dad came in while the mum was giving birth to a baby girl. The dad came into the bathroom and straight away said “you got me all wet” and he stripped naked and climbed into the bathtub with Mandy. Then he asked her if she knew what an erection was and obvs she had no clue cause she was 11. While in the bath he was touching her and when he had finished, he got out of the water and left the bathroom. Meanwhile Mandy was left in the bath tub with Semen and was wondering what it was. The next night he climbed into Mandy’s bed and raped her and Mandy was confused as she didn’t bleed but then also didn’t know if it had went on other nights without knowing or can’t remember the memory of it as she was that young and didn’t want to believe it. LIKE WHAT
also Mandy’s mother walked in on Mandy and Mandy’s father when he was sexually abusing her. And the father said “sorry” to his wife but then she stated “don’t be sorry, you’ve got nothing to be sorry about, you’re a good man” ALSO SICKENING that her mother knew all along but let it happen.
Mandy then told someone what her dad had been doing to her for eight years. The person then told their auntie and Mandy thought that everything would change by then. Only it didn’t. Police and social services got involved and Mandy’s gram had told her to say that she lied about it all. Mandy felt like she had to so she told the police that it was all a lie and the police put her in a cell for the night and put it on her record for “wasting police time”. I WAS RAGING for Mandy in this chapter.
Now Mandy is pregnant, she was meeting with a boy called billy and she wanted to think that it was Billy’s baby but she knew it would be 50/50 chance that it could be her fathers. Anyway Mandy had a baby boy called Ben.
Mandy now has two sons called Ben and Calvin.
Mandy and Pete and up having a baby girl named Charlotte
- “is thought I’d be stuck in that house with dad forever, having one disabled baby after another, filled with his poison and never escaping, but here I was, a proper mum with a beautiful baby made out of what Pete and I shared together.”
- I LOVE this for Mandy, she deserved to have a baby with someone she loved and who wasn’t her abusive disgusting father. Mandy also felt she could be a proper mother to her daughter as it was made with someone she loved and who she wanted to have a baby with🥺🥺
Charlotte passed away🥺 I was so upset for Mandy as it was her first daughter, not even that it was her first child that wasn't her father's.
Mandy
- “she was my best friend and I didn’t get her for long enough, but my god, what an impact she made while she was here - what a wonderful, wonderful gift she was to the world” 🥺🥺
“I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor.”
What a book. I had a lot to say clearly. I was so shocked that a father could do that to their child. As my dad has always been there for me when I needed it although we’re not as close but he definitely wouldn’t even think about doing anything harmful to me and I’m so thankful that I have that life. Just shows that you really shouldn’t take anything for granted in a family as people have it way worse.
5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is so good so far but also heartbreaking. The thing is people do go through this or have been through this and it breaks my heart. And this is based on a true story 🥺
The fact that her dad thinks that it was okay to do that to daughter is absolutely disgusting.
Mandy took a bath at 11 years old (they’re only allowed one bath a week) her dad came in while the mum was giving birth to a baby girl. The dad came into the bathroom and straight away said “you got me all wet” and he stripped naked and climbed into the bathtub with Mandy. Then he asked her if she knew what an erection was and obvs she had no clue cause she was 11. While in the bath he was touching her and when he had finished, he got out of the water and left the bathroom. Meanwhile Mandy was left in the bath tub with Semen and was wondering what it was. The next night he climbed into Mandy’s bed and raped her and Mandy was confused as she didn’t bleed but then also didn’t know if it had went on other nights without knowing or can’t remember the memory of it as she was that young and didn’t want to believe it. LIKE WHAT
also Mandy’s mother walked in on Mandy and Mandy’s father when he was sexually abusing her. And the father said “sorry” to his wife but then she stated “don’t be sorry, you’ve got nothing to be sorry about, you’re a good man” ALSO SICKENING that her mother knew all along but let it happen.
Mandy then told someone what her dad had been doing to her for eight years. The person then told their auntie and Mandy thought that everything would change by then. Only it didn’t. Police and social services got involved and Mandy’s gram had told her to say that she lied about it all. Mandy felt like she had to so she told the police that it was all a lie and the police put her in a cell for the night and put it on her record for “wasting police time”. I WAS RAGING for Mandy in this chapter.
Now Mandy is pregnant, she was meeting with a boy called billy and she wanted to think that it was Billy’s baby but she knew it would be 50/50 chance that it could be her fathers. Anyway Mandy had a baby boy called Ben.
Mandy now has two sons called Ben and Calvin.
Mandy and Pete and up having a baby girl named Charlotte
- “is thought I’d be stuck in that house with dad forever, having one disabled baby after another, filled with his poison and never escaping, but here I was, a proper mum with a beautiful baby made out of what Pete and I shared together.”
- I LOVE this for Mandy, she deserved to have a baby with someone she loved and who wasn’t her abusive disgusting father. Mandy also felt she could be a proper mother to her daughter as it was made with someone she loved and who she wanted to have a baby with🥺🥺
Charlotte passed away🥺 I was so upset for Mandy as it was her first daughter, not even that it was her first child that wasn't her father's.
Mandy
- “she was my best friend and I didn’t get her for long enough, but my god, what an impact she made while she was here - what a wonderful, wonderful gift she was to the world” 🥺🥺
“I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor.”
What a book. I had a lot to say clearly. I was so shocked that a father could do that to their child. As my dad has always been there for me when I needed it although we’re not as close but he definitely wouldn’t even think about doing anything harmful to me and I’m so thankful that I have that life. Just shows that you really shouldn’t take anything for granted in a family as people have it way worse.
5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2025
This was an okay read but I do feel there were some questions left unanswered and she does sometimes repeat what she already previously said so I thought she was running out of things to say.
August 19, 2024
I couldn’t put the book down.
It’s such a powerful and shockingly important story as well as a harrowing one to about a Mandy as young child who was abused from the age of 11 by the very man who should have been protecting her, her father.
Mandy wanted with every fibre of her being to protect her two younger sisters from the abuse that took place 4 times a week, like clockwork. Her father was a sociopath and manipulated everyone to thinking he was a great person. He was desired to be the best and loved to fantasise about him and Mandy running away and being married. He was sadistic and evil despite his reputation for being so well regarded in society.
Even worse and to bring further heartbreak Mandy’s mother allowed the abuse to happen, so that she would have a break and excused her husband for raping their eldest daughter. Whilst knew the attacks happened from a young age, she allowed them to continue for an easy life, allowing her husband to sleep in Mandy’s room.
Mandy’s mother was a very poorly, and suffered with mental health issues but she was fully aware of the right and wrong happening in her own home. I would like to think that this doesn’t happen often but knowing first hand that women, mothers in fact , do allow this to happen for a quieter life, to stop the attacks happening on themselves, either due to fear and due to needing a break. This very thing has happened to myself. I was a product of rape by my father, who then abused me from a young age and my mother knew. In my own files it stated about the abuse and the common knowledge around it. Again this was in the 90’s where a blind eye was turned and people remained silent.
Mandy had no voice in this situation and it continued despite trying to speak up and be heard. Her father was such a pillar of trust in the community no one believed her or took her seriously. Others tried to speak up on her behalf but shockingly they were disregarded and brushed away as nonsense. Not only was Mandy failed by her mother but also by the very people who should have took her confidentiality seriously in the extend community such as the police, social services and the health visitors as well as her own mothers psychiatrist.
I’d imagine that anyone in Halifax area around this time would be know kicking themselves when they read the newspaper and again this book, that they didn’t push harder or perhaps wish they had paid more attention to the signs.
Mandy’s recollection is one which we should all learn from and educate ourselves when something doesn’t seem right or feel right speak up and be heard. Keep showing up and turning up with your doubts and concerns. We never know what’s truly happening behind closed doors.
Mandy eventually becomes pregnant with her father’s children, on two occasions. She has two children within a two year period. I believe this is what empowered her to stand up and speak up now. She tells her remarkable story with such integrity and honesty and in the hope to shed light on the subjects of rape, sexual abuse and children who are a product of that. Abuse damages multiple life’s and you never recover from the damages that it creates.
Mandy’s story will shock you to the core and hopefully when you finish the book it will leave you feeling the dignity and respect she deserves for being so open on such a tough and difficult subject.
I wish Mandy and her beautiful family a fulfilling future. You deserve all the love and hope we can all wish for!
It’s such a powerful and shockingly important story as well as a harrowing one to about a Mandy as young child who was abused from the age of 11 by the very man who should have been protecting her, her father.
Mandy wanted with every fibre of her being to protect her two younger sisters from the abuse that took place 4 times a week, like clockwork. Her father was a sociopath and manipulated everyone to thinking he was a great person. He was desired to be the best and loved to fantasise about him and Mandy running away and being married. He was sadistic and evil despite his reputation for being so well regarded in society.
Even worse and to bring further heartbreak Mandy’s mother allowed the abuse to happen, so that she would have a break and excused her husband for raping their eldest daughter. Whilst knew the attacks happened from a young age, she allowed them to continue for an easy life, allowing her husband to sleep in Mandy’s room.
Mandy’s mother was a very poorly, and suffered with mental health issues but she was fully aware of the right and wrong happening in her own home. I would like to think that this doesn’t happen often but knowing first hand that women, mothers in fact , do allow this to happen for a quieter life, to stop the attacks happening on themselves, either due to fear and due to needing a break. This very thing has happened to myself. I was a product of rape by my father, who then abused me from a young age and my mother knew. In my own files it stated about the abuse and the common knowledge around it. Again this was in the 90’s where a blind eye was turned and people remained silent.
Mandy had no voice in this situation and it continued despite trying to speak up and be heard. Her father was such a pillar of trust in the community no one believed her or took her seriously. Others tried to speak up on her behalf but shockingly they were disregarded and brushed away as nonsense. Not only was Mandy failed by her mother but also by the very people who should have took her confidentiality seriously in the extend community such as the police, social services and the health visitors as well as her own mothers psychiatrist.
I’d imagine that anyone in Halifax area around this time would be know kicking themselves when they read the newspaper and again this book, that they didn’t push harder or perhaps wish they had paid more attention to the signs.
Mandy’s recollection is one which we should all learn from and educate ourselves when something doesn’t seem right or feel right speak up and be heard. Keep showing up and turning up with your doubts and concerns. We never know what’s truly happening behind closed doors.
Mandy eventually becomes pregnant with her father’s children, on two occasions. She has two children within a two year period. I believe this is what empowered her to stand up and speak up now. She tells her remarkable story with such integrity and honesty and in the hope to shed light on the subjects of rape, sexual abuse and children who are a product of that. Abuse damages multiple life’s and you never recover from the damages that it creates.
Mandy’s story will shock you to the core and hopefully when you finish the book it will leave you feeling the dignity and respect she deserves for being so open on such a tough and difficult subject.
I wish Mandy and her beautiful family a fulfilling future. You deserve all the love and hope we can all wish for!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2024
Mandy writes about her horrific childhood, one where teh abuse followed her into young adulthood until she found the strength to stand up. Although raw and honest and there are Some questions for me that remain unanswered. - what relationship does she have with her sisters? What was there reaction to Mandy’s allegations and the subsequent realisation they must surely have had, that their father was an abuser - did they say anything to Mandy? Sympathy? Shock? Suspicion? Blame? What about the grandmother - did she ever show some compassion or regret for her initial reaction to Mandy’s pregnancies once she realised how they were caused??
I want to commend Mandy for her total honesty because I think many others in this situation would not want to publicly reveal their feelings towards their children born of rape (because of others judgements) with such honesty and self reflection, and she has faced these feelings head on which is very brave and sincere of her. I hope her book is a help to other victims, for which we can be sure there is many more victims than we would have ever initially suspected. Her book is worth a read, just to help us, perhaps identify victims and he,p them if we come across them (as her husband has since been able to do) from the information she has imparted through this book.
To her father, who will no doubt read the reviews, may you burn in hell.
I want to commend Mandy for her total honesty because I think many others in this situation would not want to publicly reveal their feelings towards their children born of rape (because of others judgements) with such honesty and self reflection, and she has faced these feelings head on which is very brave and sincere of her. I hope her book is a help to other victims, for which we can be sure there is many more victims than we would have ever initially suspected. Her book is worth a read, just to help us, perhaps identify victims and he,p them if we come across them (as her husband has since been able to do) from the information she has imparted through this book.
To her father, who will no doubt read the reviews, may you burn in hell.
March 21, 2025
Quote ' You need to stop worrying about your parents and worry about YOU. Your father needs to pay for what he did to you and absolutely need therapy. You can go directly to the police or tell a trusted adult (one that is not your mother because obviously she is useless at protecting you if she's still with your father)
If you choose to remain silent about this, it's your choice. But I promise you that nothing lasts forever, that includes your depression. All you can do is try to get a job and your own money as soon as you can, and start saving to get outta there as soon as you turn 18.
Healing and happiness exist and I believe you will one day have them both <3 '
If you choose to remain silent about this, it's your choice. But I promise you that nothing lasts forever, that includes your depression. All you can do is try to get a job and your own money as soon as you can, and start saving to get outta there as soon as you turn 18.
Healing and happiness exist and I believe you will one day have them both <3 '
November 11, 2025
If this book were written as a fiction novel, it would be one very boring, endlessly repetitive, sad story. But since it seems to be a story taken from real life, it’s still a description of a truly horrific tale. I can’t stop marveling at what kinds of people and families exist in the world. It’s always astonishing how victims of constant violence can be manipulated for years or decades, stripped of every shred of self-confidence. In that sense, it’s a good book to read—whenever your own life feels tough, it immediately starts to feel easier.
January 26, 2025
The story of a woman's 10 year abuse by her father. A woman who reported him then retracted her statement on more than 1 occasion, afraid of what he'd do to her when he found out. A woman who had 2 babies as a result of being raped by her father. A woman who finally found her voice, courage, and help to get out. A woman who found a good man who loved her, and the woman she became.
A sad, horrific story about Mandy - the survivor.
A sad, horrific story about Mandy - the survivor.
April 22, 2024
Slow starting bug omg mandy has been to hell and back
April 24, 2024
Incredible! Absolutely heartbreaking, but Mandy is so so brave!
April 28, 2024
TRIGGERS
May 10, 2024
A hard read. I had to put it down a number of times as was very overwhelming and hard hitting. Mandy is a very brave woman, so honest even with those feelings she is not proud of having.
September 8, 2024
Excellent book felt like I was reading my own story the exact same words where spoken to me
October 14, 2024
Heartbreaking 💔
November 30, 2024
Hard to read
January 3, 2025
Read in one sitting.
Harrowing, painful, raw reading.
Harrowing, painful, raw reading.
February 22, 2025
🫣🫣🫣😔😔😔😔😔♥️
February 24, 2025
Voor werk gelezen. Alleen al vier sterren vanwege hoe bizar dapper deze vrouw is. Ik wilde bladzijde na bladzijde door het boek heen kruipen en haar een knuffel geven.
April 10, 2025
Review
Obviously the subject of the book is devastating and the author has been through so much trauma but your strength shines through Mandy
Obviously the subject of the book is devastating and the author has been through so much trauma but your strength shines through Mandy
April 18, 2025
Excellent
An excellent book , hard to put down , feel honoured to have read it and amazed at the authors strength to pull though and to share her story .
An excellent book , hard to put down , feel honoured to have read it and amazed at the authors strength to pull though and to share her story .
May 30, 2024
This is a heartbreaking book.
Spoilers:
I couldn't believe what Mandy went through at the evil hands of her father and knowing that her mum knew from when Mandy was 11 years old. To read that Mandy's Mum knew from the extract of the files is sickening.
I was so pleased that Mandy had and still has Pete and he has stuck by her, it was really nice and touching to read Pete's bit at the end.
Spoilers:
I couldn't believe what Mandy went through at the evil hands of her father and knowing that her mum knew from when Mandy was 11 years old. To read that Mandy's Mum knew from the extract of the files is sickening.
I was so pleased that Mandy had and still has Pete and he has stuck by her, it was really nice and touching to read Pete's bit at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
amazingly written, so sad. read in one day amazing
August 20, 2025
Heel indrukwekkend, afgrijselijk onderwerp. hoe overleef je zoiets.
March 26, 2025
Such a brave woman to voice her horrific experiences! Thank you, Mandy, for sharing your story. It was such a hard read, but at the same time, I didn't want to put the book down. I needed to know what happened next. Needed to know if you ended up OK.
It takes brave people (such as Mandy) to share their stories & experiences in order for systems and procedures to improve. The failings Mandy faced from government systems that should have been there to protect children and young adults had me so frustrated! I can't explain fully how this book made me feel. Upset, angry, frustrated, sad. So many emotions. The UK government really needs to step up as these failings are still happening today. It's shocking!
I can't say too much without adding spoilers for other readers.
This book is definitely worth a read (if you are able). I'm a strong believer that the more people understand, the more help they can offer. The more knowledge they have, the more signs they may spot and possibly help someone out of a horrific situation.
I fully intend to watch the documentary mentioned in the announcements.
There are no trigger warnings for this book, but as the book is a survivors account to the child abuse they suffered and their life moving forward, I feel the triggers are obvious. I know this book isn't for everyone, but I am fully grateful this survivor shared her story.
It takes brave people (such as Mandy) to share their stories & experiences in order for systems and procedures to improve. The failings Mandy faced from government systems that should have been there to protect children and young adults had me so frustrated! I can't explain fully how this book made me feel. Upset, angry, frustrated, sad. So many emotions. The UK government really needs to step up as these failings are still happening today. It's shocking!
I can't say too much without adding spoilers for other readers.
This book is definitely worth a read (if you are able). I'm a strong believer that the more people understand, the more help they can offer. The more knowledge they have, the more signs they may spot and possibly help someone out of a horrific situation.
I fully intend to watch the documentary mentioned in the announcements.
There are no trigger warnings for this book, but as the book is a survivors account to the child abuse they suffered and their life moving forward, I feel the triggers are obvious. I know this book isn't for everyone, but I am fully grateful this survivor shared her story.
September 5, 2025
Having been sexually abused from a relationship previously, I thought I would struggle to read this book however I finished it within a day! I was gripped. I did not get justice for what my ex did to me but the fact that books like this is around and the reiteration of it not being the victims fault - it put me at ease a lot. This was such an amazing read and to hear of another’s story, it makes you realise you are not alone 💕
December 10, 2024
Truly inspirational for all the writer has been through.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews