Wednesday's Child

by Shane Dunphy

Presenting the story of one year in the life of an Irish child protection worker, this book includes cases of three dysfunctional families, struggling at the margins of a society that barely acknowledges their existence.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Ireland, Abuse, True Crime, Irish Literature, Biography

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Shane Dunphy is the million-selling author of non-fiction titles relating the years he spent as a child protection worker. He is an accomplished musician and has composed soundtracks for television and radio. Dunphy is an award-winning documentary maker and he writes regularly for Independent newspapers. He also writes a series of crime novels under the pseudonym S.A. Dunphy.

Reviews

[Julie Haigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read.

Shane Dunphy is a new author to me. I have seen a few people recommending his books and so I started 'Wednesday's Child'. Shane is a Child Protection Officer and this book shows an insight into a year in his life and career. I really liked it. I've read many foster carer memoirs-eg. by Cathy Glass, Casey Watson, Maggie Hartley, Angela Hart-but it's good to have a man's point of view for a change.

Set in Ireland. Grittier than the similar types of book I've read before. This one reads more like a novel. I was thinking a bit like Martina Cole-but factual. Great descriptions. More hard-hitting cases. A refreshing change for this genre for me. I was just a little way into this book and I'd already ordered the next book in the series.

A little bit different than foster carer memoirs-eg. Cathy Glass, Casey Watson et al. Rather than hearing of after the various children have suffered neglect or abuse, Shane works with the children and families. He visits their homes, tells of the terrible conditions some of them are living in, the circumstances leading to why he had to be involved etc. A page turner for sure.

Looking forward to reading more from Shane Dunphy.

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

a different style to Torey Hayden but very much the same theme. Wednesday's Child follows the interaction and progress Shane has with 3 families and how he copes and deals with each situation presented by each.

a fairly sad, disturbing and at times heartbreaking tale of what he experienced with these families during his career and the outcomes for each of them involved.

definately thought provoking and generates respect for what these people endure as part of their career. If you like this type of book its definately worth reading.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A depressing, sad book about a man who tried to help dysfunctional families, but seems to just be another adult destined to fail.

[Alahna O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by far one of my favourites I’ve ever read. Dunphy writes so candidly and in detail about three main cases from the course of his career as a Child Protection Officer. We see both the progression and regression of each child in their journey towards a happy home and a happy life as well as the toll all of this takes on Shane himself in the process. It’s heart-wrenching and heart-warming all at once. It’s a very intense account so prepare yourself for lots of emotion while reading. I can’t commend Dunphy enough for his raw honesty all the way through. This is a masterpiece.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very first Shane Dunphy book I read and one of my favourites, alongside Last Ditch House. A call to celebrate grace, in all shapes and forms. His storytelling and narrative is compelling as he weaves and interconnects human potential and the synchronicity of the human spirit. A beautiful read. Stunning.

[Rebecca Fowkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane Dunphy is a new author for me, he was highly recommended to me to try. I really enjoyed Wednesday's Child and looking forward to reading some more of his books.

If you haven't already tried Shane Dunphy's books I certainly would recommend them.

[Alastair Morison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

It’s content is sadder than anyone could imagine, however, it’s grounding and humbling and makes one appreciate their lot.
If you enjoy this kind of read, it’s an enjoyable book.
Also try Cathy Glass‘s books

[Mrs Doreen A Broomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a heart breaking book you don't realise what goes on until you read this book very sad, good to see there are good people to help

[Jill Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant, like all of Shane's books.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

:'(

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

[Alicia Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING book . Continue being great Shane. Hopefully I can meet you in Cleveland Ohio one day

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so addictive, and an eye-opening look at the social work cases in Dublin. Simultaneously sad and hopeful, I couldn't put this book down.

[stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review

It was an ok read have read more captivating books but the stories where heroing and the emotions where raw

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read at all. Dfferent theme to the other books I have read recently so I enjoyed the change. Based on real events this tells the story of 3 families and the child care workers efforts to work with them. My only complaint s that the book is quite short...I would have liked it to have gone on longer.

[Jermaine Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I also began to relish the small, almost imperceptible, signs of progress in the children I worked with. A smile; a less than violent response to a difficulty that would have previously provoked a bout of aggression; a passing comment that reflects previously unseen self-awareness : these were all reasons for celebration."

I think this says it all.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must read for anyone considering working with dysfunctional families, and wanting to support the children who are 'trapped' in these families. The book is honest (almost brutal)- revealing not only the startling situations that are part of the reality of our communities, but the psychological pressures those who are involved in social work are struggling with as they try to make a difference.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eye-opening

It's really sad to think that there are families out in the world as the ones Dunphy writes about. And social workers are the ones out there that are overloaded with cases and don't have the resources needed to help everyone.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Along the lines of Torey Hayden's books, though not as interesting or well written.

[Kirby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A true account of what it's like being a 'social worker' with a passion for injustice and how sometimes with the very best intensions, it's sometimes still not enough.

[Ursula Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

An eye opener into the childhood abuse - especially 'hidden' abuse......worth a read for anyone studying childcare

[Jes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible.

[Valerie Farrell]

Having read Torey Hayden and enjoyed all her books I'm happy to have found Shane Dunphy . His books are similar and I can't wait to read more of them .

[Goh Fa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping telling of real life events. This is the first book from Shane Dunphy that I have read and it makes one want to read more of his works.

[Jaccii Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a REAL read, made me very aware of the internal challenges a job like this can have on any person. So heartbreaking but not too raw to read.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when i was about 11 years old

[Patricia Kaniasty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, a great case study of several wonderful children in need of help. Shane Dunphy is truly an awesome case worker.

[Eleanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

heartbreaking

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish we had many more Shane Dunphy's in this world! Heartbreaking but superbly written!