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Nobody's Child
Michael Seed's childhood was a daily ordeal of unspeakable neglect, misery, and abuse from an alcoholic father whose tyranny ruined his son’s formative years and drove his wife to suicide. On a daily basis both Michael and his mother would fall under the man’s wrath, and one awful night Michael’s father began sexually abusing his son, a trend that would continue for years. Worse still, the abuse did not stop at home. Once he began school, Michael fell victim to terrible bullying and a teacher who violated him repeatedly. Despite the horror of these years, Michael was ultimately saved by his own will to live, which inspired him to seek a better life as a friar. This is the remarkable story of an individual who, against all the odds, managed to preserve his own dignity and finally escape the horrors of a stolen childhood.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2007
43 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 2, 2019
Review of Nobody's Child by Michael Seed
I read this book in a day. The tragic and devastating true story of Michael Seed's abusive childhood. This man is so brave telling his story of abuse, lies and tragedy from not only his so called family but from school aswell. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse for him I was wrong and every step. However it was also encouraging to read that he managed to survive and make something out of himself and not continue the circle of abuse as sometimes happens. A very emotional read and on many occasions I just wanted to pick the child up and run away with him.
Rated 5/5 on Goodreads
I read this book in a day. The tragic and devastating true story of Michael Seed's abusive childhood. This man is so brave telling his story of abuse, lies and tragedy from not only his so called family but from school aswell. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse for him I was wrong and every step. However it was also encouraging to read that he managed to survive and make something out of himself and not continue the circle of abuse as sometimes happens. A very emotional read and on many occasions I just wanted to pick the child up and run away with him.
Rated 5/5 on Goodreads
May 5, 2023
Heartbreaking
April 28, 2019
V kniznici mi vtisla knihovnicka do ruky tuto knihu, ze je to krasna kniha. Bol to vsak omyl.
Ja sa takemu typu knih vyhybam. Pravdivy pribeh tyrania deti ma strasne ubija. Pre to iste necitam knihy o holokauste.
Detstvo Michaela Seeda je krute. Matka trpiaca depresiou bola cely cas napchata liekmi, ked ju manzel bil, uz sa ani nebranila a nebranila ani vlastne dieta. Dokonca sa 10 x pokusila o samovrazdu, az uspela :cry:. Neviem si predstavit, co to necha na dusi maleho dietata vidiet takto vlastnu matku.
Otec tlkol syna aj manzelku hlava nehlava, ale zial, robil aj horsie veci. Pri niektorych mi prislo zle od zaludka. Napr syna niekolko x popalil, nutil ho jest veci, ktore nemal rad tak, ze mu to dal na obusok a vopchal do ust, sexualne ho zneuzival.
Ked sa po strate zamestnania odstahovali k starym rodicom, maly Michael si myslel, ze sa mu konecne zacne lepsi zivot, no zial, ani stari rodicia ho neuchranili. Trpel aj v skole, aj v rukach druhej babky.:confounded:
Az ked sa dostal do specialnej skoly, tusim ked mal 16 rokov prisiel novy ucitel a ten v nocm vyvolal lasku k citaniu a filozofii. Stava sa z neho najprv mnich, potom knaz a dokonca sa dostal do najvyssich kruhov v politike.
Pribeh je pisany putavo, no je fakt hrozny, musela som citat kapitoly na prestavky. Nechapem, ako ta matka sedela ako pena a tlacila do seba tie lieky, nechapem, kde sa v tom otcovi nahromadilo tolko zloby voci dietatu. Nieco tam bolo neskor vysvetlene, nechcem pisat spojlery pre pripad, zeby to niekto chcel citat. Avsak aj tak, nikto by sa nemal takto spravat k inej ludskej bytosti.
V zavere sa viac rozpisuje o jeho dospelom zivote, toto som uz iba preskakovala.
Ak mate taketo knihy rady, tak do toho, no ja by som si tu knihu sama nevybrala.
Ja sa takemu typu knih vyhybam. Pravdivy pribeh tyrania deti ma strasne ubija. Pre to iste necitam knihy o holokauste.
Detstvo Michaela Seeda je krute. Matka trpiaca depresiou bola cely cas napchata liekmi, ked ju manzel bil, uz sa ani nebranila a nebranila ani vlastne dieta. Dokonca sa 10 x pokusila o samovrazdu, az uspela :cry:. Neviem si predstavit, co to necha na dusi maleho dietata vidiet takto vlastnu matku.
Otec tlkol syna aj manzelku hlava nehlava, ale zial, robil aj horsie veci. Pri niektorych mi prislo zle od zaludka. Napr syna niekolko x popalil, nutil ho jest veci, ktore nemal rad tak, ze mu to dal na obusok a vopchal do ust, sexualne ho zneuzival.
Ked sa po strate zamestnania odstahovali k starym rodicom, maly Michael si myslel, ze sa mu konecne zacne lepsi zivot, no zial, ani stari rodicia ho neuchranili. Trpel aj v skole, aj v rukach druhej babky.:confounded:
Az ked sa dostal do specialnej skoly, tusim ked mal 16 rokov prisiel novy ucitel a ten v nocm vyvolal lasku k citaniu a filozofii. Stava sa z neho najprv mnich, potom knaz a dokonca sa dostal do najvyssich kruhov v politike.
Pribeh je pisany putavo, no je fakt hrozny, musela som citat kapitoly na prestavky. Nechapem, ako ta matka sedela ako pena a tlacila do seba tie lieky, nechapem, kde sa v tom otcovi nahromadilo tolko zloby voci dietatu. Nieco tam bolo neskor vysvetlene, nechcem pisat spojlery pre pripad, zeby to niekto chcel citat. Avsak aj tak, nikto by sa nemal takto spravat k inej ludskej bytosti.
V zavere sa viac rozpisuje o jeho dospelom zivote, toto som uz iba preskakovala.
Ak mate taketo knihy rady, tak do toho, no ja by som si tu knihu sama nevybrala.
February 27, 2019
Honestly adored this book, not sure if adored is the best word but I was hooked reading this.
On more than one occasion I wanted to wrap my arms around Michael and tell him it would all be ok.
Reading stories like this always puts me in the state of awe at what the human child can go through and still come out strong.
I'm so glad Michael has found his place in the world now and has come out a much stronger man regardless of all the abuse, physical, mental and sexual from those he should have been able to trust in his life, from parent to doctors to teachers.
I would tell anyone to read this to see some things that children go through and in a hope to recognize some signs of this to help get children out of this situation. like little Michael lied and hid the abuse just like so many other children
On more than one occasion I wanted to wrap my arms around Michael and tell him it would all be ok.
Reading stories like this always puts me in the state of awe at what the human child can go through and still come out strong.
I'm so glad Michael has found his place in the world now and has come out a much stronger man regardless of all the abuse, physical, mental and sexual from those he should have been able to trust in his life, from parent to doctors to teachers.
I would tell anyone to read this to see some things that children go through and in a hope to recognize some signs of this to help get children out of this situation. like little Michael lied and hid the abuse just like so many other children
January 27, 2021
Baseia-se na história verídica de um actual padre católico, cuja sua
infância foi o pior pesadelo que alguém pode imaginar e sentir na pele.
Era agredido fisicamente de todas as formas, chegando a ser queimado parte
de um dos seu membro superior, numa grelha de uma lareira em brasas...pelo
próprio pai.Como se isto não basta-se era seu escravo
sexual.Impressionante!
A mãe sofria os mesmos tratos, tendo um fim trágico...
Só lendo mesmo e viver a história com toda a narrativa contada na primeira
pessoa.
Se se pensava que Deus não existia, chega-se á conclusão que Ele esteve
sempre presente na vida desta pequena e pobre criança.
Apesar dos tratos do pai, também o avô materno bem como a avó paterna,
lhe davam a mesma dose de sofrimento.
A sua salvação foi a sua avó materna que o amou até ao fim dos seus dias
e lhe deu forças para aguentar a miserável vida que o destino lhe traçou.
O destino encarregou-se de se vingar de cada um deles, de todos aqueles que
lhe fizeram mal, um a um, como se um anjo o protege-se...
O final do livro faz uma revelação que nunca tinha pensado nela, mas faz
sentido para toda esta raiva que tinham desta criança.
infância foi o pior pesadelo que alguém pode imaginar e sentir na pele.
Era agredido fisicamente de todas as formas, chegando a ser queimado parte
de um dos seu membro superior, numa grelha de uma lareira em brasas...pelo
próprio pai.Como se isto não basta-se era seu escravo
sexual.Impressionante!
A mãe sofria os mesmos tratos, tendo um fim trágico...
Só lendo mesmo e viver a história com toda a narrativa contada na primeira
pessoa.
Se se pensava que Deus não existia, chega-se á conclusão que Ele esteve
sempre presente na vida desta pequena e pobre criança.
Apesar dos tratos do pai, também o avô materno bem como a avó paterna,
lhe davam a mesma dose de sofrimento.
A sua salvação foi a sua avó materna que o amou até ao fim dos seus dias
e lhe deu forças para aguentar a miserável vida que o destino lhe traçou.
O destino encarregou-se de se vingar de cada um deles, de todos aqueles que
lhe fizeram mal, um a um, como se um anjo o protege-se...
O final do livro faz uma revelação que nunca tinha pensado nela, mas faz
sentido para toda esta raiva que tinham desta criança.
May 8, 2020
This book is the true story of Michael Seed’s childhood.
He had a horrendous childhood and it seemed like it just got worse and worse for him.
The latter part of the book explains what happened after he left school. Things start to improve and he finds a job he enjoys.
Up to this point it’s clear what’s happening but after this I found that the book became a confusing mishmash of religion, priests and monks and I was so confused and uninterested in what was going on.
It’s a harrowing story of insufficient action by social services but sadly the latter part of the book really let it down for me.
I’m sure it was difficult to write and I don’t doubt his awful childhood.
I wonder if the fact it’s a true story of horrendous abuse has meant people feel inclined to give it glowing reviews.
He had a horrendous childhood and it seemed like it just got worse and worse for him.
The latter part of the book explains what happened after he left school. Things start to improve and he finds a job he enjoys.
Up to this point it’s clear what’s happening but after this I found that the book became a confusing mishmash of religion, priests and monks and I was so confused and uninterested in what was going on.
It’s a harrowing story of insufficient action by social services but sadly the latter part of the book really let it down for me.
I’m sure it was difficult to write and I don’t doubt his awful childhood.
I wonder if the fact it’s a true story of horrendous abuse has meant people feel inclined to give it glowing reviews.
October 16, 2022
I was visiting relatives, and upon a discussion about recent books I have read, my uncle (through marriage) gave me this book to read about his biological brother - whom he has never met. Getting past the weirdness of reading a story about someone so closely connected to my family, it was truly a heartbreaking and yet hopeful journey.
Seed suffered through so much torture in his early life, abused at the hands of almost everyone that was meant to protect him. The simplicity in the writing made it all the more heartbreaking to read, with the childhood innocence breaking through the pages with the details of his abuse.
However, his resilience is proven in the book as he breaks through the trauma and turns to religion, eventually becoming a 'hugely successful and influential' person in 'both the church and the secular world'.
Seed suffered through so much torture in his early life, abused at the hands of almost everyone that was meant to protect him. The simplicity in the writing made it all the more heartbreaking to read, with the childhood innocence breaking through the pages with the details of his abuse.
However, his resilience is proven in the book as he breaks through the trauma and turns to religion, eventually becoming a 'hugely successful and influential' person in 'both the church and the secular world'.
January 27, 2019
I don't even know what to say. There is so much hurt and heartbreak on every page. It is so heavy and intense. It is really well-written. And the courage he had is amazing. There are no words.
I only really disliked the last chapter. It's about him becoming a friar. But this is really personal.
But overall, a really good and intense book!
I only really disliked the last chapter. It's about him becoming a friar. But this is really personal.
But overall, a really good and intense book!
September 30, 2018
Devoured this book in one go! What a tragic sad story! Horrific abuse at the hands of his father , an absent mother in all senses, left to fend for himself. Hard to read but great ending!! He really proved everyone wrong and made himself a success!! Recommend!!!
July 18, 2020
Not the sort of book I would recommend to others given the content, but I surprised myself by getting all the way through it. I’m glad that the author was able to overcome the damage caused by his horrific childhood and lead a fulfilled life.
December 16, 2017
wow is all i can say, such a heartbreaking story but my what a courageous man!
August 23, 2019
This book has had me gripped from the page I started it to the end ! It such a horrific and terrible tale but one of a very strong person
February 26, 2021
Very moving, would read again for definite. Does have some very triggering topics that I wasn't expecting so warning but I was able to push through
December 31, 2021
Could not put this book down. Very ,very moving and a surprising ending.
January 31, 2022
Such a moving, shocking story. A must read.
November 24, 2022
Loved this book, though he went through a horrific childhood with abuse daily.
September 5, 2023
This book moved me to tears and shattered my heart. I couldn't fathom the extent of the author's suffering and the heartbreak he endured.
January 13, 2025
The most harrowing book I’ve ever read.
May 15, 2025
this poor man. to suffer the unspeakable events that he did, just to find out he was adopted!!!
I was so so happy to read that he reconnected with his birth mother though. he deserved that so much
I was so so happy to read that he reconnected with his birth mother though. he deserved that so much
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2012
If I were to suggest books for friends to read, this would not be one of them.
I don't understand how I read it all, I suppose in some strange way it was captivating, but not in the "well written, amazing story" type way. It was more that I wanted to see if things got worse for this guy or not. It was just miserable, the entire time, I dont remember ever feeling so joyless when reading a book before.
I suppose it is human nature to be curious of things that we dont understand, and that is what Im putting my having read the entire thing down too. Its like if we see a dead person on a programme, we want to look away but we dont because we're intrigued by it.
I hope I put my opinion across well enough.
I don't understand how I read it all, I suppose in some strange way it was captivating, but not in the "well written, amazing story" type way. It was more that I wanted to see if things got worse for this guy or not. It was just miserable, the entire time, I dont remember ever feeling so joyless when reading a book before.
I suppose it is human nature to be curious of things that we dont understand, and that is what Im putting my having read the entire thing down too. Its like if we see a dead person on a programme, we want to look away but we dont because we're intrigued by it.
I hope I put my opinion across well enough.
March 18, 2011
Was a good book - but sad. Hard to continue the emotional tie throughout the novel. You feel as if he's speaking from a great distance and trying not to get too close to the story. There is an easy emotional disconnect that might make the novel easier to read, but doesn't help a reader connect on the same level.
May 22, 2012
Really heartwarming to see how against all odds and a terribly unhappy childhood one can emerge to do great good - I didn't even mind that his forum was via the Catholic Church as he didn't use the book to preach.
February 12, 2014
Very Sad, I hate the things that this man has been through.
December 25, 2015
This was really well written, although i found some parts hard to read. I read it over a few days as the emotional impact was so strong!
January 15, 2017
A sad story told very well. Just when you think the poor lad can't possibly go through anything else, things get worse.
February 15, 2019
I read this for a college course. It was horrific.
January 31, 2016
Harrowing but really well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews