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Still Standing
Natalie Queiroz was eight months pregnant when she was stabbed by her partner in the most vicious attack imaginable.
In the space of nine minutes, and in broad daylight, Natalie was stabbed twenty-four times with a carving knife. She suffered horrific wounds to her lungs, liver, stomach and uterus, whilst the knife missed her baby by a margin of two millimeters, before the arteries in her wrists were methodically severed by the hooded attacker she finally realised was her partner and the father of her unborn child.
After heroic intervention by passers-by and police, the attack was brought to an end, but her ordeal was not over. An air ambulance rescue was launched, and against all medical odds, Natalie and her baby survived - but not without life-changing physical and emotional damage.
Still Standing is the story of one life-shattering event - what came before that fateful day, what happened on it, and how one woman and her baby survived to rebuild and heal together after it. At once a shocking story of evil, manipulation and violence, and a truly moving reminder that a life can be pieced back together, no matter how bad the damage, this book will empower and inspire anyone who has ever faced true adversity to rise up and stand tall.
In the space of nine minutes, and in broad daylight, Natalie was stabbed twenty-four times with a carving knife. She suffered horrific wounds to her lungs, liver, stomach and uterus, whilst the knife missed her baby by a margin of two millimeters, before the arteries in her wrists were methodically severed by the hooded attacker she finally realised was her partner and the father of her unborn child.
After heroic intervention by passers-by and police, the attack was brought to an end, but her ordeal was not over. An air ambulance rescue was launched, and against all medical odds, Natalie and her baby survived - but not without life-changing physical and emotional damage.
Still Standing is the story of one life-shattering event - what came before that fateful day, what happened on it, and how one woman and her baby survived to rebuild and heal together after it. At once a shocking story of evil, manipulation and violence, and a truly moving reminder that a life can be pieced back together, no matter how bad the damage, this book will empower and inspire anyone who has ever faced true adversity to rise up and stand tall.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2019
14 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 11, 2019
I can safely say there are absolutely no words I can say after closing this book on this breathtaking, painstakingly yet hopeful and poignant memoir but I shall try. Shall I tell you how in awe I am of this woman? How she has the strength to put on foot after another despite the ordeal that no one should have to go through? How reading this memoir it really puts your own life in perspective? How strong Natalie really is even in her darkest moments? About how this doesn’t read as a book, but more as a conversation over a mug of tea?
How this one woman found the strength after being attacked by her partner, stabbed 24 times nearly losing her life and her baby’s life by mere millimetres yet still fights for survival and basically stick two fingers up at death.
I lost count how many times my heart broke for Natalie, not for pity but because she has put down in black and white this brutal attack, she has laid it all bare for you to read and given an insight to her darkest times. The open letter she had written for her family tore me to pieces. She has shown her vulnerability, how weak she felt but at the same time, it is her strength that shone through. Her lust for life with her 3 beautiful girls.
This is by no means an easy read. It is honest, it is brutal but it is a story that needs to be told. She is completely honest with her feelings especially with Bobby, and I have so much respect for this woman. Admitting her feelings is what a lot of people probably wouldn’t do. They would probably ignore them, but she took the bull by the horn and bared it all for the world to see. That takes courage.
I am incredibly moved by Natalie’s story and the amazing things she has done for charity since and continues to do so. She may not feel it all the time but I see her as a force to be reckoned with. Her final goodbye well that chapter of her book (and life) just proves how strong and formidable she is.
I do not usually read memoirs, first time reviewing one too, I mean how do you do that? Yet, when I got the email about Still Standing, I knew I had to read it. I knew this would be a poignant book that I just had to read. Whilst reading her memoir, it really did feel like I was chatting to Natalie over a cup of tea and cake in a coffee shop….(now I just want cake) and something I would love to do. Still Standing is very conversational, and matter of fact, that I finished it in a day. I couldn’t put this book down without thinking about Natalie and Leah and how one day everything changed for them and their family.
Thank you so much, Natalie, for baring your soul and telling your story. You have moved me and made me smile with your (in)appropriate jokes (butt plugs anyone 🤣) and I am in awe of you and your strength to pick up the pieces and carry on.
June 13, 2019
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
This book is incredible to read and the author is a truly amazing woman to have been through all she has and to come out the other end fighting and able to raise money for the charity that helped her is astounding, especially with her also being a new mum which can be tough enough as it is! I now have to try and write a review for this book that does it justice...
The book is a compelling read and it was almost one of those that you read through your fingers, you know what is going to happen but still reading it was shocking, the books had me in tears more than once and it really touched my heart. I had my daughter in July 2017 and she was immediately taken to the neo-natal unit as she was poorly, I didn't see her until the following afternoon as I was also unwell and that I really found tough, but for Natalie she went days without seeing her precious daughter who, along with herself had survived so much it must have been awful, the book in places really affected me reading it and brought back a lot of memories of our time in hospital.
I do actually remember seeing the incident on the news as it is only around half an hour from where we live in Nuneaton but until I read this book, the trauma and full detail was unknown to me and Natalie has been through so much and to have the positive attitude she does, shows what a strong woman she is, she is an incredible role model for her three daughters.
The story is harrowing but I think the author's ability to gain her strength together and carry on with her life and build upon what happened shows not only her strength but also her courage. No hesitation at all in giving this book 5 stars - it is an incredible true story and one that needs to be shared - very highly recommended!!
This book is incredible to read and the author is a truly amazing woman to have been through all she has and to come out the other end fighting and able to raise money for the charity that helped her is astounding, especially with her also being a new mum which can be tough enough as it is! I now have to try and write a review for this book that does it justice...
The book is a compelling read and it was almost one of those that you read through your fingers, you know what is going to happen but still reading it was shocking, the books had me in tears more than once and it really touched my heart. I had my daughter in July 2017 and she was immediately taken to the neo-natal unit as she was poorly, I didn't see her until the following afternoon as I was also unwell and that I really found tough, but for Natalie she went days without seeing her precious daughter who, along with herself had survived so much it must have been awful, the book in places really affected me reading it and brought back a lot of memories of our time in hospital.
I do actually remember seeing the incident on the news as it is only around half an hour from where we live in Nuneaton but until I read this book, the trauma and full detail was unknown to me and Natalie has been through so much and to have the positive attitude she does, shows what a strong woman she is, she is an incredible role model for her three daughters.
The story is harrowing but I think the author's ability to gain her strength together and carry on with her life and build upon what happened shows not only her strength but also her courage. No hesitation at all in giving this book 5 stars - it is an incredible true story and one that needs to be shared - very highly recommended!!
June 9, 2019
This is the true story of a violent and senseless attack on Natalie Queiroz when she was eight months pregnant. What is even more disturbing than the attack itself (she was stabbed numerous times), is the fact it was carried out by her partner who she had kissed goodbye that morning from their home and she loved him dearly.
I don't want to focus on him and why he would try to murder his partner and their planned baby, but the incredible strength and resilience of Natalie. Not only did she have to deal with the trauma and recovery of being so violently attacked by him but she was also a mum again for the third time.
In her beautifully written and moving memoir we follow her on her journey of recovery and she shows us that recovery isn't linear or a straight line. She has had to deal with the loss of the man she loved, being a single Mum to three children and adjusting to the world again that looks so different now due to the intense impact from the trauma she experienced.
Despite all of this she has gone on to raise money for the Midlands Sir Ambulance Charity who saved her and Leah's life and now speaks out about her story. Shining her light for others and guiding the way through dark times.
This is no misery memoir, this is a story of HOPE. Showing us that with the right support and love, anyone can get past the worst unimaginable life events.
So many lessons can be learned from the strength of this woman who is a shining example of living with adversity and carrying on. I'm so proud of her and delighted she is still standing!
I don't want to focus on him and why he would try to murder his partner and their planned baby, but the incredible strength and resilience of Natalie. Not only did she have to deal with the trauma and recovery of being so violently attacked by him but she was also a mum again for the third time.
In her beautifully written and moving memoir we follow her on her journey of recovery and she shows us that recovery isn't linear or a straight line. She has had to deal with the loss of the man she loved, being a single Mum to three children and adjusting to the world again that looks so different now due to the intense impact from the trauma she experienced.
Despite all of this she has gone on to raise money for the Midlands Sir Ambulance Charity who saved her and Leah's life and now speaks out about her story. Shining her light for others and guiding the way through dark times.
This is no misery memoir, this is a story of HOPE. Showing us that with the right support and love, anyone can get past the worst unimaginable life events.
So many lessons can be learned from the strength of this woman who is a shining example of living with adversity and carrying on. I'm so proud of her and delighted she is still standing!
September 8, 2019
It's difficult to put into words but thank god that pregnant Natalie survived after being stabbed by her liar boyfriend Bobby 24 times and that thank god her baby survived after being resuscitated several times. The knife blade missed her baby by two millimetres and Natalie only survived because of her breast implants were covering her heart. Bobby appeared in Brimingham Crown Court who admitted attempt murder of Natalie and attempted child destruction possessing of a knife in public, wounding and assault. I was reduced to tears and I needed a box of tissues by my side wiping away my tears, throughout reading Still Standing.
June 11, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I have been thinking about how best to write my review, all day. How on EARTH can you form coherent words about an incident which left 2 people for dead. Wait, hang on, how on EARTH does someone carry out the attack that leaves 2 people for dead, one being their own flesh and blood!!!! If I was asked, in person, as part of a random chat, about my thoughts of 'Still Standing', the amount of swear words I would use would turn the air blue. However, seeing as this is my own blog and I will be putting the review on Amazon, no swear words will be in this at all. Shame.
Natalie was stabbed 24 times. 24 TIMES! Not only that, she was 8 months pregnant and the attacker stabbed her in the stomach as well. Not only THAT, the attacker was someone incredibly close to Natalie. Someone which helped to create the baby that they nearly killed. Sick isn't it?
I have no idea how this woman is, pardon the pun, still standing. I would love to say that she is strong, and whilst I wholeheartedly believe that, I am angry for her because she shouldn't have HAD to be strong - she shouldn't have been attacked anyway! It is, just like Natalie says in the book, very easy to sit here and commend her on the way she got through the attack, because she did get through it and it is amazing. However, like I just said, she had no other bloomin' option BUT to get through it! She didn't get through it for herself. She got through it for her babies, the two that had already been born and the one that was fighting for its life inside her. Natalie HAD to put on a brave face because she had children to look after despite being severely injured by an absolute cactus. Again, I have absolutely no idea how she managed to do it, but holy moly she did and what an unbeliever woman she is.
'Still Standing' goes back to the day which Natalie would no doubt love to forget - the day she saw her life flash before her very eyes. The day her baby was born early. The day her life changed drastically both in terms of her physical looks, and her emotions. Natalie describes the attack in incredible detail, as though you're watching it happen in front of you. She describes her feelings at that time, what went through her mind when the paramedics were with her, what went through her head when she woke up in hospital hoping that everything was a dream. It's heartbreaking to read, and yet I wasn't even the one going through what she did!
The attack didn't just affect Natalie, it also affected her two eldest children because of course, she is their mummy and they were old enough to be aware of certain things. I am so, so pleased that the bystanders were recognised for assisting Natalie that day, as were the emergency services involved. What an incredible bunch they are. A lot of people snipe about our NHS but without it, there's a slim chance that Natalie and her bubba would have survived.
This memoir is incredibly emotional. It's gritty. It's eye-opening. It highlights the lengths which people can go to to manipulate a situation. 'Still Standing' doesn't just focus on the day of the attack, it also focuses on the aftermath and how Natalie begun to get her life back little by little, as well as the emotional turmoil she had to face at the hands of a downright selfish person.
As I've already said many times, Natalie didn't have a choice BUT to survive that day. She could have easily given up. It's a massive shame that her strength is coming to light due to what she went through, because I am sure she was an incredibly strong person beforehand. That said, in my eyes, Natalie Queiroz is a superhero. What a moving, emotional, raw and poignant piece of writing this is. When I grow up, can I please be like Natalie? I'll make my own cape...!
I have been thinking about how best to write my review, all day. How on EARTH can you form coherent words about an incident which left 2 people for dead. Wait, hang on, how on EARTH does someone carry out the attack that leaves 2 people for dead, one being their own flesh and blood!!!! If I was asked, in person, as part of a random chat, about my thoughts of 'Still Standing', the amount of swear words I would use would turn the air blue. However, seeing as this is my own blog and I will be putting the review on Amazon, no swear words will be in this at all. Shame.
Natalie was stabbed 24 times. 24 TIMES! Not only that, she was 8 months pregnant and the attacker stabbed her in the stomach as well. Not only THAT, the attacker was someone incredibly close to Natalie. Someone which helped to create the baby that they nearly killed. Sick isn't it?
I have no idea how this woman is, pardon the pun, still standing. I would love to say that she is strong, and whilst I wholeheartedly believe that, I am angry for her because she shouldn't have HAD to be strong - she shouldn't have been attacked anyway! It is, just like Natalie says in the book, very easy to sit here and commend her on the way she got through the attack, because she did get through it and it is amazing. However, like I just said, she had no other bloomin' option BUT to get through it! She didn't get through it for herself. She got through it for her babies, the two that had already been born and the one that was fighting for its life inside her. Natalie HAD to put on a brave face because she had children to look after despite being severely injured by an absolute cactus. Again, I have absolutely no idea how she managed to do it, but holy moly she did and what an unbeliever woman she is.
'Still Standing' goes back to the day which Natalie would no doubt love to forget - the day she saw her life flash before her very eyes. The day her baby was born early. The day her life changed drastically both in terms of her physical looks, and her emotions. Natalie describes the attack in incredible detail, as though you're watching it happen in front of you. She describes her feelings at that time, what went through her mind when the paramedics were with her, what went through her head when she woke up in hospital hoping that everything was a dream. It's heartbreaking to read, and yet I wasn't even the one going through what she did!
The attack didn't just affect Natalie, it also affected her two eldest children because of course, she is their mummy and they were old enough to be aware of certain things. I am so, so pleased that the bystanders were recognised for assisting Natalie that day, as were the emergency services involved. What an incredible bunch they are. A lot of people snipe about our NHS but without it, there's a slim chance that Natalie and her bubba would have survived.
This memoir is incredibly emotional. It's gritty. It's eye-opening. It highlights the lengths which people can go to to manipulate a situation. 'Still Standing' doesn't just focus on the day of the attack, it also focuses on the aftermath and how Natalie begun to get her life back little by little, as well as the emotional turmoil she had to face at the hands of a downright selfish person.
As I've already said many times, Natalie didn't have a choice BUT to survive that day. She could have easily given up. It's a massive shame that her strength is coming to light due to what she went through, because I am sure she was an incredibly strong person beforehand. That said, in my eyes, Natalie Queiroz is a superhero. What a moving, emotional, raw and poignant piece of writing this is. When I grow up, can I please be like Natalie? I'll make my own cape...!
May 31, 2024
There honestly isn't any words I could possibly write that will even remotely do this memoir justice.
I am so in awe at Natalie's strength not only physically but also mentally not to give up after such a traumatic event in her life. She truly is an inspiration to us all.
This book will break you as it did me over and over again. Please believe me when I say this wasn't an easy read. Natalie's journey through an ordeal no one should ever have to experience is so raw and honest. She has laid everything bare, detailing her story from before during and after the attack.
I found myself looking at my own life from a completely different perspective. Reminding myself never to take anything and anyone for granted and to really appreciate the little things in every day.
Thank you to Natalie for sharing your story with us.
I am so in awe at Natalie's strength not only physically but also mentally not to give up after such a traumatic event in her life. She truly is an inspiration to us all.
This book will break you as it did me over and over again. Please believe me when I say this wasn't an easy read. Natalie's journey through an ordeal no one should ever have to experience is so raw and honest. She has laid everything bare, detailing her story from before during and after the attack.
I found myself looking at my own life from a completely different perspective. Reminding myself never to take anything and anyone for granted and to really appreciate the little things in every day.
Thank you to Natalie for sharing your story with us.
February 1, 2022
Amazingly brave woman and very in-depth story x
November 14, 2021
I was going to call it a night, once I reached 85% into this audiobook this evening, but I had to find out how this account of Natalie's journey concluded. It had me gripped from the very beginning and it was the kind of Audiobook that I found myself listening to at every opportunity - driving, shopping, housework, you name any time of day and I was absorbed into Natalie's world.
This is her harrowing story of how she was brutally attacked by her partner, completely unprovoked and out of the blue, in broad daylight, whilst 8 months pregnant with their daughter. The courage and strength this must have taken to write, and in such detail, is unimaginable as the crime committed itself.
Inspiring, yet heartbreaking, this is an absolute must-read for non-fiction fans. The determination of her character and the composure that Natalie shows in her writing, is something she should feel incredibly proud of, along with how she has managed to deal with such a life-changing ordeal. This hit hard for me, and I wanted to reach inside this story and hug her tight.
I am not sure if you still read the reviews of your book Natalie, but I hope you and are your three princesses are now living in full blissfulness. You deserve nothing but love, laughter, and happiness, and I hope that you all continue to thrive. I can't write what I truly think of that monster, this review would get removed, and I sincerely hope every woman reads this book, takes note of his name, and he never gets the opportunity to do this to anyone else.
If you come across this book - in any format - pick it up! A highly recommended read.
(Please note some readers may find this incredibly triggering due to the subject matter, please research the detailed description before reading.)
This is her harrowing story of how she was brutally attacked by her partner, completely unprovoked and out of the blue, in broad daylight, whilst 8 months pregnant with their daughter. The courage and strength this must have taken to write, and in such detail, is unimaginable as the crime committed itself.
Inspiring, yet heartbreaking, this is an absolute must-read for non-fiction fans. The determination of her character and the composure that Natalie shows in her writing, is something she should feel incredibly proud of, along with how she has managed to deal with such a life-changing ordeal. This hit hard for me, and I wanted to reach inside this story and hug her tight.
I am not sure if you still read the reviews of your book Natalie, but I hope you and are your three princesses are now living in full blissfulness. You deserve nothing but love, laughter, and happiness, and I hope that you all continue to thrive. I can't write what I truly think of that monster, this review would get removed, and I sincerely hope every woman reads this book, takes note of his name, and he never gets the opportunity to do this to anyone else.
If you come across this book - in any format - pick it up! A highly recommended read.
(Please note some readers may find this incredibly triggering due to the subject matter, please research the detailed description before reading.)
November 16, 2021
Oh, wow! This was like an emotional rollercoaster! I have absolutely no words to describe the despicable and disgusting act that was carried out on Natalie and her unborn daughter, by the man who supposedly loved them. I had the pleasure of meeting Natalie a couple of times when she worked in the same place where I volunteer, and this is the reason I read her book. Not that anyone deserves to be brutally attacked in this way, Natalie really didn’t, she is an amazing person and is an inspiration. Everyone should read this book!
July 14, 2019
Whilst I started off with the utmost sympathy for the author and admiration for how she has rebuilt her life after such a horrific attack, I found myself distracted and irritated at her poor writing skills and the way her story played out. There are many examples of immature writing, not least the repetitive emotional narrative around her love for the psychopath that fully admitted he wanted to murder her. I was incredulous at her inability to disconnect from him - all that emotional emailing him whilst he was in prison?!! What the heck? An evil, wicked man who almost succeeded in violently ending her life and that of her unborn child and she continued to maintain some sort of relationship with him? I found my sympathy waning by end of book - I just wanted to shake some sense in to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2021
Such a truly harrowing account of what Natalie went through in this horrific account by someone she trusted. Natalie is a truly inspirational woman
August 3, 2021
Amazing read. I couldn't put this book down. Such a brave woman.
June 14, 2019
Upon reading the blurb i realised that i recognised this story, i recalled seeing it in the news at the time. I remember saying a while later that I didn’t understand why the news didn’t concentrate more on Natalie, her story and what happened, why they don’t tend to follow the recovery story. I realised soon after that this was no doubt at least partially down to privacy and allowing the individuals to rebuild and recover. Seeing that this book then was not only the part of the story I had wanted to see, but written by Natalie herself, I knew that I needed to read it.
We hear so much about abuse of any type and the news concentrates on the very worst cases, but what about the individual? What about the road to recovery, or to trying to reach some form of recovery? What about an honest look at how life CAN carry on for the abusee? I won’t use the word Victim to describe Natalie, because after reading her story; after seeing how she got to where she is, and reading about the things she is currently doing, this is a woman to be admired for her resilience, respected for her ability to rise above her experiences. We rarely read honest considerations of the time, time and more time it takes on the road to recovery, or about the fact that actually this is not an easy upwards path. It’s a difficult slog with rocks and changes of direction and depth.
The writing style is engaging from the very start, written in a style that is easy to follow whilst gripping the reader tightly so they’re instantly invested in finding out Natalies story. The reader needs to continue, to find out answers to questions she raises as we go, to try to understand her perspective, to come to see how a person can go through something that shocked and Horrified a nation only to become one of the strongest and most inspirational women alive today.
There are many points within Natalies story that surprised me for one reason or another but I think a lot of it is best read independently. There is a lot within this that was powerful for how unexpected its honesty is, so I will avoid talking about specific scenes. Also, it is difficult to decide upon any particular area without discussing every scene in the book. Every one described is powerfully emotive and incredibly sincere. What i will say instead, is that even with what I had read about Natalie already, the view from her perspective is wholly powerful and shows in many ways just how one moment, choice or person can change a life.
The book explains the lead up to Natalies attack in a way that shows once and for all the answer to a question I am certain that countless people have asked Natalie in one form or another. Didn’t he shows signs of violent tendencies, how did you not know? Why didn’t you leave sooner? The reality is more horrific for the unpredictability and the lack of signs prior to the attack, but have a read yourself and you will see what I mean.
As is to be expected from this type of a Biography, the book is incredibly emotive. There were several moments where I had to put the book down and walk away because the honesty in it made me cry, made me uncomfortable or just stunned me. Yet I had to know, I needed to see how Natalie did it. I have to say at this point, as much as I know know her story, I still don’t know how she did it. The well of strength and determination in Natalie is incredibly admirable, as is the way in which she uses her experience to help others wherever she can, with various charity raising schemes, for example for the Air ambulance which lifted her after the attack.
The only way in which I can think to explain, is in the use of an image that comes to mind when I think of Natalie, all she’s been through and where she is today, and that is a Phoenix. They Break down, and in their situation it is natural to do so and yet they stay that way for so short a time it’s incredible to consider, only for them to then rise from that more powerful and beautiful than before. Perhaps a trifle overly poetic of me, but the only way I can think to begin to describe my feelings.
Whether you read true stories usually or not, whether you or someone you know has been or is in an abusive relationship or not, whether male or female. This is a book you need to read, and one that will change your views and ways of thinking regarding abusive behaviours and relationships in general, for a long time to come.
We hear so much about abuse of any type and the news concentrates on the very worst cases, but what about the individual? What about the road to recovery, or to trying to reach some form of recovery? What about an honest look at how life CAN carry on for the abusee? I won’t use the word Victim to describe Natalie, because after reading her story; after seeing how she got to where she is, and reading about the things she is currently doing, this is a woman to be admired for her resilience, respected for her ability to rise above her experiences. We rarely read honest considerations of the time, time and more time it takes on the road to recovery, or about the fact that actually this is not an easy upwards path. It’s a difficult slog with rocks and changes of direction and depth.
The writing style is engaging from the very start, written in a style that is easy to follow whilst gripping the reader tightly so they’re instantly invested in finding out Natalies story. The reader needs to continue, to find out answers to questions she raises as we go, to try to understand her perspective, to come to see how a person can go through something that shocked and Horrified a nation only to become one of the strongest and most inspirational women alive today.
There are many points within Natalies story that surprised me for one reason or another but I think a lot of it is best read independently. There is a lot within this that was powerful for how unexpected its honesty is, so I will avoid talking about specific scenes. Also, it is difficult to decide upon any particular area without discussing every scene in the book. Every one described is powerfully emotive and incredibly sincere. What i will say instead, is that even with what I had read about Natalie already, the view from her perspective is wholly powerful and shows in many ways just how one moment, choice or person can change a life.
The book explains the lead up to Natalies attack in a way that shows once and for all the answer to a question I am certain that countless people have asked Natalie in one form or another. Didn’t he shows signs of violent tendencies, how did you not know? Why didn’t you leave sooner? The reality is more horrific for the unpredictability and the lack of signs prior to the attack, but have a read yourself and you will see what I mean.
As is to be expected from this type of a Biography, the book is incredibly emotive. There were several moments where I had to put the book down and walk away because the honesty in it made me cry, made me uncomfortable or just stunned me. Yet I had to know, I needed to see how Natalie did it. I have to say at this point, as much as I know know her story, I still don’t know how she did it. The well of strength and determination in Natalie is incredibly admirable, as is the way in which she uses her experience to help others wherever she can, with various charity raising schemes, for example for the Air ambulance which lifted her after the attack.
The only way in which I can think to explain, is in the use of an image that comes to mind when I think of Natalie, all she’s been through and where she is today, and that is a Phoenix. They Break down, and in their situation it is natural to do so and yet they stay that way for so short a time it’s incredible to consider, only for them to then rise from that more powerful and beautiful than before. Perhaps a trifle overly poetic of me, but the only way I can think to begin to describe my feelings.
Whether you read true stories usually or not, whether you or someone you know has been or is in an abusive relationship or not, whether male or female. This is a book you need to read, and one that will change your views and ways of thinking regarding abusive behaviours and relationships in general, for a long time to come.
June 17, 2019
Where to start? Lets go to the beginning.
Natalie Queiroz was eight months pregnant when she was stabbed by her partner in the most vicious attack imaginable.
In the space of nine minutes, and in broad daylight, Natalie was stabbed twenty-four times with a carving knife. She suffered horrific wounds to her lungs, liver, stomach and uterus, whilst the knife missed her baby by a margin of two millimetres, before the arteries in her wrists were methodically severed by the hooded attacker she finally realised was her partner and the father of her unborn child.
After heroic intervention by passers-by and police, the attack was brought to an end, but her ordeal was not over. An air ambulance rescue was launched, and against all medical odds, Natalie and her baby survived - but not without life-changing physical and emotional damage.
Still Standing is the story of one life-shattering event - what came before that fateful day, what happened on it, and how one woman and her baby survived to rebuild and heal together after it. At once a shocking story of evil, manipulation and violence, and a truly moving reminder that a life can be pieced back together, no matter how bad the damage, this book will empower and inspire anyone who has ever faced true adversity to rise up and stand tall.
I'm not sure a book has ever moved me more - and I'm not sure I've ever felt the range of emotions I did whilst reading a book. Ever.
I closed this book at the end and wondered how I was ever going to write a review that would do Natalie's journey any justice at all. I decided the best, and only way, I could do it was to be completely honest about my feelings. I wrote this review straightaway as I didn't want my feelings to dissipate at all between finishing the book and putting pen to paper.
I'm guessing a lot of people will already know Natalie's story. Well, you'll know what you've seen on news reports and read online. I'm loath to go into too much more detail here and I'll tell you why. Natalie survived this attack and had the strength to write her story. It deserves to be read cover to cover. In fact, I'd say that whilst it's an incredibly difficult and harrowing read, it's also quite a necessary and very important one.
Still Standing is written in a conversational way - like Natalie is speaking to us all individually. She's telling each and every one of us her story over a cuppa. Natalie also writes in such an honest way and I presume there was a certain amount of catharsis that came with the brutal honesty. I hope there was. Due to this, I read the book in two days. Any breaks I took were purely because I needed to close the book for a while to get some fresh air and properly think over what I'd just read. I think anyone who has read it already will understand that feeling.
Still Standing … How? How is she still standing? How did she physically and emotionally survive, keep her tiny baby alive and then manage to put it all down on paper to share with us? How did she find the strength to go on to rebuild her life? I asked myself these questions SO many times, even after I'd finished the book I still questioned where she got the strength from. The conclusion I came to is - she survived because she's a mother and she knew her kids needed her around.
I see this book as a story of survival. Yes, that survival is born from a terrifying ordeal and a brutal place but I no longer think of the attack itself when I think of Natalie. I think of the survivor that came out of it.
Natalie Queiroz was eight months pregnant when she was stabbed by her partner in the most vicious attack imaginable.
In the space of nine minutes, and in broad daylight, Natalie was stabbed twenty-four times with a carving knife. She suffered horrific wounds to her lungs, liver, stomach and uterus, whilst the knife missed her baby by a margin of two millimetres, before the arteries in her wrists were methodically severed by the hooded attacker she finally realised was her partner and the father of her unborn child.
After heroic intervention by passers-by and police, the attack was brought to an end, but her ordeal was not over. An air ambulance rescue was launched, and against all medical odds, Natalie and her baby survived - but not without life-changing physical and emotional damage.
Still Standing is the story of one life-shattering event - what came before that fateful day, what happened on it, and how one woman and her baby survived to rebuild and heal together after it. At once a shocking story of evil, manipulation and violence, and a truly moving reminder that a life can be pieced back together, no matter how bad the damage, this book will empower and inspire anyone who has ever faced true adversity to rise up and stand tall.
I'm not sure a book has ever moved me more - and I'm not sure I've ever felt the range of emotions I did whilst reading a book. Ever.
I closed this book at the end and wondered how I was ever going to write a review that would do Natalie's journey any justice at all. I decided the best, and only way, I could do it was to be completely honest about my feelings. I wrote this review straightaway as I didn't want my feelings to dissipate at all between finishing the book and putting pen to paper.
I'm guessing a lot of people will already know Natalie's story. Well, you'll know what you've seen on news reports and read online. I'm loath to go into too much more detail here and I'll tell you why. Natalie survived this attack and had the strength to write her story. It deserves to be read cover to cover. In fact, I'd say that whilst it's an incredibly difficult and harrowing read, it's also quite a necessary and very important one.
Still Standing is written in a conversational way - like Natalie is speaking to us all individually. She's telling each and every one of us her story over a cuppa. Natalie also writes in such an honest way and I presume there was a certain amount of catharsis that came with the brutal honesty. I hope there was. Due to this, I read the book in two days. Any breaks I took were purely because I needed to close the book for a while to get some fresh air and properly think over what I'd just read. I think anyone who has read it already will understand that feeling.
Still Standing … How? How is she still standing? How did she physically and emotionally survive, keep her tiny baby alive and then manage to put it all down on paper to share with us? How did she find the strength to go on to rebuild her life? I asked myself these questions SO many times, even after I'd finished the book I still questioned where she got the strength from. The conclusion I came to is - she survived because she's a mother and she knew her kids needed her around.
I see this book as a story of survival. Yes, that survival is born from a terrifying ordeal and a brutal place but I no longer think of the attack itself when I think of Natalie. I think of the survivor that came out of it.
June 15, 2019
This is an incredibly difficult read at times, because it’s about real people, real lives and a heinous crime that actually happened. Queiroz shows tremendous endurance and courage throughout, despite the obstacles she has to overcome, but perhaps more so because of the honesty of her emotions.
She never turns away from the truth or from the harsh reality of her situation. At all times she endeavours to do what is right and healthy for herself, her daughters and her family. It takes a strong woman to overcome the anger, confusion, heartbreak and fear she must have felt and indeed probably always will feel. Life has dealt her harsh blows, and yet she carries on with admirable strength.
There is nothing to warn her of the attack upon herself and her child. No abuse building up to a violent crescendo. No warning or little voice in her ear. In a way it’s almost worst than the perpetrator having, in his opinion, some valid reason. Let me just be clear there is no such thing. There absolutely is no excuse or reason to commit such an incredibly vicious crime, regardless of whether it is against the woman you love and the child you craved or a complete stranger.
Another thing I would like to say, even if for posterity only, he knew what he was doing. This wasn’t some moment of passion or loss of insanity. He targeted her with precision, as he did his child. He cannot ever be trusted again, in any capacity – ever.
The fact Queiroz was attacked by the man who purported to love her just makes the crime and indeed these types of crime even more despicable. Her description of the events, well they certainly aren’t easy to read.
It’s a heart-wrenching and brutally honest memoir. I am not kidding when I say brutal either. The account of the attack is absolutely harrowing. There aren’t many people who experience an attack of this magnitude and live to tell the tale. It’s a miracle both Natalie and her baby survived. Kudos to her for sharing her story with the world.
*I received a courtesy copy*
She never turns away from the truth or from the harsh reality of her situation. At all times she endeavours to do what is right and healthy for herself, her daughters and her family. It takes a strong woman to overcome the anger, confusion, heartbreak and fear she must have felt and indeed probably always will feel. Life has dealt her harsh blows, and yet she carries on with admirable strength.
There is nothing to warn her of the attack upon herself and her child. No abuse building up to a violent crescendo. No warning or little voice in her ear. In a way it’s almost worst than the perpetrator having, in his opinion, some valid reason. Let me just be clear there is no such thing. There absolutely is no excuse or reason to commit such an incredibly vicious crime, regardless of whether it is against the woman you love and the child you craved or a complete stranger.
Another thing I would like to say, even if for posterity only, he knew what he was doing. This wasn’t some moment of passion or loss of insanity. He targeted her with precision, as he did his child. He cannot ever be trusted again, in any capacity – ever.
The fact Queiroz was attacked by the man who purported to love her just makes the crime and indeed these types of crime even more despicable. Her description of the events, well they certainly aren’t easy to read.
It’s a heart-wrenching and brutally honest memoir. I am not kidding when I say brutal either. The account of the attack is absolutely harrowing. There aren’t many people who experience an attack of this magnitude and live to tell the tale. It’s a miracle both Natalie and her baby survived. Kudos to her for sharing her story with the world.
*I received a courtesy copy*
April 2, 2023
This is the tragic true story of Natalie Queiroz who’s partner tried to vicious murder her and their unborn child when she was 8 months pregnant. The very partner she had only that morning happily kissed goodbye to that morning unaware of the horror awaiting her, that he had planned. This book is a beautiful written and moving memoir in which Natalie guides us through her journey of recovery, highlight that said journey is not straight forward.. there is many ups and downs, in which even through such tragic circumstances turning your feelings off is not easy. This is a story of Hope. This women is the definition of strength, exactly why she is ‘still standing’.
June 30, 2019
As I work very close to where this horrible event occurred & had spoken to Natalie a few times, I didn’t think I would be shocked reading this book, but wow was I wrong. It’s not just the initial event that’s awful and completely shocking, it’s what Natalie has been through since & how far she’s come to get back on her feet and to where she is today. The book itself is also really well written, & I could hear it in her voice, I whizzed through it as I had to know how she was going to get through it all.
January 22, 2022
Wow, this book is emosh! True life story of a brave young lady who was attacked whilst pregnant and stabbed 23 times by her boyfriend to whom she loved dearly. Her raw desire to understand why comes across so well in this book. She is brave and strong and yet doesn’t see it in herself. She sets goals to achieve and needless to say reaches them. This is an horrendous story, but one of bravery and overcoming obstacles. This book has made more of an impact on me than many others I have read
August 11, 2022
This is a memoir that sounds unbelievable! I had to go back several times to make sure I was understanding it correctly that is is a true story!
As a woman, I was so irritated with the naivety Queiroz had with her partners. I wanted to scream... yet she continued on. By the end, I was actually angry with how she had to deal with her trauma, but who am I to judge how someone deals with trauma. Overall... this story was crazy.
As a woman, I was so irritated with the naivety Queiroz had with her partners. I wanted to scream... yet she continued on. By the end, I was actually angry with how she had to deal with her trauma, but who am I to judge how someone deals with trauma. Overall... this story was crazy.
December 13, 2020
Truly inspirational lady.
She was very strong willed and minded to go and confront him in prison.
This lady is outstanding. If she can get through her darkest days after what she has been through then life is a breeze for me.
I too also suffer ptsd and this has truly opened my eyes. Thanks so much for your honest and frank story. X
She was very strong willed and minded to go and confront him in prison.
This lady is outstanding. If she can get through her darkest days after what she has been through then life is a breeze for me.
I too also suffer ptsd and this has truly opened my eyes. Thanks so much for your honest and frank story. X
February 24, 2022
This is a truly shocking story. I enjoyed the book but it was quite repetitive and constantly repeated how shocking the situation was. But the story itself shows how shocking it is, the reader doesn't need to be repeatedly told so. A helping hand of an editor who can strip back the repetition would bring this up to five stars.
April 24, 2022
5*. Wow. What a brave woman. He was just a lying coward Natalie and her daughters are so much better off without him. She shouldn’t have had to go through that just because he was a spoilt brat and thought he’d get away with it. He should have got so much longer in prison than he did. I hope Natalie and her daughters have a very happy and healthy life.
August 18, 2022
This true story was difficult for me to read because I felt so deeply for the main character. I was also amazed at her courage, strength and determination. I can’t say I “enjoyed” it because it truly hurt my heart to learn of all this woman and her child have suffered. I’m still thankful I read it. She is truly a real, love Wonder Woman!
October 11, 2023
An amazing story of a woman with such a will to live and nurture her children. I found the narrator was good. My only teeny tiny gripe is the fact that her attacker got so much attention and took up too much space in her head… he deserved nothing.
An inspirational listen
An inspirational listen
June 26, 2019
Decently written, and occasionally painful to read, with a very good quality of editing which I find unusual in this kind of book and by which I was pleasantly surprised.
July 20, 2019
Horrific story but what an amazing lady Natalie is.
September 7, 2019
Be prepared to read this book with your mouth constantly agape
September 9, 2019
Excellent book deffinatly reccomend sad but very good book
April 18, 2020
Good read. Shocking how someone can carry out something so heinous on the pregnant fiance they profess to love.
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