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The Fifth Sister: From Victim to Victor - Overcoming Child Abuse
Laura was ten, crouched outside her parents’ bedroom, when she overheard that her father had made her oldest sister pregnant. For the next eight years, she and her four sisters struggled to survive the nightmare of sexual and emotional abuse.As an adult, she buried memories of her family’s dysfunction and tried to build the most perfect life she could imagine. But when she discovered that her father was still an incestuous abuser, she knew she had to face her past to protect her children. Going undercover, she was able to prove a twenty-year history of molestation, which her mother aided and abetted. With that evidence and the help of the Adam Walsh Center, she was able, at last, to legally protect her children.From Oregon to the wild beauty of Africa’s interior and back, Laura renders life as they lived it—the isolation, the fear, the losses, the manipulation and control, the tentative and fragile bonds of sisterhood—with humor and a growing sense of self.The Fifth Sister explores incest’s devastating effects on two continents, over three decades. In this compelling, intimate, and artfully told story, readers will experience the crushing impact of psychological, physical, sexual, and spiritual abuse, the burning desire to transcend the family script, and the gritty determination to succeed. Readers who have experienced incest will find their anguish validated by this book. Those who have not faced this trauma will gain deep understanding of dysfunctional families that have many secrets. But above all, The Fifth Sister is a story of hope.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2016
194 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 7, 2024
A difficult read but with a happy ending. The author is a very brave woman; with so many odds against her she still persevered and succeeded. I will repeat that this is a very difficult read and the author is very brave to have shared as many details as she has especially as they include her family. I did not expect to finish this book within a day but I really needed to get out of my head. Sometimes reading about other people’s suffering does give us perspective. There are many ‘villains’:
1. A handsy authority figure: school principal and preacher who just can’t keep ‘it’ in his pants.
2. A parent who abuses his children and is not above hurting or outright killing his children’s pets to keep them in line.
3. And the other parent who aids and abets her husband going so far as to get a degree and then use her professional credentials to lock up her husband’s victims even an attempt to have her own daughter locked up.
Appalling and disturbing.
1. A handsy authority figure: school principal and preacher who just can’t keep ‘it’ in his pants.
2. A parent who abuses his children and is not above hurting or outright killing his children’s pets to keep them in line.
3. And the other parent who aids and abets her husband going so far as to get a degree and then use her professional credentials to lock up her husband’s victims even an attempt to have her own daughter locked up.
Appalling and disturbing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2018
Uneasy
I titled this review "uneasy" because it is an uneasy read; leaving you with an uncomfortable feeling is the least of what it does.
I most certainly don't want to victimize a victim but I was also left upset at the lack of effort to shut down the sociopathic Predator that was Laura's father. I am frustrated that Justice was not served by him rotting away in jail or possibly even receiving the death sentence because he ruined the lives of so many young girls.
Laura is a poetic author and a very good storyteller but this story is just too painful and outright gross to enjoy. I only hope that any of her father's victims can find the same peace that she has.
I titled this review "uneasy" because it is an uneasy read; leaving you with an uncomfortable feeling is the least of what it does.
I most certainly don't want to victimize a victim but I was also left upset at the lack of effort to shut down the sociopathic Predator that was Laura's father. I am frustrated that Justice was not served by him rotting away in jail or possibly even receiving the death sentence because he ruined the lives of so many young girls.
Laura is a poetic author and a very good storyteller but this story is just too painful and outright gross to enjoy. I only hope that any of her father's victims can find the same peace that she has.
April 8, 2021
This was difficult to read, but you need to focus on Laura's victory at the end. Sadly her parents went unpunished because of the laws at the time. Laura is an inspiration and has used what was meant for evil for good. Bless her for that.
March 9, 2018
Profound....
This book was extremely difficult to read at times. Reading about how much suffering these girls were forced to endure at the hands of those who were supposed to protect them. I don't know who I abhorred the most, the father or the mother. Complicit doesn't even come close to explaining the mother's behavior. I'm so glad that Laura found the strength to overcome all the tragedy in her life and was able to lead a productive life and become the voice for so many others.
This book was extremely difficult to read at times. Reading about how much suffering these girls were forced to endure at the hands of those who were supposed to protect them. I don't know who I abhorred the most, the father or the mother. Complicit doesn't even come close to explaining the mother's behavior. I'm so glad that Laura found the strength to overcome all the tragedy in her life and was able to lead a productive life and become the voice for so many others.
March 2, 2019
Heartbreaking
This story helped me enormously, as i too was sexually abused. My brothers and father did not believe me. My Mother did. And for that I was grateful. I cannot thank Laura Land Graf enough for the emotionally charged book that was her life. Anyone who has ever been sexually and physically abused needs to read this. Maybe more than once. It was a sort of cathartic reading this, reading how she defeated her family, her enemies. They say you only hurt the ones you love.
This story helped me enormously, as i too was sexually abused. My brothers and father did not believe me. My Mother did. And for that I was grateful. I cannot thank Laura Land Graf enough for the emotionally charged book that was her life. Anyone who has ever been sexually and physically abused needs to read this. Maybe more than once. It was a sort of cathartic reading this, reading how she defeated her family, her enemies. They say you only hurt the ones you love.
July 30, 2017
This true story explores the incest that takes place in Laura Landgraf's family for many years at the hands of her father.
She has lifted the lid on so many shameful family secrets but I feel the writing has been a part of her healing process.
Hard to read in places about this dysfunctional family but ultimately it is a story of hope.
She has lifted the lid on so many shameful family secrets but I feel the writing has been a part of her healing process.
Hard to read in places about this dysfunctional family but ultimately it is a story of hope.
August 17, 2018
Amazing read
It was an amazing yet sad read that somehow still left you with a happy feeling at the end. The book is very well written from the dialogue between the characters, to her feelings, to the little descriptions of her surroundings. After reading what L. Landgraf went though, she is awe inspiring and a hero in her own right. Glad I chose this book to read.
It was an amazing yet sad read that somehow still left you with a happy feeling at the end. The book is very well written from the dialogue between the characters, to her feelings, to the little descriptions of her surroundings. After reading what L. Landgraf went though, she is awe inspiring and a hero in her own right. Glad I chose this book to read.
October 1, 2018
To help so many people in trying to understand people
A piece of work that questions situations that surround us all,even if we choose to "look the other way". The book simply questions society and the reality that we exist in. A "must read" even if the experience isn't particularly pleasing.
A piece of work that questions situations that surround us all,even if we choose to "look the other way". The book simply questions society and the reality that we exist in. A "must read" even if the experience isn't particularly pleasing.
March 2, 2019
Emotional rollercoaster
It was hard to read all the horrible things that Laura went through.There were so many times I found myself getting angry at her for staying In The situation she was in. I had to remind myself that the abuse was "normal" to her.
I do wonder what happened in the years she skipped...
It was hard to read all the horrible things that Laura went through.There were so many times I found myself getting angry at her for staying In The situation she was in. I had to remind myself that the abuse was "normal" to her.
I do wonder what happened in the years she skipped...
October 29, 2017
Good
Definitely addicting! This author had a truly abusive childhood. Also an adventurous childhood also. Her growing up experience led her into an abusive marriage but she finds her own ground and triumphs.
Definitely addicting! This author had a truly abusive childhood. Also an adventurous childhood also. Her growing up experience led her into an abusive marriage but she finds her own ground and triumphs.
August 25, 2018
Reaches to the bottom of my heart
that memoir reached the bottom of my heart. How a pastor can kill his daughters kittens or sleep with his daughters? I AM glad I don't go to church. I AM proud of the author. I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW HARD WAS TO WRITE THIS MEMOIR! thank you
that memoir reached the bottom of my heart. How a pastor can kill his daughters kittens or sleep with his daughters? I AM glad I don't go to church. I AM proud of the author. I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW HARD WAS TO WRITE THIS MEMOIR! thank you
March 31, 2019
Amazing
This book was amazingly good. The author has been through a ton and still come out with a good outlook on life. This book would definitely help victims realize they can win this.
This book was amazingly good. The author has been through a ton and still come out with a good outlook on life. This book would definitely help victims realize they can win this.
November 28, 2017
Awesome
Her life's story was written wonderfully. Though it was very tragic, Laura did a great job finding herself and her confidence. Congrats Laura for overcoming
Her life's story was written wonderfully. Though it was very tragic, Laura did a great job finding herself and her confidence. Congrats Laura for overcoming
January 3, 2018
What a great story
This book is riveting, well-written, and hard to put down. The ending is nothing short of triumphant. Highly recommended. Read it!
This book is riveting, well-written, and hard to put down. The ending is nothing short of triumphant. Highly recommended. Read it!
January 18, 2018
This is a great book. Sometimes memoirs can be boring and I often lose interest. Laura did a wonderful job with keeping her story moving. Honestly could not put this book down.
February 11, 2018
This is a wonderful book. It’s hard to love your family when they treat you poorly.
September 4, 2018
Good read.
Good read. The book had some areas where it felt dragged out but overall I enjoyed the full circle of the story.
Good read. The book had some areas where it felt dragged out but overall I enjoyed the full circle of the story.
February 24, 2019
Good book.
This is a long and detailed but about a courageous woman who fought all the odds and won. What a book of empowerment. Loved it.
This is a long and detailed but about a courageous woman who fought all the odds and won. What a book of empowerment. Loved it.
April 3, 2019
Laura has an incredible story. Her passion for victims of abuse is paramount.
April 14, 2020
From the the very first pages I was pulled into this book with such a draw that I couldn't put it down! My heart aches for Laura as she unraveled the emotional, physical, and mental pains she endured as a child and into her adult life. I was sickened by what her and her sisiters were forced to live, and I was the biggest cheerleader for them as I read on! I see them as TRUE survivors, and anticiapate another book by Laura. I'm hopeful it will show her haunting past in the rear view mirror and showcase what magnificent things lied ahead for her in her life. This book changed me in way had had not expected. It reminded me of some hauting pains in my life that I needed light on facing. Thank you Laura for giving me courage!
January 21, 2022
Laura’s tale is one of great sadness but also of great victory. Her storytelling leaves you feeling every emotion, including the unpleasant ones. While not an *enjoyable* read, it’s an important one.
November 11, 2019
Couldn't put it down!!
Very well written! The author takes you through her journey making you see and feel what she did. Sad, but great story of empowerment.
Very well written! The author takes you through her journey making you see and feel what she did. Sad, but great story of empowerment.
December 6, 2019
This true story sheds light on the psychological mine field an abused girl must navigate.
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January 5, 2022So sad but a good story. Worth the read!
April 11, 2016
The 411:
In the book The Fifth Sister by Laura Landgraf she writes of abuse that lasted 30 years at the hands of her very own father, for me it was my grandfather. Laura speaks of emotional and sexual abuse and how as a child she would take off on long horse rides to escape the house of horrors. It was hard to hear the way her mother ignored and blamed the girls. It was very hard to hear the girls discuss the abuse and how they push those memories so far under that they believe the pieces to be dreams. It was very hard to read the scene that has Laura walking in on her young children playing a game called "tiger" with her father their grandfather that she remembers was a prelude to molestation. It killed me to know Laura had to endure abuse at the hands of her husband and that her children had to bare witness. However through all of that Laura writes with honesty, with integrity but not as a victim, she writes as a winner. She writes as someone who didn't let her history define her as a person but as a victor. I was thrusting my arm in the air in victory when Laura finally gets the support she needs to move forward. Good mothers will go to any length necessary to protect their children. We will die for them.
When I told a friend about the book they asked if it was sad. My reply, "No, not at all. You would think so but she didn't write it as a victim. I never felt Laura was a victim she was a warrior and in my eyes she always will be. You should read it."
In the book The Fifth Sister by Laura Landgraf she writes of abuse that lasted 30 years at the hands of her very own father, for me it was my grandfather. Laura speaks of emotional and sexual abuse and how as a child she would take off on long horse rides to escape the house of horrors. It was hard to hear the way her mother ignored and blamed the girls. It was very hard to hear the girls discuss the abuse and how they push those memories so far under that they believe the pieces to be dreams. It was very hard to read the scene that has Laura walking in on her young children playing a game called "tiger" with her father their grandfather that she remembers was a prelude to molestation. It killed me to know Laura had to endure abuse at the hands of her husband and that her children had to bare witness. However through all of that Laura writes with honesty, with integrity but not as a victim, she writes as a winner. She writes as someone who didn't let her history define her as a person but as a victor. I was thrusting my arm in the air in victory when Laura finally gets the support she needs to move forward. Good mothers will go to any length necessary to protect their children. We will die for them.
When I told a friend about the book they asked if it was sad. My reply, "No, not at all. You would think so but she didn't write it as a victim. I never felt Laura was a victim she was a warrior and in my eyes she always will be. You should read it."
April 25, 2016
The Fifth Sister is a book about child abuse on every level you can think of. Laura is the biological child of her parents. She has 3 adoptive sisters and the youngest is also a biological daughter. The fact that Laura and her sister are biological children unfortunately did not spare them from the abuse.
As a mother I can’t even wrap my head about blaming the victim and covering up for the husband for so many years. The mother has covered up so many of the husband’s actions that she has become cold, distant, and emotionally abusive to her children as well.
I couldn’t put this book down. Laura is so strong and independant. She is the only one of the girls that grew up to do something positive with her life and not use her childhood as an excuse. She broke the cycle when it started to effect her own children.
The abuse was discussed but it did not go into graphic detail. I recommend this book to anyone. Especially someone that also grew up with such abuse.
As a mother I can’t even wrap my head about blaming the victim and covering up for the husband for so many years. The mother has covered up so many of the husband’s actions that she has become cold, distant, and emotionally abusive to her children as well.
I couldn’t put this book down. Laura is so strong and independant. She is the only one of the girls that grew up to do something positive with her life and not use her childhood as an excuse. She broke the cycle when it started to effect her own children.
The abuse was discussed but it did not go into graphic detail. I recommend this book to anyone. Especially someone that also grew up with such abuse.
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April 9, 2018Very honest read
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews