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You Can't Run: The Terrifying True Story of a Young Woman Trapped in a Violent Relationship
"He would say to me, ‘You can’t stop me – no one can!’ There was no let-up from his evil. I knew he would never stop, so I just had to do what I could to survive." Mandy Thomas was just 18 when she met the man who would change her life forever. She was soon under his spell – and then her real nightmare began. Mandy found herself part of a cruel and violent relationship that she couldn’t escape. Until one day he went too far… You Can’t Run is Mandy’s searingly honest and moving true story.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2015
50 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 18, 2019
An explosive memoir.
This was recommended to me-I didn't know about this book. They had said "Jermaine's mum"-but that didn't ring a bell until I searched and found they meant Jahméne, who was a contestant on The X Factor in 2012. I certainly remembered him-he was runner-up the year James Arthur won it. This is his mum's terrifying story. An explosive memoir.
I don't know how this lady is still alive today; all the terrible things she's been through, it's just indescribable. It's easy for others to say "Just leave him"-but the reality is it's so hard-and he kept finding her.
I've never read such an extreme domestic violence story as this. Incredible how much this lady suffered and endured-and for so long. And time and time again, nothing was done. One of the worst tales of a toxic relationship-but so well told, and an absolutely gripping page turner.
This was recommended to me-I didn't know about this book. They had said "Jermaine's mum"-but that didn't ring a bell until I searched and found they meant Jahméne, who was a contestant on The X Factor in 2012. I certainly remembered him-he was runner-up the year James Arthur won it. This is his mum's terrifying story. An explosive memoir.
I don't know how this lady is still alive today; all the terrible things she's been through, it's just indescribable. It's easy for others to say "Just leave him"-but the reality is it's so hard-and he kept finding her.
I've never read such an extreme domestic violence story as this. Incredible how much this lady suffered and endured-and for so long. And time and time again, nothing was done. One of the worst tales of a toxic relationship-but so well told, and an absolutely gripping page turner.
August 10, 2018
This book is utterly heartbreaking and a very hard read. Just a warning to anyone who wants to read this book, it can be extremely graphic at times but I would say that this is a must read.
It’s had me crying, filled with anger and got a few smiles out of me.
There were times when I didn’t believe that I was reading non-fiction as it’s so hard to believe that someone could be that evil.
Mandy Thomas shares her story of how she endured his torture, both physically and mentally. How she was let down by so many of our services that are meant to help people in need. How she managed to keep on living and the unconditional love that she had for her children and the lengths that she would go to to keep them safe.
This woman is so unbelievably strong.
It’s had me crying, filled with anger and got a few smiles out of me.
There were times when I didn’t believe that I was reading non-fiction as it’s so hard to believe that someone could be that evil.
Mandy Thomas shares her story of how she endured his torture, both physically and mentally. How she was let down by so many of our services that are meant to help people in need. How she managed to keep on living and the unconditional love that she had for her children and the lengths that she would go to to keep them safe.
This woman is so unbelievably strong.
October 13, 2015
What an incredible book. I have read other books about domestic violence where the woman has been too frightened to leave or stayed for her own reasons but this book highlights a system that is sorely lacking to protect those that want to leave... from the Police to the Social Services. Perhaps it is ignorance, perhaps it is disbelief or perhaps sheer inability but this woman went through hell and back at the hands of her partner and if this book manages to change the way we view and care for the sufferers of domestic violence then it is worth every penny. I wish Mandy and her family peace and love.
July 2, 2020
I have to read it in stages. She claims throughout "the police never took me seriously". It's hard, with Stockholm syndrome cases. When a victim Continuously puts them and their children in harm's way, and claims no fault of their own. Not once does she realise it would have ended years ago if she'd just said "NO". The police couldn't do anything because she let him in. Dusty didn't let me do this. Why the fuck is he in your house after killing your child
December 25, 2018
Very repetitive.
June 14, 2022
Wow what a horrific time poor mandy had. To think no one would help her. Dont know how she managed to stay alive. Had to keep stopping a few times on the book as it was so traumatic to think someone was going through that. Such a Inspirational lady. Thanks for sharing your story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
Poor mandy, my heart goes out to her and her children. What an evil monster he is heartbreaking the things he did to her no one should have to go through that and for the police well say no more !!
July 3, 2019
Heart breaking really what she has gone through and then to realise that was her son on xfactor in 2012 and getting to see her face after reading all this
June 15, 2019
Heartwrenching, could not put down.
Beautifully written story to a book that sheds so much light on the dark matter that is too often untold.
Beautifully written story to a book that sheds so much light on the dark matter that is too often untold.
May 6, 2016
This is one of the most brutally honest and harrowing autobiographies I've read to date.
I commend Mandy Thomas for telling it how it is, and for not adhering to the usual expectations of publishers for the author to tone down their voice. Domestic abuse is real, it's nasty and involves many forms of abuse- not just physical. I am grateful to Mandy for standing up and loudly speaking out in an often silent, invisible crowd.
Thank you, Mandy, from survivors everywhere. You are doing a fantastic job, have an amazing family and are free.
If you have ever been in an abusive relationship or are still in one- you need to read this book. If you have a wife, mother, daughter or best friend- you too need to read this book.
I commend Mandy Thomas for telling it how it is, and for not adhering to the usual expectations of publishers for the author to tone down their voice. Domestic abuse is real, it's nasty and involves many forms of abuse- not just physical. I am grateful to Mandy for standing up and loudly speaking out in an often silent, invisible crowd.
Thank you, Mandy, from survivors everywhere. You are doing a fantastic job, have an amazing family and are free.
If you have ever been in an abusive relationship or are still in one- you need to read this book. If you have a wife, mother, daughter or best friend- you too need to read this book.
March 5, 2017
Essential reading
So important to begin to understand the struggle of those who have lived through hell and continue to be affected by the many faces of domestic violence. To stand together with victims and survivors rather than to close our eyes and ears or turn away is the only way to expose and disempower the perpetrators.
A brief crossing of paths many years ago and a worryingly honest statement put out by a member of this family this week has brought me to the pages of this book. Everyone should read Mandy's record of what happened and continues to happen to her and her chidren, even though it has made for the most horrific reading I have ever undertaken. Stay strong, Mandy and know that you have another supporter here.
So important to begin to understand the struggle of those who have lived through hell and continue to be affected by the many faces of domestic violence. To stand together with victims and survivors rather than to close our eyes and ears or turn away is the only way to expose and disempower the perpetrators.
A brief crossing of paths many years ago and a worryingly honest statement put out by a member of this family this week has brought me to the pages of this book. Everyone should read Mandy's record of what happened and continues to happen to her and her chidren, even though it has made for the most horrific reading I have ever undertaken. Stay strong, Mandy and know that you have another supporter here.
June 5, 2018
Incredible and heart wrenching story! One of the few books to ever make me actually sob.
This book showed the struggles that so many women face in abusive relationships and how the Police and legal system really need to change in order to protect these women. The stories said in this book are heartbreaking, but also highlight the strength of Mandy and her children.
Mandy's story should be shared everywhere to everyone
This book showed the struggles that so many women face in abusive relationships and how the Police and legal system really need to change in order to protect these women. The stories said in this book are heartbreaking, but also highlight the strength of Mandy and her children.
Mandy's story should be shared everywhere to everyone
October 18, 2015
This is such a harrowing story that at times I found it very difficult to read. How Mandy survived I have no idea, but she did, despite being let down by the authorities that were supposed to help her time and time again. I hope lessons are learnt from Mandy's experience and that no family is ever allowed to go through the horrors that this family did. So brave of her to put her story out there.
February 29, 2016
Mandy Thomas an inspiration as a survivor of a violent partner
What a touching account of a woman's survival and harrowing experience at the hands of her partner and the brutal depths this disgusting piece of SCUM that caused so much pain and hurt to her and her children walked free back into our world
What a touching account of a woman's survival and harrowing experience at the hands of her partner and the brutal depths this disgusting piece of SCUM that caused so much pain and hurt to her and her children walked free back into our world
February 11, 2018
Brilliant story that comes from the heart. I should imagine it was traumatic in it self for Mandy to go through again to tell her story. I didn't realise she was Jahmen's mom till I googled her out of curiosity later. I couldn't put the book down it broke my heart to read it. I have recommended it to all my friends. There's so much more to this story then I expected.
March 2, 2019
A terrifying true account of the evil and sadistic treatment Mandy faced from her husband. How this poor woman survived after all she suffered, to come out the other side is unbelievable. I cried throughout the book for Mandy and her children. Hopefully Mandys story will help others who are in similar situations to leave their abusers before its too late.
November 6, 2015
Omg what a book! I was so shocked that a person/family went through all the torture at the hands of a sick psychopath, I really wish Mandy and her family all the best and justice served for all the victims of abuse.
August 14, 2017
Don't normally do reviews but felt this deserved one. Amazing book wrote by an amazingly strong lady. Was a harrowing yet compelling read, the things she went through were absolutely disgusting but she got through it. I truly hope it brings some faith to other victims of domestic violence
January 6, 2019
Heartbreaking book
Heartbreaking book. Mandy is beyond strong, I admire her strength and big faith. I dunno how she was able to keep going with all that pain. She’s such an inspiration, Bless her and her beautiful kids.
Heartbreaking book. Mandy is beyond strong, I admire her strength and big faith. I dunno how she was able to keep going with all that pain. She’s such an inspiration, Bless her and her beautiful kids.
January 8, 2019
Amazing book, couldn’t put it down. Very emotional story which ended with me in tears.. (it’s a true story) really makes you think about domestic violence and how it’s life altering, by just making a simple decision.
January 31, 2016
Amazing book to get me back into reading! Quite graphic and made me realise just how lucky I am!
May 28, 2016
A harrowing memoir of abuse. An inspiring memoir of a woman's strength and of a mother's love. A frustrating tale of a broken system that fails over and over to protect victims.
January 27, 2017
Wow! The strength of this family is beyond words.
May 22, 2017
Great courage very brave lady to publish this book.
Hard read but could not put it down you don't know how lucky you aretill you read a book like this
Hard read but could not put it down you don't know how lucky you aretill you read a book like this
June 25, 2017
Such a brave lady to have endured such torture,and then to relive it all again in this book.
February 3, 2024
This book was hard hitting, heart wrenching, jaw shockingly awful. Literally made me cry. But reading how mandy was so strong, a fierce protective mother, how she just fought to get through a day alive, how she kept clinging on to life for the sake of her children... her story is a story or bravery, determination, strength, hope and faith.
It is so hard to read what mandy endured day in, day out but when bits did break me, when bits triggered some of my own trauma, I chose to not see Mandy as a victim but as one hell of an amazing survivor.
And the fact that Mandy turned all that anger, hate, abuse, all that pure evilness and turned it into something so inspiring. To achieve more awareness to help victims of domestic violence etc. She turned that all around and her story, as hard and shocking and heart wrenching as it, she turned it into something beautiful... she gave victims a voice, hope and just a glimmer or "look I done it - if I can, you can too."
Mandy is nothing short of being one of the most inspiring women I know of.
Thank you Mandy, I wish you nothing but love , healing and the biggest amount of hope, all the way from the tips of my toes to the top of my head for a very positive, serene, loving future.
You truly are amazing and thank you for sharing all your pain, your wounds, your trauma, to help address domestic violence and to try and make a positive change and awareness for all victims, both female and male.
Now lick your finger and hold it in the air... YOU won this one!! Game, Set, Match!!!
And lastly Daniel will be so so so proud of you!! Healing, Love & Light for you always x
It is so hard to read what mandy endured day in, day out but when bits did break me, when bits triggered some of my own trauma, I chose to not see Mandy as a victim but as one hell of an amazing survivor.
And the fact that Mandy turned all that anger, hate, abuse, all that pure evilness and turned it into something so inspiring. To achieve more awareness to help victims of domestic violence etc. She turned that all around and her story, as hard and shocking and heart wrenching as it, she turned it into something beautiful... she gave victims a voice, hope and just a glimmer or "look I done it - if I can, you can too."
Mandy is nothing short of being one of the most inspiring women I know of.
Thank you Mandy, I wish you nothing but love , healing and the biggest amount of hope, all the way from the tips of my toes to the top of my head for a very positive, serene, loving future.
You truly are amazing and thank you for sharing all your pain, your wounds, your trauma, to help address domestic violence and to try and make a positive change and awareness for all victims, both female and male.
Now lick your finger and hold it in the air... YOU won this one!! Game, Set, Match!!!
And lastly Daniel will be so so so proud of you!! Healing, Love & Light for you always x
April 6, 2022
I haven’t stopped thinking about this book I finished it in one day putting it down to eat drink or use the bathroom. I can’t put in to words the admiration I felt for Mandy throughout this book, I know woman are strong but mandys strength was out of this world i have no doubt that this book will help 100s of woman hopefully for years to come I messaged Mandy via Instagram and told her how I came to find her book outside a church in a book swap which was quite fitting on how it touched on faith and love, I will be returning the book so that some one in need might be lead to it, this book had me in tears a lot!!! the woman’s love for her children to be going through that whilst trying to be the best parent honestly this woman is an inspiration and I’d urge anybody to read mandys story and take from it not sadness but bravery, strength, compassion and love xx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2021
You can’t run
Wow what a heartbreaking story. I honestly say this is a story that should be read by every woman. You young women of today are facing violence more today than ever in history. Our justice system is broken and needs total change. I was so mad at your justice system and the way they treated you.
I saw your son jahmene when he sang at last. I simply loved it and am so saddened by what your children went through. I love your book but had to skip some of the abuse parts because I could not stand it. Stay safe and know so many people pray for your family.
Wow what a heartbreaking story. I honestly say this is a story that should be read by every woman. You young women of today are facing violence more today than ever in history. Our justice system is broken and needs total change. I was so mad at your justice system and the way they treated you.
I saw your son jahmene when he sang at last. I simply loved it and am so saddened by what your children went through. I love your book but had to skip some of the abuse parts because I could not stand it. Stay safe and know so many people pray for your family.
May 3, 2020
Feel terrible for saying this was a great book. Obviously the subject is not but what I'm trying to say is that it was great because I couldn't put it down. I just had to keep reading as I needed to know whether Mandy and her family got away. My heart goes out to them all for the horrific life they had to endure. Thankfully I am not in an abusive relarionship but I hope this gives those who are the strength to get out. Well done Mandy for speaking out and for your quest now to help others.
December 20, 2022
Powerful painful and surreal to read. Very graphic, the abuse detailed is horrific and unthinkable. What really upset me, was all the authorities and systems we have in place for vulnerable people completely failed her. Had the systems worked, she wouldn’t of endured such abuse and for so long. Mandy is inspiring, she’s strong, courageous, and brave for putting her story out to help others. A unsettling but inspiring read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews