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The Destroying Angel: A Blistering Story of Surviving and Overcoming Abuse
A blistering story of surviving, and overcoming, the worst kinds of abuse: physical, emotional, and sexual.
Shirley Turner tells her own story, from a squalid childhood in Maine,to a forced marriage and motherhood, constantly moving from place to place with her controlling husband. Ironically, it is becoming a mother that brings her greatest happiness, and also her greatest tragedy.
Shirley Turner tells her own story, from a squalid childhood in Maine,to a forced marriage and motherhood, constantly moving from place to place with her controlling husband. Ironically, it is becoming a mother that brings her greatest happiness, and also her greatest tragedy.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 20, 2019
No Responsibility Whatsoever Taken By The Author
The author got a new daddy when she was 5 years old and he sexually abused her for years. Nobody believed her allegedly, but she longed for a better life. When she was 15 her mother kicked her and her stepfather out. For some reason rather than run to the nearest police station to report him again and explain she had been forced to lie previously by her feckless mother, she went on the road with him. Her mother soon tried to get her return and even her biological father tried to persuade her to get far away from her violent sexually abusive stepfather. What did she do?
Rather than go home to her parents or grandparents or numerous other kind relatives mentioned previously, she kept moving from state to state with her abuser and married him at age 17. Then had the audacity to say she was forced, although she said nothing about the altered birth certificate or what he'd been doing to her. The rest of the story is just to unbelievable. It makes me think that sadly there was some truth to her mother's suspicions about the nature of her relationship with her stepfather.
Sorry I just can't wrap my head around that. While the author blames an ultra religious host family at a boarding home for the impromptu marriage, where on Earth do folks marry their mother's ex husband? Especially the abusive husband who violated them for more than a decade? There's too little accountability and nobody likes a one sided finger pointing session.
The author got a new daddy when she was 5 years old and he sexually abused her for years. Nobody believed her allegedly, but she longed for a better life. When she was 15 her mother kicked her and her stepfather out. For some reason rather than run to the nearest police station to report him again and explain she had been forced to lie previously by her feckless mother, she went on the road with him. Her mother soon tried to get her return and even her biological father tried to persuade her to get far away from her violent sexually abusive stepfather. What did she do?
Rather than go home to her parents or grandparents or numerous other kind relatives mentioned previously, she kept moving from state to state with her abuser and married him at age 17. Then had the audacity to say she was forced, although she said nothing about the altered birth certificate or what he'd been doing to her. The rest of the story is just to unbelievable. It makes me think that sadly there was some truth to her mother's suspicions about the nature of her relationship with her stepfather.
Sorry I just can't wrap my head around that. While the author blames an ultra religious host family at a boarding home for the impromptu marriage, where on Earth do folks marry their mother's ex husband? Especially the abusive husband who violated them for more than a decade? There's too little accountability and nobody likes a one sided finger pointing session.
April 1, 2019
As tragic as this story is, this review is not about the content of the story, moreover how it was 'put down on paper' if you will.
Unfortunately, that is also quite tragic.
It comes across as this piece of 'literature', (and I use the term lightly as one may surmise from the parentheses), this has never been edited properly, perhaps proofread but it does not seem by anyone with any knowledge of said task.
It simply jumps all over the place, back and forth from person to place to another place, and then spews on about things that truly have no bearing on the seriousness of the subject, like everything was now fine. Definitely in need of some serious editing.
The title does not do the book justice. Certainly the author has survived this but has she overcome it?
I think not from where I'm sitting...
Unfortunately, that is also quite tragic.
It comes across as this piece of 'literature', (and I use the term lightly as one may surmise from the parentheses), this has never been edited properly, perhaps proofread but it does not seem by anyone with any knowledge of said task.
It simply jumps all over the place, back and forth from person to place to another place, and then spews on about things that truly have no bearing on the seriousness of the subject, like everything was now fine. Definitely in need of some serious editing.
The title does not do the book justice. Certainly the author has survived this but has she overcome it?
I think not from where I'm sitting...
September 19, 2024
Tough read
Where to start....I was at a Fair in Skowhegan, Maine just walking through and a woman handed me a business card and asked me to read her book. I googled it and it sounded like a book I would read so I got it. Pluses, it was a fast read and certainly told of situations that I felt very fortunate enough to never have experienced. It opens your eyes to some very real world living situations. It's so easy to sit in a comfortable chair in a nice house and read about someone else's misfortune hundreds of miles away. But this stuff does happen even though it is oftentimes very hard to comprehend. The writing was rough and the timelines didn't always click for me and I struggled with some actions and inactivity on the part of many of the people in the book. It is key to know going in, this is her story in her words as she best remembers it. She was a very young, uneducated and abused girl. I often had to remind myself when you grow up in this kind of environment, you most likely become somewhat shell shocked as well as a victim much like Stockholm Syndrome. It is your norm. That's life, hers anyway. Having met her very briefly, I wish Shirley the best of what like can give her and I'm sorry there was no one there for her early on. It makes me want to be more aware and sympathetic to others and what they are struggling with. Patience is key in working your way through this book.
Where to start....I was at a Fair in Skowhegan, Maine just walking through and a woman handed me a business card and asked me to read her book. I googled it and it sounded like a book I would read so I got it. Pluses, it was a fast read and certainly told of situations that I felt very fortunate enough to never have experienced. It opens your eyes to some very real world living situations. It's so easy to sit in a comfortable chair in a nice house and read about someone else's misfortune hundreds of miles away. But this stuff does happen even though it is oftentimes very hard to comprehend. The writing was rough and the timelines didn't always click for me and I struggled with some actions and inactivity on the part of many of the people in the book. It is key to know going in, this is her story in her words as she best remembers it. She was a very young, uneducated and abused girl. I often had to remind myself when you grow up in this kind of environment, you most likely become somewhat shell shocked as well as a victim much like Stockholm Syndrome. It is your norm. That's life, hers anyway. Having met her very briefly, I wish Shirley the best of what like can give her and I'm sorry there was no one there for her early on. It makes me want to be more aware and sympathetic to others and what they are struggling with. Patience is key in working your way through this book.
January 26, 2019
Takes no responsibility!
This book, to me, tells only part of the story and is maybe a little economical with the truth at times but that's my opinion. I'm not saying that Shirley didn't suffer abuse, far from it but she takes no responsibility for things that were done to her son and/or things she knew were happening to others and after what had happened to her he could have been doing the same or worse. She could have reported but chose not to. If u read the book u will see what I mean. It is very one sided and at time makes no sense or logic. If her son had been injured or died during one of his beatings that happened from a very early age and someone else reported it she would also be guilty as she knew but did nothing. They were so poor but still managed to buy drugs for BOTH of them and also buy property, in saying that I think they worked the system as well as breaking the law. There seems to be a lot of things that have been omitted from the family relationships but maybe that's just the way it read to me as I am a survivor of sexual abuse and mental torture as a child and adult. That's why I feel like I'm betraying her when I don't even know her by saying these things. I am so srry for what ultimately happened so tragic.
This book, to me, tells only part of the story and is maybe a little economical with the truth at times but that's my opinion. I'm not saying that Shirley didn't suffer abuse, far from it but she takes no responsibility for things that were done to her son and/or things she knew were happening to others and after what had happened to her he could have been doing the same or worse. She could have reported but chose not to. If u read the book u will see what I mean. It is very one sided and at time makes no sense or logic. If her son had been injured or died during one of his beatings that happened from a very early age and someone else reported it she would also be guilty as she knew but did nothing. They were so poor but still managed to buy drugs for BOTH of them and also buy property, in saying that I think they worked the system as well as breaking the law. There seems to be a lot of things that have been omitted from the family relationships but maybe that's just the way it read to me as I am a survivor of sexual abuse and mental torture as a child and adult. That's why I feel like I'm betraying her when I don't even know her by saying these things. I am so srry for what ultimately happened so tragic.
December 13, 2017
This book could have easily gotten a five star rating just for the story itself. It's a powerful story with a message that needs to be heard. The author bravely pastes her life on to the pages of this book.
That being said, the books reads like a first draft or someone writing a family history not meant for publication. There is a lot of repetition and a fair amount of grammatical errors. Together, they created a distraction for me. I think that those who helped the author did her disservice. With some fine tuning, direction, and suggestions on where and how the author could delve more into her experiences, this book could have been so much more powerful.
Despite my feelings about the writing itself, the topics and events in this book are important and it is more than deserving of any readers attention.
That being said, the books reads like a first draft or someone writing a family history not meant for publication. There is a lot of repetition and a fair amount of grammatical errors. Together, they created a distraction for me. I think that those who helped the author did her disservice. With some fine tuning, direction, and suggestions on where and how the author could delve more into her experiences, this book could have been so much more powerful.
Despite my feelings about the writing itself, the topics and events in this book are important and it is more than deserving of any readers attention.
December 11, 2024
Wow, just wow
Last week while shopping at Hannaford in Skowhegan, a lady walked up to me and asked me if I read. I Said of course I do. She handed me her card and asked me to read her story. I am without words, most of this happened in towns surrounding my home town and I am so amazed that I don't remember hearing about any of it. To Shirley Turner, I am so very sorry that all of this happened to you. You are a courageous woman and I would love to sit down to a cup of coffee with you. I have questions and would love to get to know you. May God Bless you.
Last week while shopping at Hannaford in Skowhegan, a lady walked up to me and asked me if I read. I Said of course I do. She handed me her card and asked me to read her story. I am without words, most of this happened in towns surrounding my home town and I am so amazed that I don't remember hearing about any of it. To Shirley Turner, I am so very sorry that all of this happened to you. You are a courageous woman and I would love to sit down to a cup of coffee with you. I have questions and would love to get to know you. May God Bless you.
February 27, 2019
Wow! The author’s life is one that I cannot imagine. First part of her childhood she was being raised by loving grandparents then her mother married an abusive man that abuses the author from the time she was 5.
What I saw incredible the stepfather has complete control over her and she grows into an adult and she marries him.
Good and tragic events follow.
I wish there was more detail in her relationship with her mother’s side of her family and her sister.
What I saw incredible the stepfather has complete control over her and she grows into an adult and she marries him.
Good and tragic events follow.
I wish there was more detail in her relationship with her mother’s side of her family and her sister.
April 7, 2019
Hard to Read
This story was difficult to read, partly because of the story itself and also because the writing was sometimes difficult to follow. It is easy to say that the author should have just left and not put up with all the crap, but I know that it was all she knew and had nothing to compare to, so she put up with it. Regardless, the entire situation made me angry, and her defense of her stepfather did as well. So sad!
This story was difficult to read, partly because of the story itself and also because the writing was sometimes difficult to follow. It is easy to say that the author should have just left and not put up with all the crap, but I know that it was all she knew and had nothing to compare to, so she put up with it. Regardless, the entire situation made me angry, and her defense of her stepfather did as well. So sad!
January 17, 2019
Not going to pass judgment
The entire time I was reading this book, I just felt bad. I believe that each of us, is responsible for our own destiny. You can either choose to be a victim your entire life, or you can decide to pull yourself together and get on with making something of yourself.
I'm glad the author is happy now.
The entire time I was reading this book, I just felt bad. I believe that each of us, is responsible for our own destiny. You can either choose to be a victim your entire life, or you can decide to pull yourself together and get on with making something of yourself.
I'm glad the author is happy now.
February 5, 2019
There is hope
After reading the tragic story of this woman's life, I can only pray that she can find comfort and peace in knowing Jesus as her personal saviour. I truly believe that she can only find the love she and her family require by turning to God and asking Jesus into her life. I will pray for her salvation.
After reading the tragic story of this woman's life, I can only pray that she can find comfort and peace in knowing Jesus as her personal saviour. I truly believe that she can only find the love she and her family require by turning to God and asking Jesus into her life. I will pray for her salvation.
February 6, 2019
Amazing read
Hooked from the first page right to the last! So heart breaking to think a parent could put a child through the abuse which Shirley's father did. Genuinely touched my heart and had me in tears in places. This lady has amazing courage, would recommend to any reader of true stories.
Hooked from the first page right to the last! So heart breaking to think a parent could put a child through the abuse which Shirley's father did. Genuinely touched my heart and had me in tears in places. This lady has amazing courage, would recommend to any reader of true stories.
November 12, 2019
Such a sad story
This book sucks you in and you just have to finish it quickly. The family situation here is crazy! No I won't spoil anything but I can't believe what the author had to endure since she was a kid. I wish the book hadn't ended so abruptly, I wanted it to keep going! Good memoir...thanks to the author for sharing such a personal story.
This book sucks you in and you just have to finish it quickly. The family situation here is crazy! No I won't spoil anything but I can't believe what the author had to endure since she was a kid. I wish the book hadn't ended so abruptly, I wanted it to keep going! Good memoir...thanks to the author for sharing such a personal story.
July 31, 2020
Abuse and Survival
This book, though edited is really badly written and as as such not worth reading. The author suffered a lifetime of abuse and may have published the story for cathartic reasons to influence legislation. The narrative is dull and the book is not recommended although I would wish the best for the author whose childhood was essentially lost.
This book, though edited is really badly written and as as such not worth reading. The author suffered a lifetime of abuse and may have published the story for cathartic reasons to influence legislation. The narrative is dull and the book is not recommended although I would wish the best for the author whose childhood was essentially lost.
September 27, 2022
😥
If ever there was a case study of Stockholm syndrome this night be the one to look at.
Abused by her stepfather since she was 5 to then be abandoned by her mother and left with her stepfather, Shirley had no where else to go.
Marrying and then having a child with her stepfather.
Such a sad case of abuse and trauma 😢.
If ever there was a case study of Stockholm syndrome this night be the one to look at.
Abused by her stepfather since she was 5 to then be abandoned by her mother and left with her stepfather, Shirley had no where else to go.
Marrying and then having a child with her stepfather.
Such a sad case of abuse and trauma 😢.
March 2, 2018
Poorly written
I am sorry the author had to endure this abuse. But this is one of the most poorly written books I have ever read. It jumps from story to story and didn't have much emotion.
I am sorry the author had to endure this abuse. But this is one of the most poorly written books I have ever read. It jumps from story to story and didn't have much emotion.
January 17, 2019
This was so sad
Young girl molested by stepdad. Stepdad took her, married her illegally, beat & abused her. They had a son, he was murdered. Shirley finally found her hero. His name is Paul.
Young girl molested by stepdad. Stepdad took her, married her illegally, beat & abused her. They had a son, he was murdered. Shirley finally found her hero. His name is Paul.
January 19, 2019
Okay. This read quickly enough, but there are many, many questions about this story. I found the narrator to be a little pitiful, and not in a good way. I felt sorry for her, but some of her decisions were quite questionable on their own merit, too.
February 24, 2019
first few chapters were interesting. however as the story went on, I feel that a lot of the chapters could have been joined and some were not needed. sad story but I do feel that some responsibility needs to be taken.
March 28, 2019
Tragedy and steength
Heartfelt story of abuse and strength to endure it all. Gave me insight into someone else’s life and that some people really do endure a lot in life. Easy read. Finished the book in one sitting just under 4 hours.
Heartfelt story of abuse and strength to endure it all. Gave me insight into someone else’s life and that some people really do endure a lot in life. Easy read. Finished the book in one sitting just under 4 hours.
November 15, 2019
Surviving
There are many times throughout the story that I wonder why she stayed for as long as she did. If she hadn’t, the story would have resulted in a different outcome and possibly not resulted in the same changes being made to legal.
There are many times throughout the story that I wonder why she stayed for as long as she did. If she hadn’t, the story would have resulted in a different outcome and possibly not resulted in the same changes being made to legal.
January 20, 2019
Tripe!
Written like a 6 year old's 'what I did on my holidays' composition!
Husband, father, step-father, it all gets very confusing!
A couple of hours that I'll never get back!
Written like a 6 year old's 'what I did on my holidays' composition!
Husband, father, step-father, it all gets very confusing!
A couple of hours that I'll never get back!
January 24, 2019
Really difficult read. Such a horrible story but amazing for someone to have the strength to share.
February 4, 2019
Not worth reading
I chose this rating because of the way it was written. The story read like a jumbled up mess. Won't recommend it.
I chose this rating because of the way it was written. The story read like a jumbled up mess. Won't recommend it.
December 17, 2022
read book
Wasn’t greatly written but sure got the jist of it. She went through a lot with not much support.
It was a good story
Wasn’t greatly written but sure got the jist of it. She went through a lot with not much support.
It was a good story
October 20, 2023
Great read
This is a great book about overcoming abuse..thank you to the author for recommending this book..never met her but had the pleasure of talking to her over the phone! I hope she sees this and know that she is great!
This is a great book about overcoming abuse..thank you to the author for recommending this book..never met her but had the pleasure of talking to her over the phone! I hope she sees this and know that she is great!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews