Personne n'est venu - Mon enfance dans l'orphelinat de l'horreur

by Robbie Garner, Toni Maguire

Robbie Garner n'a que 5 ans lorsqu'il assiste a la tentative de suicide de son pere. Le meme jour, sa mere, alcoolique, decide de le placer dans un orphelinat, ainsi que sa s ur et ses deux freres. Tenu par des religieuses, le Sacre-C ur est en apparence un endroit paisible. Pourtant, on y commet les pires privations, sevices corporels, humiliations... Robbie trouve la force de resister, mais son frere cadet Davie gardera d'importantes sequelles psychologiques. Plus tard, Robbie est transfere a Haut-de-la-Garenne, ou des gardiens pervers et violents organisent en toute impunite des orgies sexuelles d'une cruaute inouie. Certains enfants se suicident, d'autres disparaissent mysterieusement. En 2008, la mediatisation de l'affaire de l'orphelinat de l'horreur a Jersey a brusquement fait jaillir les terribles souvenirs de Robbie Garner. "Personne n'est venu" est son temoignage."

Genres: Nonfiction, Abuse, True Crime, Memoir, True Story, Biography Memoir, Fostering

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2009

Reviews

[Antje]

I`m from germany , and heard just today from this book.
This means,that I still didn`t read this book,-but :
I will try to order(to buy) this book from AMAZON DE.
During the last year I`ve read a lot about the horrible mistreatments ,abuses and rape of children in Jersey care homes,-especially about "Haut de la Garenne".
I think it is a good idea to make this problem public.
It give survived victims the chance to tell their bad experiences.
ANTJE from Germany

[Linda Corby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really heartfelt story, it very strongly tells the story from a child's eye point of view, and is very touching and well worth reading.

I live in Jersey and therefore know the places mentioned in this book, the abuse victims of the Jersey Children s homes are unlikely to see justice as the island is somewhat corrupt, so I am happy to see the author at least get some royalties at the end of the day.

[Ashley Marilynne Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody Came is a heart wrenching true story about three brothers whose childhoods have ended before they could even begin. As I read the book, I felt as if I was given painful electric shocks whose voltage heightened every time I turned a page. The abuses described within were by far the most shocking experiences I had ever read about.

[Ruth Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read these types of books with a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, it's in the authors best interests to make them as appalling as possible.

However, his book really got to me. Be warned, it's beyond appalling, and definitely not for the faint hearted.

From the very first page I was in over my head. I couldn't stop reading. It made me so angry at times that I had to walk away, and so sad that I cried. And through most of the book I felt sick to my stomach.

Brilliantly written, the author brought the people and places to life for me, so much so that they're going to stay with me for some time.

There's no real happy ending to this story, and I'm not sure there will ever be any justice for the children that suffered through this horrific abuse.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly sad story. I couldn't put it down and I couldn't stop crying and gasping at the cruel and horrific abuse the author Robbie, his brothers and the other children endured. A 'home' that should have provided protection for them I felt so angry that it was allowed to happen to them and sick to my stomach that the 'adults' could be so cruel and just how could a mother not care what happens to her own sons.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really unsure how to rate this book.
I have rated it 4 stars because I found I wanted to read it, I absolutely tore through the book in 2 days and found it difficult to put down. However, I cannot say that I 'really liked it' because the content was so harrowing. Perhaps I got through it so quickly because I didn't want to dwell on the horrendous images it depicted.
I have read a lot of books from this genre and I can safely say that this is one of the most horrifying accounts I have ever read. If not the most horrifying.

I think what struck me the most was that there was no real improvement in that no one saved them, nothing happened to improve their situation other than them growing out of the home and making it change for themselves. It's horrifying because it's the real life stories we rarely hear about, the sort that slip under the radar because of the terror instilled into the children. We hear of people being saved, but not so often about people just surviving their abuse.

I think this book was very well written and I have to thank the author for sharing such intimate details about his childhood but I am unsure whether I can recommend it in good conscience simply because it is such a devastating story.

[Penny Grubb · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all the wrong reasons, this is a compelling read, hard to put down once started. The story is horrific and somehow made worse by seeing some of the perpetrators on the TV right now heading for what seem to be short prison sentences. It's good to see a manner of justice for some of the victims, but too late for many others. There is a poignant section at the end of this book that gives a brief view of what happened to some of the children. Although it's good to learn eventually that Robbie's baby sister didn't suffer the same fate, it was a huge shock to realise that his mother had been back for her daughter and left her sons to face the fanatic violence of the nuns at Sacre Coeur and the systematic abuse at Haut de la Garenne. I also saw the book as a tribute to John Garner who did everything he could to protect his younger brothers despite being such a young child himself.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written, extremely shocking and heart ernding to read.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review for Nobody Came by Robbie Garner & Toni Maguire

“Nobody Came” is a harrowing and deeply moving memoir that exposes the horrors of the British care system. Robbie Garner’s account of his childhood is heartbreaking, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the neglect and abuse suffered by him and many others. It’s a difficult but important read, shedding light on systemic failures and the lasting scars of childhood trauma.

What intrigued me most was understanding Robbie’s early life and the circumstances that shaped him. While his adulthood took a dark turn, this book focuses solely on his childhood without speculation on his later years. Due to the disturbing nature of his adult actions, the author does not promote or advertise this book, and no updated or Kindle version is available.

If, like me, you are drawn to powerful memoirs that highlight the realities of the care system, survival, and resilience, Nobody Came is a book worth reading. I highly recommend it to those interested in fostering, social issues, and real-life accounts of overcoming adversity. It’s also a great addition to memoir and true-story book clubs where like-minded readers can discuss these important topics.

Please feel free to add our group on Facebook fostering, memoirs and fiction book club. 📚

[Ruby Tuesday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is possibly one of the most harrowing books I've ever read. We have family in Jersey, my mum spent her childhood holidays there, as did I. It's such a beautiful Island that ridiculous as it sounds, you can't imagine such darkness.

There are certain images that stick in my mind from this book, Neville in the chicken room, Dennis at the care home and his sinister parties, the "little cowboy", Marc sad end and Debbie and Pete's tragic love story.

This book may be sad and angry in equal measure that I wanted to reach into the pages of the book and rescue the poor, mistreated boys. From what I can tell, the victims never really got justice for what they endured. One other reviewer, a resident of Jersey said that it was because of corruption and in an Island with so many millionaires per square mile, money talks. Very tragic.

[Charlotte Mac Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ce livre porte sur un enfant envoyé dans un camp puisque son beau père a essayé de se suicider et sa mère se moque de ses enfants. Cette histoire poignante montre que des enfants vont dans des camps mais qui sont maltraités. Ils subissent tellement de choses choquantes, une histoire qui fait réfléchir sur le passé! Et qui , je peux le dire , nous dit que notre vie à nous est beaucoup plus facile que la leurs! J'ai vraiment apprécié ce texte et je vais vite lire un livre du même auteur " Ne le dis pas à maman "

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The levels of abuse in this book is just so disturbing. People and places that should be good and safe are more like devils and hell. I feel so angry and sad for the abuse the children had to endure in these homes. A heartbreaking book but very well written.

[Paige Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A standout book. Of all the biographical child abuse books I have read, this stands on its own. Extremely upsetting but makes you thoroughly appreciate what you have!

[Yax · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Robbie is an amazing person, I feel for all his family. No one should ever have to go through that in their livli hood.

[Frey · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'avais visiblement trop de joie dans ma vie et je devais en élaguer un peu.

[Saveur Littéraire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le titre m'a attiré, la photo de couverture m'a fait un effet que je saurais décrire. Je vais vous le dire, en général, je lis peu de témoignages. Pas que je n'aime pas, mais je sais que ce sont des mots de personnes qui ont vécu ces choses, qui tiennent à les partager, et ça me fait quelque chose. le sujet me touche d'une certaine manière. Sans m'épancher là-dessus, je me dis qu'il fallait que je lise ce témoignage. Il le fallait, un devoir que je me devais d'accomplir.

Personne n'est venu, c'est le témoignage poignant d'un homme qui a eu l'immense courage de nous livrer son enfance dans l'enfer même. Robbie, cinq ans à peine, un enfant innocent et heureux malgré la vie dure qu'il a. Robbie, qui évolue, qui se bat et se rebelle contre ces personnes inhumaines. Qui ne perd pas espoir, en dépit de tous les sévices subis. Beaucoup disent que l'on parle en mal des religieuses, qu'on devrait les voir autrement, mais taire la vérité n'aide pas.
Dans ce témoignage, oui, les religieuses sont d'horribles personnes qui persécutent sans aucune raison. La foi leur dicte quoi faire ? Je regrette, mais il y a des limites. Laisser des enfants sous la garde de tels personnages est un crime à lui tout seul. On savait ce qu'il s'y passait, dans ces orphelinats de Jersey, et personne n'a rien dit. Personne n'est venu. Robbie et son petit frère, Davie, ont dû se battre et survivre comme ils ont pu. Davie en garderait des séquelles irréversibles suite à un “accident” qui n'aurait jamais dû se produire. Robbie gardera espoir, mais son enfance, il ne l'aura jamais vécu. Et c'est pareil pour d'autres enfants qui deviendront adultes avant l'heure.

Robbie survit, mais à quel prix ? D'autres, qui n'ont pas supporté cet enfer, s'échappent vers d'autres endroits, plus heureux pour eux, je l'espère. Brian, Marc. Atroce, c'est le seul mot, et encore, il n'est pas assez fort. Aucun mot n'est assez fort pour désigner ce qu'on ressent.
Je ne sais pas comment terminer cette chronique, parce qu'en cet instant, je suis encore perdue, pas assez objective probablement ? le style est franc, direct, on ne nous épargne pas de détails, et c'est tant mieux. Il ne faut pas oublier, il ne faut pas fermer les yeux devant tout ce qui s'est produit.

L'orphelinat de l'horreur, comme il est désormais appelé, a finalement été révélé, mais tous ces enfants meurtris ne guériront jamais totalement de ce qu'ils ont subi. On ne peut que leur souhaiter de continuer à vivre, de se battre, d'être aussi heureux que possible. Et à toutes ces personnes qui leur ont fait du mal, on leur souhaite de ne plus jamais ressentir le moindre moment de bonheur. Rien n'excusera jamais leurs actes, rien. Merci d'avoir partagé ce témoignage. Merci.

Chronique publiée initialement le 23 octobre 2017 : https://saveurlitteraire.wordpress.co...

[Lucilo Amor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I can finish books this size within one sitting. This one took me three days because I had to stop between chapters and have to collect myself from serious sobbing when I can’t take it anymore.
I’m taking my hat off on the way it was written. Even with its sensitive subject, it was laid beautifully through the eyes of an angel. An innocent and loving child trying to make sense of how the world and the adults in his life seems to be conspiring together to destroy him in many pieces.
As I turn the pages - I can feel the intoxication of its darkness grew on me hence the regular interval I’m taking for my own good.
This is definitely on the top of my list of the books that made me cry, and I barely cry!
Lastly - I hate to admit this to myself, but this book is one of my rarest kind that made me peek on its ending. That’s how powerful it was to me.


p.s. - I imagine myself going back in time showering and spoiling John, Robbie and Davie with love and giving their deserved childhood. And since I cannot do that, I content myself on admiring their brotherhood and how far the human fighting spirit can go. That is what I am taking from this book.

[Feriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

La lecture la plus difficile qu’il m’ait été donné de faire. J’ai dû, à plusieurs reprises, m’arrêter de lire tellement les scènes étaient atroces.

L’auteur décrit de manière réaliste ce qu’il a vécu au sein de son foyer d’abord puis dans les orphelinats de Jersey dans lesquels il a vécu.

La violence physique et morale que ces enfants ont subi est sans limite, une horreur qui a inévitablement laissé des séquelles.

L’histoire de ce garçon se termine relativement bien, il retrouve ses frères, à un travail et s’en sort. Ce n’est pas le cas de tous les autres, pour qui ces épreuves n’ont pas pu être surmontées.

[Patricia Mercier · Rating 5 out of 5]

C’est difficile de donner une note à ce type de témoignage. Je me verrais difficilement enlever une étoile après avoir lu le récit d’une enfance traumatisante. Je vais donc m’abstenir de commentaire impertinent sur le style d’écriture ou autre. C’était une lecture difficile, j’ai dû prendre un peu de temps pour la compléter. J’en ressors frustrée, pour ne pas dire en tanarnack. Comment des adultes peuvent-ils s’autoriser à faire ça ? Je ne suis pas croyante, mais j’espère qu’il existe un enfer et que ces hommes et ces femmes seront condamnés à y vivre autant, sinon plus, de douleur et de terreur que celles qu’ils ont infligées à ces pauvres enfants.

[Lieselot Mauroo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book twice now, and each time, it chills me to the bone and fills me with such sadness and appaling that it is hard to get through it, as true stories such as these often can be. This book fills me with a kind of horror a fiction book would never be able to do. I would recommend this book with caution, cause it's probably not suited for everyone.

[Charlotte Towle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely unputdownable! This book shook me to my core — a harrowing, deeply moving story. What these boys endured was nothing short of horrific, yet it's told with such power and compassion. The writing is exceptional, pulling you in and holding you tight until the very end. My heart broke for poor Davie… an unforgettable read. Five stars without a doubt.

[Cécilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un livre très perturbant mais tellement beau.
On suit le récit d'un jeune garçon qui se retrouve dans un orphelinat où il subit d'horribles choses.
C'est un livre que j'ai dévoré en un après-midi, si bien écrit, on s'y plonge tellement facilement.
Je ne me voyais pas mettre moins d'étoiles sur un récit aussi boulversant.

[Mandy Chivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down it was so moving, I couldn't believe what such things happened to children so young, it made me cry. I would say you need to read this book and never forget that it's a true story.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sad book, very cruel and horrible what happened to all those boys and girls. Makes me want to cuddle the life out of my children knowing they are safe. People were and are still so cruel to young innocent little beings. Very good and well written.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

C'est horrible : l'histoire de trois jeunes enfants abandonnes par des parents instables et une mere prostituee et alcoolique... Ils seront battus, abuses sexuellement et le tout avec moults details.

C'est dur a lire et je me sens plus tres bien apres avoir termine.

[Mrs Reddy Mallender-Katzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting and informative, detailed read ..... Horrific ! i cannot imagine why anymone would beat and be cruel to children and i hate that they were subjected to peodophiles they to me are why we shpuld have the death penalty in this country !

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the saddest books I've read in a long time. The story of these three boys is heart-wrenching. It's very graphic and not for just any reader. But even so, it's a story that needed to be told to bring awareness to the atrocities in some orphanages.

[Jo K Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an harrowing tale of the intolerable abuse that happened to the brothers when they were in care of the authorities as children. It is sad and painful for many of us to comprehend that things like this were allowed (and did) happen.

[Tracey Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult read

[Hufriya Doctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book slaps you hard in the face with the harsh reality of the physical, mental and sexual abuse suffered by the children kept in homes and orphanages during the post WW2 period. A must read.