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Tell Me You're Sorry, Daddy
Tell Me You're Sorry, Daddy is the moving true story of one man's horrific campaign of abuse against his own daughter, which continued for more than seven years of her childhood, and has had effects which continue to this day.
32 years after the abuse began, Caryn Walker finally saw her father in court in 2011, charged with 24 counts of abuse against her. As she awaited the verdict, she looked at the man who robbed her of so many years, who never showed any remorse, and realised that she was the one who was strong, she was the survivor. Caryn knew that it was time for her to tell her full story - and that of her dead sister, Jennifer. Against all the odds, she fought. And she won.
32 years after the abuse began, Caryn Walker finally saw her father in court in 2011, charged with 24 counts of abuse against her. As she awaited the verdict, she looked at the man who robbed her of so many years, who never showed any remorse, and realised that she was the one who was strong, she was the survivor. Caryn knew that it was time for her to tell her full story - and that of her dead sister, Jennifer. Against all the odds, she fought. And she won.
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2018
86 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
caryn walker
6 books18 followersI am a 50-year-old lady living currently in the UK.
My childhood was one of neglect and abuse. In 2011 - aged 40, I saw my father in court, he was sentenced through trial to 16 years in prison. Last year I published my memoir - Tell me you’re sorry, Daddy, which tells the story of my childhood and how I overcame so much to fight for justice.
I wrote my story with the help of best selling ghostwriter Linda Watson-Brown and it made the Sunday Times bestsellers list after just two weeks. It hit number 1 in two Amazon categories and has been translated into French, Swedish, German and Dutch.
In September 2019 I won the courage category of the Liverpool Echo Awards, this left me humbled and proud. I am honored to be able to help other victims of child abuse and I will never stop.
The book has been a roller coaster of emotions but is helping me to rid myself of my demons.
The motivation behind my book has been my late sister Jenny, and my desire to help other people who have been through similar experiences.
I took a perpetrator to court, after 30 years and with no real evidence other than my voice and I secured a 16-year conviction.
This is my message:
‘If you only have your voice, you have your voice and it is powerful’
Thank you for reading.
My childhood was one of neglect and abuse. In 2011 - aged 40, I saw my father in court, he was sentenced through trial to 16 years in prison. Last year I published my memoir - Tell me you’re sorry, Daddy, which tells the story of my childhood and how I overcame so much to fight for justice.
I wrote my story with the help of best selling ghostwriter Linda Watson-Brown and it made the Sunday Times bestsellers list after just two weeks. It hit number 1 in two Amazon categories and has been translated into French, Swedish, German and Dutch.
In September 2019 I won the courage category of the Liverpool Echo Awards, this left me humbled and proud. I am honored to be able to help other victims of child abuse and I will never stop.
The book has been a roller coaster of emotions but is helping me to rid myself of my demons.
The motivation behind my book has been my late sister Jenny, and my desire to help other people who have been through similar experiences.
I took a perpetrator to court, after 30 years and with no real evidence other than my voice and I secured a 16-year conviction.
This is my message:
‘If you only have your voice, you have your voice and it is powerful’
Thank you for reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 17, 2018
I’m a slow reader. It just took me like six weeks to finish a Jack Reacher book. I read a few pages of a night and then fall asleep. Not with this book however, I finished this in just three days flat.
Caryn tells a compelling true life story of a truly horrific childhood endured by herself and her older sister Jenny and her brothers. She pulls no literary punches; she doesn’t embellish, or brush over details. She just tells the simple truth, in all its stark brutality, because as becomes clear towards the end of the book, that is all she knows how to do.
It is a tale that sadly has been told all too often before and indeed is still hitting the headlines today, the total failure of social services to intervene, despite compelling, almost overwhelming evidence that direct intervention was urgently needed. Reading the earlier chapters about Karen as she was then and Jenny’s early childhood you share the author’s adult bewilderment and frustration with the slow action of the authorities. Caryn has done a magnificent detective job of piecing together a lot of documents from social services to give the official version of events. Her research has been exhaustive.
The chapters where she details the abuse she suffers at the hands of her father from the age of seven upwards will reduce the most stalwart of us to tears.
What shines through it all is the extraordinary strength of the woman, especially where she is forced to relive her childhood, when the matter is brought to court decades after the event. Cases of historic abuse are notoriously difficult to prove, so she has a real battle on her hands, a battle that takes an enormous toll on her mental and physical health, but it is a battle she knows she has to fight, not only for herself, but for her older sister Jenny, who was no longer around to fight, sadly dying some years earlier. Her name was Jenny and her voice is heard powerfully thanks to this fantastic book.
There is no Hollywood style happy ending, as Caryn says herself, this is real life with real consequences and in many ways she is still recovering from the trauma of everything that has happened to her.
The last time that I read a book that moved me this much was Alexander Masters, Stuart: A Life Backwards, I can’t give much of a higher recommendation than that.
Caryn tells a compelling true life story of a truly horrific childhood endured by herself and her older sister Jenny and her brothers. She pulls no literary punches; she doesn’t embellish, or brush over details. She just tells the simple truth, in all its stark brutality, because as becomes clear towards the end of the book, that is all she knows how to do.
It is a tale that sadly has been told all too often before and indeed is still hitting the headlines today, the total failure of social services to intervene, despite compelling, almost overwhelming evidence that direct intervention was urgently needed. Reading the earlier chapters about Karen as she was then and Jenny’s early childhood you share the author’s adult bewilderment and frustration with the slow action of the authorities. Caryn has done a magnificent detective job of piecing together a lot of documents from social services to give the official version of events. Her research has been exhaustive.
The chapters where she details the abuse she suffers at the hands of her father from the age of seven upwards will reduce the most stalwart of us to tears.
What shines through it all is the extraordinary strength of the woman, especially where she is forced to relive her childhood, when the matter is brought to court decades after the event. Cases of historic abuse are notoriously difficult to prove, so she has a real battle on her hands, a battle that takes an enormous toll on her mental and physical health, but it is a battle she knows she has to fight, not only for herself, but for her older sister Jenny, who was no longer around to fight, sadly dying some years earlier. Her name was Jenny and her voice is heard powerfully thanks to this fantastic book.
There is no Hollywood style happy ending, as Caryn says herself, this is real life with real consequences and in many ways she is still recovering from the trauma of everything that has happened to her.
The last time that I read a book that moved me this much was Alexander Masters, Stuart: A Life Backwards, I can’t give much of a higher recommendation than that.
September 5, 2018
When someone you've never actually met, but you've made a lovely connection through Facebook, reveals that his sister has written a book, I'm the type of person who wants to read it. Caryn's brother has always come across as a wonderful man, witty and wise, so I had no doubt his sister would be the same. I feel overwhelmed having read Caryn's book. My overriding thought was how does this woman get up, get dressed and put one foot in front of the other every day? How, from the scum of DNA that created her, did this bright, intelligent and inspirational woman evolve? There was not one moment of self pity, no mawkish sentimentality, no why me? It was more about what she could have done differently, not to improve her own life, but to care and shelter her siblings. I felt her anger and I matched it. People who think they have the right to become parents but disregard the responsibility that comes with that role. I don't want to linger for too long on the substance of the book, I want to encourage every single man, woman and young adult to read it for themselves. The fact that in this world we are blessed with people such as Caryn Walker, (and her brother Ian), is proof that good will triumph over evil. That out of the ashes of destruction, a phoenix will rise and be the strongest and most powerful creature of all. What Caryn has done has humbled me and I feel so honoured and privileged to have read her story. If any of my children mature into being half as magnificent, inspirational and beautiful, both inside and out, that this woman has become, I would burst with pride. I'd like this book to be mandatory reading on the school curriculum for students AND teachers. Nothing, nothing I can write in a review can begin to do justice to this compelling and vital evidence of social anthropology. Caryn Walker, if I possessed a cloak I would lay it over a muddy puddle for you. You are my hero and I remain forever in your debt. The goodness and love you put out into the world is of a far superior quality than anyone has the right to expect or deserve. We let you down so badly, all of you. We will not do so again. Her Name Was Jenny #hernamewasJenny. Thank you Caryn, with all that I have I thank you
August 25, 2018
This is not an easy book to read but an important one which helps to shatter the silence on child abuse within families.
It is heartbreaking to read how the children were treated by their mother , especially Jenny who seemed to receive the worst from her. And then to discover than Caryn was subjected to sexual abuse by her Father for many years. She shared her story to give her sister Jenny a voice and in order to prevent other children being abused by him.
I find the grooming elements of the story most difficult as it totally manipulated her mind, not knowing what was normal within a family.
My heart broke when she said she had never been hugged as a child by her mother and I wanted to go back in time and give her a hug. Thank you for writing this, these stories need to be heard.
#HerNameWasJenny
It is heartbreaking to read how the children were treated by their mother , especially Jenny who seemed to receive the worst from her. And then to discover than Caryn was subjected to sexual abuse by her Father for many years. She shared her story to give her sister Jenny a voice and in order to prevent other children being abused by him.
I find the grooming elements of the story most difficult as it totally manipulated her mind, not knowing what was normal within a family.
My heart broke when she said she had never been hugged as a child by her mother and I wanted to go back in time and give her a hug. Thank you for writing this, these stories need to be heard.
#HerNameWasJenny
August 24, 2018
Caryn Walker with Linda Watson Brown recounts the heartbreak of abuse leading to a lost childhood, and so much more....my deep respect to Caryn in giving yourself, her sister, and many others a voice as she hoped for.
Reading this book is humbling as the reader is pulled in to listen to the piecing together of memories, flashbacks, fears, terrors, and the longterm wide spread reprocussions of abuse....life sentences of survivors (victims)....
I read this in just two sittings. A few hours that have made a big impact on me.
But for the grace of God.....
Many have invisible scars...we should never assume....we should all be on the watch for signs....
Reading this book is humbling as the reader is pulled in to listen to the piecing together of memories, flashbacks, fears, terrors, and the longterm wide spread reprocussions of abuse....life sentences of survivors (victims)....
I read this in just two sittings. A few hours that have made a big impact on me.
But for the grace of God.....
Many have invisible scars...we should never assume....we should all be on the watch for signs....
August 14, 2018
An excellent book.
This is an excellent book. Heartfelt, honest, truthful. It is an important read and will help others. The author is courageous and candid in writing this. She has my heartfelt admiration.
This is an excellent book. Heartfelt, honest, truthful. It is an important read and will help others. The author is courageous and candid in writing this. She has my heartfelt admiration.
October 23, 2018
Caryn, you are amazing! Its almost hard to believe that such abuse can go on in families in Britain today, and still be missed by social workers. I myself didnt have a great childhood. It was marred by an alcoholic father and a very unhappy mother, but it was a walk in the park compared to your upbringing. Not just your fathers abuse, but the systematic mental and physical torture by your mother. I look at my four beautiful grandchildren who are so much loved, and are being brought up in warm, caring homes, and I want to weep for you and your sister.
I cant say i ‘enjoyed’ your book. It was too heartbreaking for that. But it was so brave of you to relive everything, and get your evil father behind bars, where he belongs. I hope you continue to live a happy life.
I cant say i ‘enjoyed’ your book. It was too heartbreaking for that. But it was so brave of you to relive everything, and get your evil father behind bars, where he belongs. I hope you continue to live a happy life.
May 7, 2023
Uppfylld av förskräckliga verbala våldsamma händelser, vardagslivet för Caryn och hennes syster Jenny. En otrolig skildring om hennes liv och vad hon försökt ta reda på om Jenny, dokument och handlingar från socialen är faktan om Jenny i denna bok.
August 17, 2018
Good read but shocking!
April 26, 2019
A harrowing story of a child’s fight to survive the abuse she received and to give her sister a voice.
December 22, 2018
This book made me feel every emotion possible! I just want to find her and hug her and protector from all the horrible in the world. To show her there is good in the world. She's beyond brave to not only tell the courts her story but the world! Her "dad" needs hung. Being in prison for 16 years is not Justice at all no matter how old he is now. She was a child and he stole her innocent mind, heart & life. While her "mom" sat there making reasons for them pour kids to get beat and allowing her dad to have free range. But the only question I have is why the hell isn't her mom facing charges to?!?!?! That women needs hung herself!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2023
Heartbreaking.
What an horrible life them kiddies went through.
I don't know what possesses people to be parents and do this to their own flesh and blood. I felt so sorry for them. To have to live with the abuse day in day out. For jenny to loose her life. I'm so glad he was sent down but it will never take the pain away.
What an horrible life them kiddies went through.
I don't know what possesses people to be parents and do this to their own flesh and blood. I felt so sorry for them. To have to live with the abuse day in day out. For jenny to loose her life. I'm so glad he was sent down but it will never take the pain away.
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November 16, 2025I don’t rate memoirs but this book was hard to read, rightfully so. It’s sad how many people live a life like that. The system shows how it fails so many children. It’s so sad.
November 11, 2018
Harrowing reading as I knew it wod be excellent book very brave girl
October 13, 2019
I dont know why i rated this 5 star! Probably because Karen is the bravest person on this planet and i thank her for sharing her story! This story is so overwhelming heartbreaking! To think these children endured this life is so horrible! Im so glad she got the justice she needed but i was so hoping her mum would have been held accountable for her shit excuse as a mother! She is evil! May Karen find peace in happiness for the rest of her life as she truly deserves it all! God bless you and your family!
I dont know why i rated this 5 star! Probably because Karen is the bravest person on this planet and i thank her for sharing her story! This story is so overwhelming heartbreaking! To think these children endured this life is so horrible! Im so glad she got the justice she needed but i was so hoping her mum would have been held accountable for her shit excuse as a mother! She is evil! May Karen find peace in happiness for the rest of her life as she truly deserves it all! God bless you and your family!
I dont know why i rated this 5 star! Probably because Karen is the bravest person on this planet and i thank her for sharing her story! This story is so overwhelming heartbreaking! To think these children endured this life is so horrible! Im so glad she got the justice she needed but i was so hoping her mum would have been held accountable for her shit excuse as a mother! She is evil! May Karen find peace in happiness for the rest of her life as she truly deserves it all! God bless you and your family!
June 18, 2023
This is a horrific and heartbreaking story, where you are introduced to the heinous behaviour and crimes of two people who should never have been given the privilege of parenthood, and the subsequent irreversible damage they inflicted on their children, the ripple effect of that which caused such long term damage. This lady, along with her siblings is so brave, and I'm so pleased she was able to carve out a life where she can take back some of what was taken and be able to tell her sisters story alongside her own, I'm so happy that despite the horrific damage caused, she now is able enjoy her own family and some semblance of peace and happiness.
June 10, 2020
Boken var väldigt repetativ. Efter ett tag blev det drygt att läsa det författaren redan skrivit två kapitel innan.
December 31, 2019
I don´t know how to review this book.
The things that these children had to go through is horrendous. I don´t understand how you can do these things to your own children. It is so inhumane.
I think Caryn is really brave for putting her story out there, so other people can read and learn that these things do happen. I mean we all know that this world is not right, that there are some sick people out there and to get all of these memories and stories from her childhood is truly something. I don´t really have words for it.
If you want to read this book you should know that there are a lot of disturbing things. And a lot of things that will make you upset. You should read it because I think it´s important to know her story. Hers and Jennys.
I know that her story will stick with me.
The things that these children had to go through is horrendous. I don´t understand how you can do these things to your own children. It is so inhumane.
I think Caryn is really brave for putting her story out there, so other people can read and learn that these things do happen. I mean we all know that this world is not right, that there are some sick people out there and to get all of these memories and stories from her childhood is truly something. I don´t really have words for it.
If you want to read this book you should know that there are a lot of disturbing things. And a lot of things that will make you upset. You should read it because I think it´s important to know her story. Hers and Jennys.
I know that her story will stick with me.
January 26, 2019
Devastating
Harrowing story of a person supposedly a mother that abused her cildren battering, and berating them until they felt like nothing a a thing of a man who abused them sexually and physically until the damage they did these innocent kids was irreversible. Karen took him to court accusing him of abuse an wins and he goes to prison which is justice. However, this is not an ending for Karen there is no celebration. It's what a lot of us fail to realise the suffering is a life sentence it never stops. It's so very sad. No matter what she thinks though she saw it through and in my eyes she is a very brave girl 😐😍🙌🙏🐶🌸🌼🌷🌺🌻🌹🎂
Harrowing story of a person supposedly a mother that abused her cildren battering, and berating them until they felt like nothing a a thing of a man who abused them sexually and physically until the damage they did these innocent kids was irreversible. Karen took him to court accusing him of abuse an wins and he goes to prison which is justice. However, this is not an ending for Karen there is no celebration. It's what a lot of us fail to realise the suffering is a life sentence it never stops. It's so very sad. No matter what she thinks though she saw it through and in my eyes she is a very brave girl 😐😍🙌🙏🐶🌸🌼🌷🌺🌻🌹🎂
February 21, 2019
Powerful and emotional
Wow! I cant imagine what you have gone through, no child should ever have to experience that but unfortunately we live in a sometimes cruel world. I am so overjoyed that you have come out the other side such a strong and amazing person helping others that have been in your situation.
Made me cry at the awful bits and cheer knowing the scum bag finally got what he deserved. You were extremely brave. Hope you are now living the most amazing life that you deserve. Definitely recommend this book.
Wow! I cant imagine what you have gone through, no child should ever have to experience that but unfortunately we live in a sometimes cruel world. I am so overjoyed that you have come out the other side such a strong and amazing person helping others that have been in your situation.
Made me cry at the awful bits and cheer knowing the scum bag finally got what he deserved. You were extremely brave. Hope you are now living the most amazing life that you deserve. Definitely recommend this book.
September 22, 2019
It took me 2 days to read this book from cover to cover. It really had me captivated. This is not the kind of book you just read. It’s the kind of book you live and breathe and feel and cry to, all the way up to the very last page. A story that demands to be told and acknowledged. Not because it’s well written or even because it’s good - but because of the tragedy it reveals. No child should ever be abused by anyone, especially not their parents. I can not with words explain how brave the author is for sharing her and her sister’s story, and how much it moved me.
May 7, 2020
Thank you!
This book was so heartbreaking but also so empowering! I am a survivor of sexual, mental, physical abuse from my father and reading your story confirmed to me I am not alone. Others have experienced the same realities that I have. I often feel very alone and tend to isolate myself & my feelings, your words spoke for me. Thank you for having the courage and strength to share your life with me! I appreciate it so much!
This book was so heartbreaking but also so empowering! I am a survivor of sexual, mental, physical abuse from my father and reading your story confirmed to me I am not alone. Others have experienced the same realities that I have. I often feel very alone and tend to isolate myself & my feelings, your words spoke for me. Thank you for having the courage and strength to share your life with me! I appreciate it so much!
December 23, 2021
Was very emotional for me personally. I did have to pause every now and then. Something Caryn said stood out to me 'I see myself as a victim not a survivor because it never ends.' Wasn't worded that way exactly but it shows the damage abuse causes a person. It sticks for a long time and doesn't go away. Reading this helped me realise I'm not the only SA victim that feels this way but life doesn't have to stop.
December 20, 2023
Wow! I just can’t explain exactly how I feel. If you’ve experienced trauma/abuse then I must warn it’s a huge trigger. Unless you are in a good place I wouldn’t read it. I’ll be honest, having gone through similar it has been a huge trigger and is currently causing internal struggles. So sad and infuriating. It’s true when they say there’s always someone worse off. Completely gut wrenching and heart breaking.
October 13, 2018
Excellent book. Caryn is so brave to share her experiences with the world. It’s sad but so important and Caryn has delivered such a huge message to others who have been victims of abuse, you can survive and you can become a stronger person better than those who manipulated and abused you. Very well written and highly recommended.
June 11, 2019
I literally read this book in about 6 hours. Could not put it down. What an incredibly brave, amazing, inspiring woman. I cried for caryn and I cried for her sister. A heartbreaking story of a stolen childhood, right through to finding the strength to stand up and be heard. This story will be one I won't forget in a hurry ❤️ #her name is jenny ❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2022
Svårt att betygsätta en bok som denna, en känslomässig stormvind. Allt från ilska, ledsen, glad och fullständigt vansinnig.
Man kan hoppas att dessa böcker aldrig behöver skrivas och läsas igen då det skulle innebära att alla barn behandlas väl och mår bra. Men tyvärr ser inte världen ut så och det gör mig så ledsen.
Man kan hoppas att dessa böcker aldrig behöver skrivas och läsas igen då det skulle innebära att alla barn behandlas väl och mår bra. Men tyvärr ser inte världen ut så och det gör mig så ledsen.
September 10, 2022
I dont know
I commend the author for her bravery. The book was difficult to follow. The author mentions people by name in passing without giving any clue as to who they are. In one part she makes it sound as if Jenny died from heroin but the very next paragraph she says she had an aneurysm. Very hard to follow.
I commend the author for her bravery. The book was difficult to follow. The author mentions people by name in passing without giving any clue as to who they are. In one part she makes it sound as if Jenny died from heroin but the very next paragraph she says she had an aneurysm. Very hard to follow.
August 9, 2023
I could not put this book down. I found the inclusion of factual evidence very significant in building a true picture of what happened. A very tragic and heartbreaking account of the incredible survival of innocent children. This book is written from the heart and sends such an important message of hope and understanding to victims/survivors everywhere.
August 31, 2018
Amazing
A truly horrific story told by a true 'survivor'! Such courage and strength not only for telling her story but for her family and especially her sister. What an amazing women!
A truly horrific story told by a true 'survivor'! Such courage and strength not only for telling her story but for her family and especially her sister. What an amazing women!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews