He Gave Me a Shilling

by Sandra Ann Ciannella

At the age of eight the author was abducted by a twelve year old ‘friend’ and his adult male accomplice. Taken with her dog in a vehicle to a secluded common she is subjected to sexual abuse which was to haunt her for the rest of her life and ruin her relationship with her mother who refused to believe her. The few words of disbelief said to her by her mother that day affected her for the rest of her life until now.

For many years she has pondered as to whether she could find the strength and voice to tell this story. Now, after hearing a casual remark by a woman that ‘all children says things just for attention’ she has found the courage to tell these events and their life-long effect from an eight year old child’s perspective. It is hoped that all parents will benefit from this book, a highly moving and though provoking memoir of an eight year old girl who struggles with the endless secrets she could not share.

35 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2013

Reviews

[Natasha Holme]

I am so happy for the author that she has told her story at last and lives the relief this has brought her. The raw, innocent style of the book works well. It allows us to see from the perspective of the eight year old child. The insight is often shocking. I felt however that the presentation and editing need attention.