Deliver Me from Evil: A Sadistic Foster Mother, a Childhood Torn Apart

by Alloma Gilbert, Corinne Sweet

An utterly compelling story of brave a young woman who survived a childhood in hell.

'When I was a little girl I believed what I was told over and over that I was evil, that I deserved to be tortured because I was the Devil's child . . .'

In April 2007 foster-mother Eunice Spry was sentenced to fourteen years in prison for her sadistic abuse of the children in her care. The details of her cruelty were so sickening they shocked the country. Alloma Gilbert was one of Spry's young victims, sent to live with her at the age of six and left at her mercy for eleven brutal years.

Eunice used her own twisted religious beliefs as an excuse for punishing her foster children. When she took them to live on an isolated farmhouse, the abuse escalated to terrifying levels - a stick was thrust down Alloma's throat so often it was stained red with blood, she was starved for over a year and survived only by secretly eating pigswill, and the vicious beatings were relentless.

At the age of seventeen she finally escaped but, alone in the outside world, she fell prey to abusive men. It was the birth of her baby daughter that saved her, that finally taught her what love really is. Written with powerful honesty, Deliver Me From Evil is a moving and inspiring story of survival.

Genres: Nonfiction, Abuse, Memoir, True Crime, Biography, Crime, Autobiography

267 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2008

About the author

In April 2007 Alloma Gilbert's foster-mother, Eunice Spry, was sentenced to fourteen years in prison for her sadistic abuse of the children in her care. Alloma Gilbert was one of Spry's young victims, sent to live with her at the age of six and left at her mercy for eleven brutal years. At the age of seventeen she finally escaped but, alone in the outside world, she fell prey to abusive men. It was the birth of her baby daughter that saved her, that finally taught her what love really is. Written with powerful honesty, her autobiography "Deliver Me From Evil" is a moving and inspiring story of survival.

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day I was browsing through a shelf of Borders, full of these autobiographies/biographies of troubled/traumatized childhoods. This one struck me, and I really wanted to read it, and I received it for my birthday. :)

I finished this in about 2 sittings. I would've finished it in one but my sister and I were reading it at the same time, and had to rotate.
It was so so touching and sad, and made me feel anger, sympathy, sadness, and a whole bunch of different emotions. Moving book.

[Ashley Marilynne Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A heart wrenching true story about the psychological and physical abuses imposed upon by a sadistic foster mother told with rawness, strength and courage. Alloma had been brave and awesome, and as a person who wholeheartedly opposes child abuse of any form, I wish more victims will speak up the way Alloma has done.

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly horrendous childhood Alloma endured. This so called foster 'mother' would read books on tortures given to prisoners of war, and books such as A Child Called It to get ideas on how to further her abuse. I'm truelly shocked that all of the children left in Eunice Spry's care survived.
Alloma Gilbert was sent to live with Eunice when she was 7. At first it seemed like an ideal place to be but it didn't take little Alloma long to realize that things were not at all what they had seemed.

[Tamera Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eunice Spry wants children to foster. But not for the good of the child, but to fill her own sick perverted world with innocent lives that she can control and manipulate. Alloma Gilbert is one such child. Alloma and her parents are taken in by Eunice, who comes across as a loving, caretaker. After all, the woman has her own two daughters and has fostered other children. But what Alloma's parents didn't know was that they had placed their daughter in the hands of an evil, malicious woman. Eunice Spry delights in tormenting children, playing with their fragile minds as she twists her lies and uses physical torture to subdue them. The matter is bad enough, but Eunice plays favorites amongst the children, often pitting them against one another.

Alloma is led to believe from the very beginning that she is evil and corrupted. She isn't even allowed the use of her own name and Eunice changes it to Harriet.

DELIVER ME FROM EVIL by Alloma Gilbert is a tale of horrific abuse and survival. Eunice Spry uses her warped sense of religion to justify the abuse. It's easy to see just how evil had affected her warped mind. I can only hope Eunice is experiencing a bit of hell in prison. Hopefully, this terrible story sheds some light on other children that are, even now, in similar circumstances.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can one even rate this book as a 4, which says I really liked it, given it's content??? But the truth is I really liked this book and I'm walking away from it amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit and how children can survive the most horrific of circumstances and come out somewhat, decently, sort of.... ok.
The author puts forth her experiences of her life being taken from her parents by a women who groomed them into allowing her to take their daughter from them and foster her from about 5 until 17 when she drops her off at a youth hostel. Again, I don't know how the author survived the mistreatment at the hands of the foster mother but she did and has created a life beyond that experience.
She has written a book that tells of her experiences and the book itself is easy to read and isn't bogged down by a whole lot of unnecessary details. If you have the stomach for this type of subject matter give it a read and be amazed at people's resiliency.

[Nana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, as always it's shocking to read about the abuse children can experience in any situation. However when children are placed in homes vetted for fostering it is beyond belief no consistency is in place to address issues/incidents that put these children in harms way.

[Swati · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that shook me

I wouldn't exactly say I liked it. What is there to like about someone's else's torture? This book is a detailed and vivid account of Alloma Gilbert, and how her foster mother, Eunice Spry tore her childhood apart, piece by piece.

Even if this would have been a fictional piece, the events in the story would have still filled me with horror but, the fact that this is a true account shakes me to the core. The reader feels Alloma's desolation, fear and helplessness. Alloma grew up in an unstable household. This soon bought her under the radar of Eunice Spry. Alloma's unstable yet happy life turns into a nightmare when she is taken in by Eunice Spry, her foster mother.

From the time she was a mere child to the time she reaches her teens, her life is a nightmare, the kind you never wake up from, the kind where no one hugs you to make the monsters go away. This is like the tale of Hansel and Gretel gone horribly wrong. The children here don't get away. They live through the nightmare, the pain, the fear, the helplessness, the hopelessness that no one is going to come for them, to save them.

In short, it is the story of a survivor which has been narrated in painfully graphic detail.

[Georgina Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for a number of reasons. One of them being it's contemporary so it was relevant to me. I was born only 3 years after Alloma so the contrast between our two lives was striking and it also brought back memories. I suffer with a bad memory so it's nice to be reminded of things like playing power rangers at school. It's an interesting story, it's emotional but the author doesn't over hype it up. It's quite plain and simple and down to earth, I suppose a lot like Alloma. It's rounded off nicely, bringing the story up to when the book was read so doesn't leave any unanswered questions. There's another book, called Child C, written by Christopher aka Thomas in Alloma's book which I plan to read as well.

[Bubblesthefairy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished this book this morning. It is a good book if you can really call books like these good after the pain and suffering these children go through. I cant believe that a woman like Eunice Spry was allowed to get away with this abuse for such a long time. Just goes to show we should always be aware of whats going on around us. Maybe if others had the same view less abuse would happen.

[Lisa J Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Victoria’s story and Christopher’s and now Alloma’s. These 3 are such brave people I can’t imagine trying to live my life after all the abuse they suffered. Well done Alloma for putting your story out there. Because you spoke up it will give others the strength to. X

[Phil Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read this kind of book. I'm more into my fiction, and science books. However, I was told of this tale by a friend from work. He told me of some of the atrocities inflicted during the authors life, and I was, in a morbid way, curious. So I took it upon his word and decided I'd read it through my work breaks.

All I can say I am flabbergasted. Disgusted, that a woman, such as Eunice Spry, can get away with such horrific acts and for so long. How she can live guilt free knowing the damage she is causing physically, and psychologically.

Throughout the entire book, I found myself grimacing. Fearing for the lives of each child, and wishing that someone...anyone would see the signs of acts that are forming behind closed doors.

It really is a heart-wrenching read from start to finish, and I have so much sympathy for those affected.

[EMC2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very hard to read at times. It will make you feel ill, probably cry. But it's worth the emotional rollercoaster. Seeing how Alloma grew up, and that she didn't let it dictate the way the rest of her life would go is both amazing and inspiring. Two of the other children also wrote books about their lives with Eunice. They go by different names in her book, but the older and younger foster children, Victoria and Christopher, who were abused as well, also wrote books. Victoria Spry, and she wrote "Tortured" Christopher Spry wrote "Child C."
Not really a spoiler since it's not in the book, but further down I'll put a little bit about what happened afterwards.
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Eunice was sentenced to 14 years in prison and was released in 2014, after serving only 7 years. Victoria Spry committed suicide in 2020.

[Beth]

So so heartbreaking that this is true.
I feel I cannot possibly rate someone’s life story, especially one with so much abuse.
I picked this up as I currently am in a role that works with foster carers and of course see many positive things through this and wanted to be aware of some of the bad things that happen and continue to happen.
This was so compelling and has left me feeling so so sad that children faced this at the hands of a woman.
Just a heart wrenching story that is unbelievable in so many ways.
Those poor poor children is all I can think.

[Bethany Ainsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shelved it under 'horror' because it was basically a horror story of what these kids had gone through.

Shelved under 'adults are useless' and 'what is your problem' because Eunice is basically a sadistic piece of bitch monster.

I applaud Alloma Gilbert for coming forward with her story, and despite the horrific memories that she's scarred with, because that right these is bravery and courage.

[Sarah Whiscombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreaking true story a girls terrible upbringing. Made me cry and I can’t stop thinking about what she went through and how horrible it must have been and what an amazing strong brave women she has turned into.

[Corina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very great (and HUGELY!) disturbing read. The only negative about this book is that Eunice did not get life in prison for her crimes.

[Louisa Giddings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart wrenching book about a so called foster mum that put the children in her care through hell for what ever reason. What these kids went through is unspeakable

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of stolen tortured childhood, bravery, strength, survival and hope. I just had to keep reading. I read this in 24 hrs. Alloma, thank you for your bravery in sharing this story.

[Nicola Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book, difficult read in parts, dont understand how anyone can be so cruel.

[Zaheera Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

No child should have to go through such an evil experience.

[weronika;)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

plakalam.

[Kylie Towers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartbreaking story. The abuse that Alloma went through as a child is absolutely astonishing. How the foster mother got away with it for so long is mind boggling.

[خُلود · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it about 4 years ago, tragic to say the least, can’t remember details, but I remember vividly my shock at how someone can have this much evil within them

[Hayley Kedward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a nice read especially when you know said person who wrote the book.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A harrowing account of a foster mother who read A Boy Called It for inspiration.

[Miss Gucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heartbreaking, very sad felt every pain she went through, and read this book within three days, another child who is let down in the social care system.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Criada no Inferno é o relato real e terrível de uma criança que devido as circunstâncias difíceis em que nasceu teve de ser criada na casa de uma família de acolhimento. Alloma nasceu de uns jovens adolescentes toxicodependentes e com o passar do tempo as condições de vida foram piorando e entregaram-na a Eunice uma mulher que aparentava ser muito simpática mas que no fundo era uma mulher doente e psicopata.

Logo que Alloma foi viver com Eunice deu-se de conta que muitas coisas estavam erradas mas como era muito nova com apenas 5 anos não tinha condições de distinguir o certo do errado e de fazer acusações.

Este livro é extremamente chocante e eu não o aconselho a toda a gente. É necessário ter um estômago muito forte e estar preparado para o ler. Eu li-o praticamente de uma assentada só porque fiquei mesmo curiosa mas quando fui dormir, tive pesadelos e acordei toda dorida de uma noite muito mal passada.

Confesso que só lhe dei 3 estrelas porque não gostei muito como a história foi contada e pode parecer estranho mas não consegui criar uma verdadeira empatia por Alloma. Não sei muito bem porque é que isto aconteceu mas penso que foi pela forma como a história foi narrada.

Fiquei com imensa pena de Alloma e das outras crianças, muitas vezes fiquei com vontade de chorar e várias vezes fiquei parva a olhar para o livro a tentar perceber se devia mesmo acreditar ou não no que tinha acontecido.

Para vocês terem noção Eunice fazia coisas abomináveis às crianças como por exemplo pó-las a comer excrementos de animais, batia-lhes com socos, pontapés, etc. Obrigava-as a fazer coco todos os dias de manhã e se as crianças não fizessem inseria um clister para obrigá-las a fazer. Enchia-lhes a boca com detergente, punha-as a dormir no chão. Colocava as mãos no fogão quente. Enfiava-lhes um pão pela garganta...coisas abomináveis. Coisas de outro mundo, de um filme de terror.

Eu fiquei chocada e sinceramente não quero ler mais nenhum livro deste género.

[Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I feel so sorry for these kids that Eunice Sprye was allowed to raise. I think she should have gotten LIFE in prison for the cruel acts she committed against these poor children. On the book though I was not as impressed with Alloma's writing as I was her foster brothers writing in Child C. I found his book about his childhood much more readable. But then again as a woman who hardly went to school she did a very good job. I just hope someday that all the child abusers have to face what they have done just like this one did. To often I have read about them getting away with it. Also them goig on to be able to raise more children with the same or worse effects. I did find it tough to want to pick this one up again once I had set it down for the night ect..I only picked it up over and over because I did not want to quit it before I had known how she came out of this. I commend all the children who suffered at the hands of this woman for being so brave to not just up and run away from this woman. You are all very strong.

[Redfox5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read lots of books about child abuse but this one just seemed so much more horrific than anything I've read. I don't understand how you can do that to a child. This book was just so upsetting. The stick being shoved down her throat while she was beaten, I just can't even Imagine how horrible that must have been. Eunice was one sick bitch. Even taking ideas for abuse from 'A Child Called It'. Making sure the children only pooed in the morning, making them eat poo, or not letting them eat anything. Awful. It seems to me that this theme of dividing the children is quiet common in abuse. Having the 'good' kids and the 'bad' kids play off each other. I'm just so glad that Alloma managed to get out of there, even though someone should have spotted it way before then! I'm also glad that Alloma has broken another familiar pattern with child abuse victims, in that now she is grown she doesn't still seek Eunice's love. I'm glad Eunice is in jail now but to me 14 years just doesn't seem enough.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story recounted by Alloma Gilbert, who lived a life of constant pain, torture, and fear, with her two other foster siblings, at the hands of her foster carer Eunice Spry who was sentenced to prison for 14 years.

Gilbert recounts how Spry kept them hidden from the outside world, groomed her parents into placing her in the hell hole, and brainwashed them into believing they were bad children. The Devil's own.

The story follows as Gilbert goes to live with Spry and soon is forced to change her name, take on Spry as her last name, have toilet checks, drink dish washing liqard, go days without food, stand naked at the top of the stairs all night, and have her face pushed into animal waste.

It's heart breaking knowing that there was no help, and when there was a chance to get help they were too scared but in the end one of them came forward, Sarah, and it started a process that would free them from Spry and her cruel treatment.