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In Fear of Her Life: The True Story of a Violent Marriage
Frances Smith is the pseudonym for a woman who lived in fear of her life for 22 years. Married at 16 to a Dublin criminal, she endured years of relentless mental and physical torture until she found the strength to fight back.
This is her courageous story told with brutal honesty and at times humour. It chronicles her descent to the brink of suicide and consequent rebuilding of her life.
This unique account is essential reading for all those who have ever endured cruelty at the hands of a man, or another human being for that matter. It gives hope to all those who have been victimised.
One day she found the courage to change the locks, seek a divorce and let his mistress have him for keeps. It was then that she realised he meant the vows he took on his wedding day - 'Till death do us part…'
The names and identities of the characters in the book have been changed to protect the author who still lives in daily terror.
This is her courageous story told with brutal honesty and at times humour. It chronicles her descent to the brink of suicide and consequent rebuilding of her life.
This unique account is essential reading for all those who have ever endured cruelty at the hands of a man, or another human being for that matter. It gives hope to all those who have been victimised.
One day she found the courage to change the locks, seek a divorce and let his mistress have him for keeps. It was then that she realised he meant the vows he took on his wedding day - 'Till death do us part…'
The names and identities of the characters in the book have been changed to protect the author who still lives in daily terror.
- GenresTrue Crime
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 18, 2010
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand some things in this story don't add up, but then again I read this so quickly I wonder did I miss something? Another thing that bothered me was how the relationship finally ended.
Frances claims at one point that she only tried to commit suicide three times, and then later it's five times. I'm not sure if I just missed something, she wrote it out wrong, or she lied about the suicide attempts. one of the times she got her stomach pumped she methodically describes the whole ordeal. I didn't mark the page to go back to for reference, so I can't quote word for word what was written, but I can tell you there was one important thing left out, and this is very close if not exactly to what she said,"They stick a tube down your throat and empty out your stomach until this black charcoal type stuff comes out." Ok, so you see the problem I have with this account is before they stick the tube down your throat you drink charcoal. The way it is written though is as if she says this substance is already in your stomach and you'll see it when they clear the contents of your stomach. This made me feel as though she really didn't know what she was talking about. She never mentioned having to drink anything.
The reason I'm bothered by the way the relationship ended is becuase Frances allowed this man to abuse her, cut her off from her family and friends, and even abuse her children, but when she learns that he has been unfaithful she finally has the strength to end the relationship. One would think when you find your child laying in a pool of their own blood afer being beaten by your husband (even if it's the childs father) that this in itself would be a far more powerful reason to end the relationship.
I don't mean to sound judgmental becuase I understand that these situations do happen and I feel terribly sad for victims of domestic abuse, but there was something a little off about this womans account. I might be wrong becuase 20 years is a long time to be battered by someone, but it just seems odd to me that this woman knew there were shelters out there where her and her chidren could be safe yet she chose not to go to one becuase she had heard that they have lice in them.
Frances claims at one point that she only tried to commit suicide three times, and then later it's five times. I'm not sure if I just missed something, she wrote it out wrong, or she lied about the suicide attempts. one of the times she got her stomach pumped she methodically describes the whole ordeal. I didn't mark the page to go back to for reference, so I can't quote word for word what was written, but I can tell you there was one important thing left out, and this is very close if not exactly to what she said,"They stick a tube down your throat and empty out your stomach until this black charcoal type stuff comes out." Ok, so you see the problem I have with this account is before they stick the tube down your throat you drink charcoal. The way it is written though is as if she says this substance is already in your stomach and you'll see it when they clear the contents of your stomach. This made me feel as though she really didn't know what she was talking about. She never mentioned having to drink anything.
The reason I'm bothered by the way the relationship ended is becuase Frances allowed this man to abuse her, cut her off from her family and friends, and even abuse her children, but when she learns that he has been unfaithful she finally has the strength to end the relationship. One would think when you find your child laying in a pool of their own blood afer being beaten by your husband (even if it's the childs father) that this in itself would be a far more powerful reason to end the relationship.
I don't mean to sound judgmental becuase I understand that these situations do happen and I feel terribly sad for victims of domestic abuse, but there was something a little off about this womans account. I might be wrong becuase 20 years is a long time to be battered by someone, but it just seems odd to me that this woman knew there were shelters out there where her and her chidren could be safe yet she chose not to go to one becuase she had heard that they have lice in them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2016
Awful
Hard to understand how the final straw for her to leave was when he had an affair, not when he beat his children so bad they had stitches, and left with scars.
Hard to understand how the final straw for her to leave was when he had an affair, not when he beat his children so bad they had stitches, and left with scars.
July 3, 2017
Amazing
Truly a heart breaking read, telling a true story of domestic abuse and how she stood up for herself and came out the other end.
Truly a heart breaking read, telling a true story of domestic abuse and how she stood up for herself and came out the other end.
November 6, 2017
Brilliant book!
So glad the women finally got free to live her life. Brilliant book, excellent read. Turkey inspired story of a brave women.
So glad the women finally got free to live her life. Brilliant book, excellent read. Turkey inspired story of a brave women.
September 16, 2019
Brilliant
So true to life as another person that has gone through the same. It is like you say, unless you have been through it you will never understand
So true to life as another person that has gone through the same. It is like you say, unless you have been through it you will never understand
April 29, 2020
Brilliant
Best read in ages I could relate to this as a battered women for many many years.thankyou for having the courage to put pen to paper
Best read in ages I could relate to this as a battered women for many many years.thankyou for having the courage to put pen to paper
March 5, 2017
Heartbreaking
I found this book heartbreaking, however, I congratulate Sandra for telling her story. I know of other women who have suffered abuse, but not on the same scale. As I am sure we would all agree no abuse is acceptable.
Sandra I wish you every happiness for your future as you deserve it.
I found this book heartbreaking, however, I congratulate Sandra for telling her story. I know of other women who have suffered abuse, but not on the same scale. As I am sure we would all agree no abuse is acceptable.
Sandra I wish you every happiness for your future as you deserve it.
February 18, 2016
Just live lifeGreat book must read tells a great story and to think she lived to tell the story I and fine love again most incredible women I hope she has a better life now and enjoys her children and grandchildren and ttfm hatchery never have to go through the same thing as she did fell happy to see a really happy ending to her story well done for being able to go through what you have and still come out the other end
Great book good read thank God you made it and can fine love again live life to the full good luck
Great book good read thank God you made it and can fine love again live life to the full good luck
January 31, 2016
I just think how lucky I am but then again never married or had children.
These poor women it starts I suppose where h ave you been who were u talking to,what a life to live,of course these men are cowards these women are HAND P ICKED to manipulate to there way , of life it's the kids I feel for
These poor women it starts I suppose where h ave you been who were u talking to,what a life to live,of course these men are cowards these women are HAND P ICKED to manipulate to there way , of life it's the kids I feel for
March 5, 2016
Frances suffered abuse for many many years at the hands of her husband. I found it very frustrating that she didn't try to leave once he started beating their children. It took her husband having an affair to give her the courage to get out of this volatile destructive relationship and I wish her and her family well.
February 10, 2016
Jackie stokes
From start to finish it was gripping, sometimes I became quite hooked and couldn't put it down , so sad what her husband put her and her children through , and even years later he was still.obsessed by here and he had moved on , would highly recommend
From start to finish it was gripping, sometimes I became quite hooked and couldn't put it down , so sad what her husband put her and her children through , and even years later he was still.obsessed by here and he had moved on , would highly recommend
June 24, 2016
Very Good
Really enjoyed this book. It makes you sit up and think what some women go through and their bravery is all about protecting their children, than themselves. Sandra Smyth an excellent read!
Really enjoyed this book. It makes you sit up and think what some women go through and their bravery is all about protecting their children, than themselves. Sandra Smyth an excellent read!
November 30, 2016
Fantastic book
Very truthful story and you are an inspiration to all domestic violence sufferers. God bless you and your Family live happy and laugh often. Your right what u say in the book life is a roller coaster... you just have to ride it xxx
Very truthful story and you are an inspiration to all domestic violence sufferers. God bless you and your Family live happy and laugh often. Your right what u say in the book life is a roller coaster... you just have to ride it xxx
December 8, 2012
Gruesome. I like the way she fights back to survive. But it's all a bit.. on the surface, so to say. Not much detail and doesn't capture the readers attention as much as a topic like this should...
March 31, 2016
Hooked
I couldn't put this Down what an inspiration!! From Start to finish I really enjoyed this book! Slightly frustrating at how much he was allowed to behave but sadly reality.
I couldn't put this Down what an inspiration!! From Start to finish I really enjoyed this book! Slightly frustrating at how much he was allowed to behave but sadly reality.
March 29, 2017
Harrowing yet empowering.
I have the utmost respect for you, and I am so glad you have life now... one that you deserve.
I wish you all the happiness life has to offer you and your girls, be free.
A brave lady who has overcome a brutal past.
I have the utmost respect for you, and I am so glad you have life now... one that you deserve.
I wish you all the happiness life has to offer you and your girls, be free.
A brave lady who has overcome a brutal past.
May 1, 2017
Great read
Brilliant read its the type of book u can't put down highly recommend goes to sho war goes on behind doors
Brilliant read its the type of book u can't put down highly recommend goes to sho war goes on behind doors
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews