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No Turning Back: Surviving the Linehan Family Tragedy
On a June night in 1980, the Linehan household in North Harbour went up in flames. In moments the fire consumed the family's ordinary, loving lives and innocent, human faith that life would always be as it was. Ida, the middle of three girls and one of ten siblings, survived the blaze only to endure weeks and months of treatment and recovery. Her only goal is to spare her family more pain, and she quietly promises herself never to quit and never to complain. She only wants life to be normal, but is that the same as being healed? In straightforward prose and an open-hearted manner, Ida Linehan paints a series of vivid, haunting pictures as she recounts a remarkable story.
- GenresNonfiction
250 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2014
4 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Ida Linehan Young
13 books146 followersIda Linehan Young is a wife, mother, and grandmother living, writing, and publishing in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Recently retired from the information technology sector in the federal government, Ida created Seaweed Publishing to complement her substantial, award-winning, and best-selling writing portfolio.
Ida’s first published works, a memoir, debuted to a record-breaking crowd in 2014. She has since published across multiple genres with historical Newfoundland fiction, non-fiction, speculative fiction, crime, and children’s books.
Influenced by her love of local history and the familial art of storytelling passed down by her father, Edward Linehan, and her maternal grandfather, Frank Power, she began writing stories that told of her people and her roots. She researches the past of her beloved birthplace and writes to showcase the richness and storied past of her province.
Recently retired from the information technology sector in the federal government, Ida created Seaweed Publishing to complement her substantial, award-winning, and best-selling writing portfolio.
Ida’s first published works, a memoir, debuted to a record-breaking crowd in 2014. She has since published across multiple genres with historical Newfoundland fiction, non-fiction, speculative fiction, crime, and children’s books.
Influenced by her love of local history and the familial art of storytelling passed down by her father, Edward Linehan, and her maternal grandfather, Frank Power, she began writing stories that told of her people and her roots. She researches the past of her beloved birthplace and writes to showcase the richness and storied past of her province.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 20, 2020
This book is a triumph of love and resilience and a testament to hope and the human spirit that I will carry with me forever. It’s a love letter to Ida's family and her community. Her humble, strong, authentic, kind voice touched me to my core. As I go forward in my life, I will tuck away the knowledge of Ida's strength and resilience into my soul. I will feel safer and stronger knowing that if she can rise above such an unimaginable tragedy, then I can face whatever life brings. Thank you, Ida, thank you for sharing your story. This book is a must-read!
September 27, 2014
This is an incredibly heartbreaking book because it's completely true! To survive when you're told that you won't and to have the strength to not lie down and cry and ask why my family is truly inspiring! This book is so well written!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2020
Resilience personified.
I have never cried so much while reading a book in my life and I can only imagine how many were shed in the writing of this book. I can only imagine the physical, emotional and psychological pain it evoked to share this book of resilience with us, the reader.
This is a story that is rarely shared- the difficult truth of loss and recovery.
This is a story of strength and love.
This beautifully written memoir is a gift.
I have never cried so much while reading a book in my life and I can only imagine how many were shed in the writing of this book. I can only imagine the physical, emotional and psychological pain it evoked to share this book of resilience with us, the reader.
This is a story that is rarely shared- the difficult truth of loss and recovery.
This is a story of strength and love.
This beautifully written memoir is a gift.
December 29, 2019
“No Turning Back” Surviving the Linehan Family Tragedy.......Wow. Wonderful read. Sad, heartbreaking, yet so spiritually, soul touching. Reading this book, I shed tears of sadness and tears of joy, and even tears with smiles. This is a book I will have to re-read because in my first go through I was such a part of the book that I now feel I need to re-read it so that I can look at the story from the outside. I’m not sure if I will achieve that because “No Turning Back” is written is such a way that it will captivate you and leave you with a new, positive, addition to your heart.
April 27, 2017
When I was in high school, there was a list of books that were required reading. One book was, " Death On The Ice", by Cassie Browne. Reading that book completely changed my "like" of reading to an absolute "LOVE" of reading!! I began to devour books,,, hoping for another one to grab me hold. That book enveloped me, and engaged all of my senses. I felt like I was on the ice flows.. I could feel the oranges burning my eyes; taste the salty blood of the seals.. Over the years,I have read 1000's of books, hoping that another book would grab me like that. Never happened,,, UNTIL NOW!!!!!!! I started reading """" No Turning Back:The Linehan Family Tragedy"""" . I had been waiting to get this book direct from the author, Ida Linehan Young. From the first moment I heard about the book and its launch in September,,I had an overwhelming desire/need to converse with Ida, face to face. Then and only then, would I be able to read the book. I cannot explain why,, but I knew that this had to happen first!!. I read many, many reviews of the book, but always stopped when anyone started to reveal specific parts of this true story. Strange as this sounds.. I wanted the book and I to be "virgins". I realized immediately when Ida placed the book in my hands, that I was in for a transcendental ride. I have not been disappointed!! As I " interpreted" the cover of the book, I knew I would held captivate until the last page. As Ida relives the unimaginable, horrific,gut-wrenching, jaw dropping life event in " No Turning Back The Linehan Family Tragedy!!", she takes you with her,, standing next to her!! I was completely captured by each page; transported to another time and place; feeling the physical pain of the fire as it burned skin from my arms..my body; I could see the plastic curtains puddled like melted crayon on the floor; I could hear the ferocious roar of the fire, the strange shattering of the window panes; I could feel the complete frustration when I could not get to the call bell; I could feel the Artic coolness of the water on my throat as I swallowed the life saving liquid!!..I could feel my throat closing up from the physical attacks of pain and emotional attacks of panic and fear;. As I continued to ingest and devour each page, I began to get a headache,, and felt real pains in my face and jaw!! I was holding my breathe and clamping down so tightly on my teeth. I was sooo conflicted; I wanted to know more now....I couldn't turn the page quickly enough,, yet with the same held breathe,, I did not want to turn the page,, did not want to read anymore.... "If you panic, you will die"."If you panic, you will die". Only for the very strategic placements of the "Potatoes", I am sure I would have passed out from holding my breathe. Tonight I will again be taken captive by Ida, and be thoroughly engrossed again. As I consume this true, raw and gut wrenching recollection of such a personal and traumatic life event, I am overwhelmed by the personal strength and fortitude of this child, now woman. As Ida's hostage, I became a witness to this horrendous tragedy! Ida has a way with words that captures you; your mind, your body, your heart, and your soul.. you feel like you are standing beside her on the stairs... stretching out the window trying to breathe... bouncing in the back seat over the bumpy road!! I felt I followed every step... every memory,,every painful memory.. I can't wait to finish this well- written account of a horrendous tragedy, yet I don't really want to finish it!!! God gave you, and your family, this monumental cross to bear, but he too, blessed you with many "gifts", which have allowed you to continue to live,,not just exist, after such a catastrophic life event. One of these gifts,,is this book,, not just the book, the story... but the "way" in which you tell the whole tragic event.. This story causes you to experience a gamut of emotions,, it invites you to take a look at your own life,, your own tragedies,, with a much clearer vision,,, and a much more open mind...Thank you for helping piece together the "puzzle" I had in my own memory.. This book did not disappoint... it was a total page turner... from page 1 until the last page... CANNOT HARDLY WAIT FOR HER NEXT BOOK.... coming out in Sept..2017
February 17, 2021
Ida Linehan Young is an incredibly talented writer. I have read all of her books and they have all struck an emotional chord in me for their deep understanding of love, survival and the human spirit. It makes sense to me now how she is able to write of these things in such a succinct way because none of her books have affected me more so than “No Turning Back: Surviving The Linehan Family Tragedy,” this narrative of personal loss, of strength, courage, sheer will and determination to survive after incomprehensible tragedy.
This story is tremendously written. You will not need a bookmark but you will definitely need tissues, I assure you. Ms. Linehan Young has somehow managed to write a book that is about herself … without actually writing a book about herself. This does not surprise me at all – reading this story you can clearly see how truly selfless the author is. “No Turning Back” is a beautiful tribute to the authors siblings who were lost in the tragic fire – Sharon, Francis, Richard, Harold and Barry. I don’t think I will ever forget them. It is also a thank you to the town of North Harbour who pulled together in a time of need, to the medical professionals, taxi drivers, the Atlantic Burn Camp, friends, and family and all those who helped in some way. I don’t think anyone is left out. The gratitude the author has shines through.
I must be honest; this has been a difficult review to write. I finished this book a while ago but the words that came to me just didn’t feel right. You see, I try to remain impartial in my reviews, no matter who the author is. I base my opinion on the material that I have read. But I know Ida. I know that she is a lovely person, a kind and thoughtful person. Reading about everything that she has gone through, the tremendous loss of her siblings, her home, and the person she was as this young girl; the incredible pain both mentally and physically that she endured ... well, it absolutely broke my heart into a million pieces. My simple words could never do that justice.
Thank you, Ida for sharing this story and for allowing me to read it. We should all be so lucky as to know someone like you.
This story is tremendously written. You will not need a bookmark but you will definitely need tissues, I assure you. Ms. Linehan Young has somehow managed to write a book that is about herself … without actually writing a book about herself. This does not surprise me at all – reading this story you can clearly see how truly selfless the author is. “No Turning Back” is a beautiful tribute to the authors siblings who were lost in the tragic fire – Sharon, Francis, Richard, Harold and Barry. I don’t think I will ever forget them. It is also a thank you to the town of North Harbour who pulled together in a time of need, to the medical professionals, taxi drivers, the Atlantic Burn Camp, friends, and family and all those who helped in some way. I don’t think anyone is left out. The gratitude the author has shines through.
I must be honest; this has been a difficult review to write. I finished this book a while ago but the words that came to me just didn’t feel right. You see, I try to remain impartial in my reviews, no matter who the author is. I base my opinion on the material that I have read. But I know Ida. I know that she is a lovely person, a kind and thoughtful person. Reading about everything that she has gone through, the tremendous loss of her siblings, her home, and the person she was as this young girl; the incredible pain both mentally and physically that she endured ... well, it absolutely broke my heart into a million pieces. My simple words could never do that justice.
Thank you, Ida for sharing this story and for allowing me to read it. We should all be so lucky as to know someone like you.
February 10, 2017
I read this book cover to cover in one sitting, not able to put it down. Growing up with Ida as an aunt, I always knew of the tragic story of what happened to her family but never knew what she went through to survive.
Thank you Aunt Ida for telling this story and letting the writing help you heel. You are an amazing person and I can't wait for your next book!
Thank you Aunt Ida for telling this story and letting the writing help you heel. You are an amazing person and I can't wait for your next book!
October 23, 2019
This book is story of survival of the human heart after dealing with an unimaginable family tragedy. Ida writes in a open, sincere, honest way and her words touched my heart. I had tears of sadness and joy throughout the whole story. Ida’s strength, kindness and courage to live is what made it so hard to put the book down.
October 10, 2014
I can not put this book down. I hurry home from work so I can continue reading it. I thought I knew Ida when I was a child but reading this book proves that I did not. She hid her hardships well and today is an inspiration for all.
An amazing story, an amazing woman.
An amazing story, an amazing woman.
October 14, 2014
I could hardly put this book down. It was an incredibly real and spine tingling story. You will cry and you will smile when reading it. Congratulations to Ida Linehan Young for having the courage to write it.
November 29, 2022
Sad but love the book
January 1, 2025
This book could break your heart except for the determination & moral strength of the author.
It is a true story of the house fire that caused her to be severely burnt & lose 5 of her siblings in a the 80's in a very small coastal community in Newfoundland. She was about 15 years old when it happened. She spent months in a hospital, having horrible procedures done to mitigate the damage to her body which she bore with unbelievable strength, partly due to the fact she did not want to cause more heartbreak for her mother & father who were also grieving the loss of most of their children. It is the story of her perseverance & strength that she had to go through without her parents & remaining siblings as they were not allowed to come in to see her in order not to spread infection to her wounds & also because they lived 45 minutes away from the hospital in St. John's.
The perseverance of how she made it through certainly made me feel like my problems are so minor as to not even make the scale.
It ends up being an uplifting story that tops off the other books she has written about life on Newfoundland & the history of her family that I have absolutely enjoyed. Keep on writing Ms. Linehan Young as I love your books.
It is a true story of the house fire that caused her to be severely burnt & lose 5 of her siblings in a the 80's in a very small coastal community in Newfoundland. She was about 15 years old when it happened. She spent months in a hospital, having horrible procedures done to mitigate the damage to her body which she bore with unbelievable strength, partly due to the fact she did not want to cause more heartbreak for her mother & father who were also grieving the loss of most of their children. It is the story of her perseverance & strength that she had to go through without her parents & remaining siblings as they were not allowed to come in to see her in order not to spread infection to her wounds & also because they lived 45 minutes away from the hospital in St. John's.
The perseverance of how she made it through certainly made me feel like my problems are so minor as to not even make the scale.
It ends up being an uplifting story that tops off the other books she has written about life on Newfoundland & the history of her family that I have absolutely enjoyed. Keep on writing Ms. Linehan Young as I love your books.
Read
February 28, 2022This was Ida Line Young’s first book, a biography telling of the tragic events endured by herself and her family. It tells of Ida’s unbelievable strength trying to comes to terms with the loss of 5 members of her family in a tragic house fire while enduring months of hospitalization herself.
It is very well told and makes you feel like you are living through every moment with her.
Gut wrenching read at times but always leaving you wanting to read the next chapter right away. Couldn’t put it down.
It is very well told and makes you feel like you are living through every moment with her.
Gut wrenching read at times but always leaving you wanting to read the next chapter right away. Couldn’t put it down.
June 26, 2025
This was a beautiful thoughtful book that really exemplifies how Ida can write with such insight and thoughtfulness. My grandsons are 15 and I can’t imagine them going through such a tragedy.
It’s so vivid, you can imagine yourself being in the situation and on more than one occasion I teared up and had to lay it aside ..only to grab it up again and continue.
I had so many questions before the book was over as I have known this lady on a professional level for 5 years. Most of the questions were answered however but I still hope to have a little chinwag with her in July and maybe even visit North Harbour🥰
It’s so vivid, you can imagine yourself being in the situation and on more than one occasion I teared up and had to lay it aside ..only to grab it up again and continue.
I had so many questions before the book was over as I have known this lady on a professional level for 5 years. Most of the questions were answered however but I still hope to have a little chinwag with her in July and maybe even visit North Harbour🥰
December 29, 2019
This was a very emotional but well written book about the hardships and many challenges the author faced after a horrendous fire destroyed many of her family and the life she had known. The details were heartbreaking and it's amazing how she overcame all the obstacles in her path and turned her life around and made such a beautiful life for herself and all that had the priviledge of sharing in her life in any way!! Fantastic job!!
March 27, 2022
This is a story of tenacity and healing after a house fire destroyed the author's family home, killing five of her siblings. There's a sequel coming out of this experience from the author's mother's perspective. Read about these and the author's fictional work on https://canadiancookbooks.ca/canadian... - so glad I found this Canadian author! https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
November 21, 2024
No Turning Back is a testament to the power of the human spirit. A tragic and heartbreaking story interwoven with triumph and survival, Ida Linehan Young’s account will occupy your thoughts for the rest of your life. As a writer, Linehan Young has a unique way of moulding her words in the tale-telling of the horrific account that altered the lives of her entire family. This book is a page-turner.
September 8, 2023
Ida Linehan Young is truly a gifted writer and storyteller, in my humble opinion. Her firsthand hand account of that fateful day invites her readers into so much more than a read. She brings us there! With her intricate details, she describes each moment of this heartbreaking true story of a family's love, loss, and grief, as well as community and carrying on with a grace only she can know.
December 29, 2019
This is a very personal story of tragic loss and survival, and a wonderfully written firsthand account of physical and emotional pain and perseverance. I found this book captivating and emotional. Read with tissues close by, but definitely read it as this true story is truly inspiring.
February 18, 2019
An inspiring story of survival and strength.
March 30, 2019
What can I say about this book. I have been reading since Grade 7 and I’m now 64. It was the best one I ever read. I cried, I laughed and I got mad for Ida. Would highly recommend it.
June 5, 2019
A great read about a true family fire. This lady went through so much and with such strength. Enjoyed it and cried with her at the end
December 29, 2019
A must read!!
January 12, 2025
First, a memoir writing seminar with Ida has brought me to this memoir of hers. I appreciated her honesty and authenticity in taking us with her on her difficult journey every step of the way. I wish I can to justice to my own memoir writing following in Ida's footsteps.
Second, after reading this, there was "no turning back" and I read "A Secret Close to Home". I very much enjoyed that historical fiction taking me through various twists and turns along the Newfoundland coastline. That settled it: I signed up for a writers retreat this summer and very much look forward to her guidance and challenges...and many more of her books to read and of my chapters to write before visiting her at her coastal cottage :-).
Second, after reading this, there was "no turning back" and I read "A Secret Close to Home". I very much enjoyed that historical fiction taking me through various twists and turns along the Newfoundland coastline. That settled it: I signed up for a writers retreat this summer and very much look forward to her guidance and challenges...and many more of her books to read and of my chapters to write before visiting her at her coastal cottage :-).
September 30, 2014
I couldn't put this book down. The author lived through a heartbreaking family tragedy but tells her story with such grace. Ida's courage is inspirational. Not only does she recount the story of the fire, but she also tells some great anecdotes of life in small town Newfoundland and the spirit of Newfoundland families.
If you're a Newfoundlander who likes reading stories of home of if you like reading stories about the triumph of the human spirit, I highly recommend this book.
If you're a Newfoundlander who likes reading stories of home of if you like reading stories about the triumph of the human spirit, I highly recommend this book.
October 18, 2016
How do you go about reviewing this book? It is a story of tragedy, heartache, courage and strength, told firsthand by someone who experienced it personally. I couldn't put this book down, and I knowing that this harrowing tale was a true story happening here in our own Province makes it all the more special. I applaud the courage it took Ida Linehan Young to share her life story and thank her for doing so.
October 28, 2014
I read this book in less then two days! What Ida and her family went through is beyond ones wildest imagination! The strength and determination Ida demonstrated and the obstacles that she overcame are incredible! Reading this book gave me a much better appreciation for my life and its obstacles! Bless you Ida!
December 14, 2014
This book was chilling. I cannot believe that I know this family and that this a memoir, not fiction. Incredible. Good read. If you like the cathartic experience or if you're looking to live "it could always be worse", then read this book.
June 28, 2023
Hidayah:
In this memoir, Ida Linehan recalls her harrowing tale of surviving the house fire that killed 5 of her siblings. The book covers Ida’s astounding journey of healing from this heartbreaking tragedy and adjusting to her new life. This book was one of loss and tragedy, yet also one of growth, selflessness, and ultimately acceptance. Although Ida’s story is remarkable, I found the book to be poorly written having some portions rushed, while others extremely prolonged. I would’ve loved to read more details about the frequent anecdotes incorporated.
The book tackles a variety of serious issues such as loss, misogyny, grief, and bullying. I admire Ida for having the strength to share her story. Each chapter was authentically written, with several flashbacks from her past that really added to the story. Ida’s unwavering strength was prominent throughout her book. However, unfortunately, I felt that simple diction was used repeatedly throughout the book, and although some might appreciate that, I, personally, think it does the readership a disservice.
Ida has endured many tragedies throughout her life and relives her struggle to “stay strong” for her family. This book helped me gain insight into the world of hospitalized burn survivors with multiple medical processes explained in great detail. Ida is a powerful woman, and the reader can undoubtedly see how her way of thinking developed over the course of the book and, essentially, her life.
This coming-of-age memoir is great for readers looking for a simple read to pull at your heartstrings.
🌟 3.5 / 5 stars 🌟
In this memoir, Ida Linehan recalls her harrowing tale of surviving the house fire that killed 5 of her siblings. The book covers Ida’s astounding journey of healing from this heartbreaking tragedy and adjusting to her new life. This book was one of loss and tragedy, yet also one of growth, selflessness, and ultimately acceptance. Although Ida’s story is remarkable, I found the book to be poorly written having some portions rushed, while others extremely prolonged. I would’ve loved to read more details about the frequent anecdotes incorporated.
The book tackles a variety of serious issues such as loss, misogyny, grief, and bullying. I admire Ida for having the strength to share her story. Each chapter was authentically written, with several flashbacks from her past that really added to the story. Ida’s unwavering strength was prominent throughout her book. However, unfortunately, I felt that simple diction was used repeatedly throughout the book, and although some might appreciate that, I, personally, think it does the readership a disservice.
Ida has endured many tragedies throughout her life and relives her struggle to “stay strong” for her family. This book helped me gain insight into the world of hospitalized burn survivors with multiple medical processes explained in great detail. Ida is a powerful woman, and the reader can undoubtedly see how her way of thinking developed over the course of the book and, essentially, her life.
This coming-of-age memoir is great for readers looking for a simple read to pull at your heartstrings.
🌟 3.5 / 5 stars 🌟
June 12, 2022
In this memoir, Ida Linehan recalls her harrowing tale of surviving the house fire that killed 5 of her siblings. The book covers Ida’s astounding journey of healing from this heartbreaking tragedy and adjusting to her new life. This book was one of loss and tragedy, yet also one of growth, selflessness, and ultimately acceptance. Although Ida’s story is remarkable, I found the book to be poorly written having some portions rushed, while others extremely prolonged. I would’ve loved to read more details about the frequent anecdotes incorporated.
The book tackles a variety of serious issues such as loss, misogyny, grief, and bullying. I admire Ida for having the strength to share her story. Each chapter was authentically written, with several flashbacks from her past that really added to the story. Ida’s unwavering strength was prominent throughout her book. However, unfortunately, I felt that simple diction was used repeatedly throughout the book, and although some might appreciate that, I, personally, think it does the readership a disservice.
Ida has endured many tragedies throughout her life and relives her struggle to “stay strong” for her family. This book helped me gain insight into the world of hospitalized burn survivors with multiple medical processes explained in great detail. Ida is a powerful woman, and the reader can undoubtedly see how her way of thinking developed over the course of the book and, essentially, her life.
This coming-of-age memoir is great for readers looking for a simple read to pull at your heartstrings.
🌟 3.5 / 5 stars 🌟
The book tackles a variety of serious issues such as loss, misogyny, grief, and bullying. I admire Ida for having the strength to share her story. Each chapter was authentically written, with several flashbacks from her past that really added to the story. Ida’s unwavering strength was prominent throughout her book. However, unfortunately, I felt that simple diction was used repeatedly throughout the book, and although some might appreciate that, I, personally, think it does the readership a disservice.
Ida has endured many tragedies throughout her life and relives her struggle to “stay strong” for her family. This book helped me gain insight into the world of hospitalized burn survivors with multiple medical processes explained in great detail. Ida is a powerful woman, and the reader can undoubtedly see how her way of thinking developed over the course of the book and, essentially, her life.
This coming-of-age memoir is great for readers looking for a simple read to pull at your heartstrings.
🌟 3.5 / 5 stars 🌟
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews