What do you think?
Rate this book
Scarred: She was a slave to her father. Pain was her only escape.
The shocking story of how exceptionally violent abuse turned one girl to desperate self-harm before turning her life around.
Growing up, Sophie carried a terrible secret. She was her father's slave, in the most horrific ways imaginable. At just a few months old she was adopted by a couple that seemed comfortably well off and perfectly respectable to the outside world. But behind closed doors, Sophie's childhood was a living hell.
Her father spent the next decade grooming her for abuse and when Sophie's mother left for good, that very night, he told Sophie that from now on she would sleep in his bed. Unable to cope, Sophie spiraled into suicidal misery. She began to self-harm to try and escape the agony. But one day she went too far and at 16, ended up in a psychiatric unit. It was here that she finally confronted the horrors of home and began the painful journey of rebuilding her life. A phenomenally courageous woman, Sophie now works for the Samaritans and helps other young people in need.
Harrowing yet compelling, this is a searing and truly inspirational account of overcoming the worst abuse and self-harm.
Growing up, Sophie carried a terrible secret. She was her father's slave, in the most horrific ways imaginable. At just a few months old she was adopted by a couple that seemed comfortably well off and perfectly respectable to the outside world. But behind closed doors, Sophie's childhood was a living hell.
Her father spent the next decade grooming her for abuse and when Sophie's mother left for good, that very night, he told Sophie that from now on she would sleep in his bed. Unable to cope, Sophie spiraled into suicidal misery. She began to self-harm to try and escape the agony. But one day she went too far and at 16, ended up in a psychiatric unit. It was here that she finally confronted the horrors of home and began the painful journey of rebuilding her life. A phenomenally courageous woman, Sophie now works for the Samaritans and helps other young people in need.
Harrowing yet compelling, this is a searing and truly inspirational account of overcoming the worst abuse and self-harm.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2008
55 people are currently reading
6969 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 10, 2020
Another heart-breaking memoir. This time however, the author has decided to go a slightly different way route and starts the book when she is admitted to a mental health facility. Her earlier story is interspersed with her current life in the facility and I found it worked well - Sophie is such a strong person, and luckily she had a group of really lovely and supportive friends and colleagues to help her out too.
November 22, 2017
This is a book about sexual abuse. I, fortunately, have never been a victim of abuse, sexual or otherwise, and while I know it exists, it's a topic I have a hard time wrapping my head around.
Sophie was not only sexually abused in horrific ways, she was abused by her father, who also prostituted her out to his friends while he watched. The book tells her story, which details the abuse, and also includes her years spent in mental institutions, her use of cutting to dull the pain (an oxymoron, I know...but apparently a truth), the discovery of her sexuality, and the long-hard road that was her recovery.
I am fascinated by why we do the crazy shit we do, particularly the horrible, awful, unimaginable shit. What goes wrong in a brain (nature and nurture) that a father not only abuses his daughter, in order to fulfill some very weird perversions, but also invites his friends to join in? And what type of grown men join their friend in the sexual abuse of his daughter? Where/When/How does that conversation even begin?
And if this happens in the UK where women are treated with respect and dignity, at least in theory, what the hell is going on around the world in these countries where women are openly regarded as property, and not particularly valued property?
The discussion and exploration of cutting was informative and fascinating. I'm generally familiar with what cutting is...and of course, I've read Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects, but I hadn't really had a true sense of the dynamic until reading Sophie's account.
Needless to say, I still can't wrap my head around what happened to this girl. I still can't imagine what drives a father (biological or not) to molest his daughter. I do have a better appreciation for the healing process that needs to occur to allow the victims to go on, as well as all the bumps and barriers along the way.
I won't call this a "good" read. I will say it was a worthwhile one, though.
***This is a petty and minor criticism, but I feel as if the cover art was deceitful/misleading. Not that it matters that Sophie was older when the abuse started (perhaps it was designed to make a point). But on some level, after having read the book, and having seen several others recommended to me on Amazon as a result of my purchase, I wonder if this is a trend...putting a young toddler or child on the cover because young, toddlers/children are by virtue sweet and innocent. I don't know. It just bothers me, and I'm not sure why, but it does. I want to ask, why this picture? I wonder if putting a teen on the cover would lessen or at least dampen the awfulness on some subconscious level in the same way that the girl in a mini-skirt is somehow a little responsible for the rape. A voluptuous teen, or even a not so voluptuous teen might not seem so innocent...and that's kind of sad. I don't know. Maybe it is just me.
Sophie was not only sexually abused in horrific ways, she was abused by her father, who also prostituted her out to his friends while he watched. The book tells her story, which details the abuse, and also includes her years spent in mental institutions, her use of cutting to dull the pain (an oxymoron, I know...but apparently a truth), the discovery of her sexuality, and the long-hard road that was her recovery.
I am fascinated by why we do the crazy shit we do, particularly the horrible, awful, unimaginable shit. What goes wrong in a brain (nature and nurture) that a father not only abuses his daughter, in order to fulfill some very weird perversions, but also invites his friends to join in? And what type of grown men join their friend in the sexual abuse of his daughter? Where/When/How does that conversation even begin?
And if this happens in the UK where women are treated with respect and dignity, at least in theory, what the hell is going on around the world in these countries where women are openly regarded as property, and not particularly valued property?
The discussion and exploration of cutting was informative and fascinating. I'm generally familiar with what cutting is...and of course, I've read Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects, but I hadn't really had a true sense of the dynamic until reading Sophie's account.
Needless to say, I still can't wrap my head around what happened to this girl. I still can't imagine what drives a father (biological or not) to molest his daughter. I do have a better appreciation for the healing process that needs to occur to allow the victims to go on, as well as all the bumps and barriers along the way.
I won't call this a "good" read. I will say it was a worthwhile one, though.
***This is a petty and minor criticism, but I feel as if the cover art was deceitful/misleading. Not that it matters that Sophie was older when the abuse started (perhaps it was designed to make a point). But on some level, after having read the book, and having seen several others recommended to me on Amazon as a result of my purchase, I wonder if this is a trend...putting a young toddler or child on the cover because young, toddlers/children are by virtue sweet and innocent. I don't know. It just bothers me, and I'm not sure why, but it does. I want to ask, why this picture? I wonder if putting a teen on the cover would lessen or at least dampen the awfulness on some subconscious level in the same way that the girl in a mini-skirt is somehow a little responsible for the rape. A voluptuous teen, or even a not so voluptuous teen might not seem so innocent...and that's kind of sad. I don't know. Maybe it is just me.
February 5, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It was inspirational to see how Sophie learnt to deal with her past and make it something that was part of her in a good way. I can't fathom young children getting treated like they're absolutely nothing and like A Child Called It I became furious in some parts of the book. I would definitely recommend reading this anyone whatsoever.
July 6, 2010
Sophie Andrews tells the harrowing story of her life. What she went through was heart breaking and on her father's part, inhumane. How parents can treat there children (biological/adopted) in such ways astounds me and I have to force myself to believe it. I could never put my own children through such hell. A book worth reading.
November 24, 2017
Strong
This book lets you see how strong some people can be and it also makes you realize when you see people that are homeless you don’t know their story a little kindness goes a long way and you might just help that person!
This book lets you see how strong some people can be and it also makes you realize when you see people that are homeless you don’t know their story a little kindness goes a long way and you might just help that person!
November 14, 2011
Brilliant book, insights and I admire her and would love to take the POSITIVE path she has. We both have similar paths in out pasts.
March 9, 2020
I couldn’t put this book down. I actually met Sophie at a Samaritans conference last year and she told us of her story so I knew what it was going to be like but I was still shocked and heartbroken when reading! She truly is an incredible woman and as heartbreaking as her story is, it’s a real eye opener to just how abuse and particularly the abuser can impact on someone and the influence they have over their victims. Thank you for sharing your truth Sophie.
It also made me even prouder to be a Samaritans listening volunteer and see what an incredible help it was even 30 plus years ago.
It also made me even prouder to be a Samaritans listening volunteer and see what an incredible help it was even 30 plus years ago.
March 23, 2025
That was an emotional roller-coaster
Read
August 6, 2011Biography of the most brutal kind. Depressing to think that this really happened to someone. Amazing to think that someone could find a sense of balance and understanding about her past after experiencing such a godforsaken life. Incredible that this person could then turn around and attempt to help others through similar experiences. I have nothing to complain about ever.
August 16, 2010
This book shocked me in places especially when sophie found out she had MS, after all she had been and put herself through trying to recover.
I am so pleased that she seems to have come out the other side and not t
let that horrible man and men ruin her life completely
I am so pleased that she seems to have come out the other side and not t
let that horrible man and men ruin her life completely
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2013
I really enjoy books like these because they are true life and although the content can be very horrible it proves that bad things probably wont last forever and there is always a way to change your life.
February 23, 2015
Amazing book by a true survivor
February 22, 2018
Наскоро научих, че има такъв литературен стил - булевардни романчета, които разказват просълзяващи истории за деца, израснали в ужасяващи условия, чиито родители ги бият, изнасилват, държат гладни и т.н.
Врътката е, че нито една от тия истории не е по истински случай - и читателите го знаят, просто им се иска да пореват малко така, както като четат любовни романи въздишат сърцераздирателно, въпреки че знаят, че написаното е измислено. Нещо като литературен вариант на вестник "Лична драма".
Текстът в тях е доста скучен, историите са елементарно описани, а самото ебане и пребиване са само епизодично споменати, така че даже ако търсиш да четеш баш такива неща, няма да ти излезе късметът.
Самите книжки са от едно издателство и с еднакво оформление останалите от жанра - 1, 2.
Врътката е, че нито една от тия истории не е по истински случай - и читателите го знаят, просто им се иска да пореват малко така, както като четат любовни романи въздишат сърцераздирателно, въпреки че знаят, че написаното е измислено. Нещо като литературен вариант на вестник "Лична драма".
Текстът в тях е доста скучен, историите са елементарно описани, а самото ебане и пребиване са само епизодично споменати, така че даже ако търсиш да четеш баш такива неща, няма да ти излезе късметът.
Самите книжки са от едно издателство и с еднакво оформление останалите от жанра - 1, 2.
January 19, 2025
I read this book as a teenager and it’s the only book I’ve ever read that burnt into my brain so much that I still think about it from time to time to this day. I remember being 15 and borrowing this book from a friend and she pre-warned me it was an extremely hard read. I sobbed my body weight in tears. But once I finished, I desperately searched for this incredible lady so I could let her know just how proud I, a stranger, am of her and how she rose from the ashes and told her story. All I can say is, if you want to read this book, be prepared. It’s not an easy read but at the end you will want to cuddle this woman and tell her how proud you are of her for making it through!!
August 23, 2020
Such a gripping book, I read it in one day, and would gladly read it again any time. Although Sophie's story of abuse is harrowing and at times difficult to digest, the end result was inspiring and left me with optimism about my own struggles. I've always loved a book that has an impact and this did not disappoint!
April 2, 2018
Inspiring
Although a harrowing tale it has been very insightful to understand why people self harm. Recommended to me as I'm an emergency services call handler and work closely with mental health services.
Although a harrowing tale it has been very insightful to understand why people self harm. Recommended to me as I'm an emergency services call handler and work closely with mental health services.
February 4, 2019
The survival story line is unbelieveable. I'm amazed how this girl survived all that she went through. I wouldn't say it's good writing though. The grammar could have been better and the story needed a few more chapters towards the three quarter mark.
November 29, 2023
This was such a painful read. It's a perfect reminder that there are monsters out there, monsters who are so good at hiding their true nature, while Sophie's story is a glimpse in the torture that continues long after the actual abuse stops.
February 13, 2025
Sophie overcomes a great deal in this book, but also admits it wasn’t easy. Her use of the Samaritans to help her cope was lovely to see, and a useful reminder that there is always someone who will listen and not judge
April 22, 2025
Wow what an extremely harrowing read of a lady that endured so much heartache and pain and has gone on to give so much to so many. I will truly never forget this book and admire how strong and utterly amazing Sophie is.
February 26, 2017
Well written book that I really enjoyed.
July 29, 2018
Sad
I chose a 5 star rating because I feel it was well written. This book is sad, heart breaking and eye opening. For every "Sophie" out there... my heart and prayers are with you.
I chose a 5 star rating because I feel it was well written. This book is sad, heart breaking and eye opening. For every "Sophie" out there... my heart and prayers are with you.
March 26, 2019
This was a great book.
August 8, 2020
What a brilliant book.
You won't want to put it down. Very brave and honest account. Your a surviver not a victim. So pleased you were able to turn your life around...
You won't want to put it down. Very brave and honest account. Your a surviver not a victim. So pleased you were able to turn your life around...
April 16, 2022
At times, I found it hard to continue reading the book, as of how sad it is. But you are so brave Sophie and I am so sad I decided to finish it. It was deeply moving.
January 9, 2023
Hard to put down well told graphic in places. A must read
June 28, 2024
Deeply heartbreaking story!! to know this is a true account is shocking! My heart was going at every word, very very sad!!
May 7, 2025
not for faint of heart but great book
Hard to read what happened to her but inspired by her resilience. Still think the father should have went to prison
Hard to read what happened to her but inspired by her resilience. Still think the father should have went to prison
September 9, 2025
Great and harrowing read. Felt like I was with Sophie the whole way through. Read in 2 days.
February 3, 2017
excellento !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews