What do you think?
Rate this book
Dancing with the Devil: Breaking chains of childhood sexual abuse
A lot has happened since I first published Dancing with the Devil in 2020. The worldwide pandemic, Covid, has changed life as we know it and is still hugely unpredictable, which in its own right, I think is forcing society as a whole, to return to ‘basics’, and especially during times of lockdown and isolation, is forcing us all to face our demons and make necessary changes. Also on a global level, society is only now realizing the catastrophic damage that we have participated in, in destroying our Earth. I naively believed that I’d diligently faced my demons and healed my past. I had a rude awakening when, after receiving the Australian Ministerial Intervention decision on my immigration matter in May 2021, I was forced to return to England for a second time without my family and children. My entire life of struggle and injustice was dredged back up like projectile vomiting, bringing with it even more intense feelings of rage, confusion, and resentment for the challenging life I’d been granted, and which I seemed unable to change, no matter what I did or did not do. This is a second edition, focusing on forgiveness, and learning how to fly above the storms of life. Dancing with the Devil is a heart-warming novel inspired by real-life events...A story of the raw reality of childhood sexual abuse and the deep unseen scars impacting two little girls' into adulthood. This is a story of survival and hope; a painful journey towards recovery, over rough mental terrain and emotional tides, where learned childhood beliefs were questioned and coping mechanisms were changed.
This is a story of finding the courage and strength to heal, forgive, and implement change because in doing that, the cycle of abuse can be broken, and not repeat within the next generation.
This is a story of finding the courage and strength to heal, forgive, and implement change because in doing that, the cycle of abuse can be broken, and not repeat within the next generation.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2020
8 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 19, 2025
Dancing with the Devil: Breaking Chains of Childhood Sexual Abuse is a deeply personal and moving story that sheds light on the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma. Inspired by real events, it follows the emotional journey of two girls as they carry the weight of abuse into adulthood. The writing is raw and honest, offering a clear picture of how childhood pain can shape a person’s entire life.
In this second edition, the author opens up about her more recent struggles, including immigration battles and separation from her family. These events stirred up past wounds and forced her to confront pain she thought she had already healed. It’s a powerful reminder that healing isn’t always a one-time process—it comes in layers, often when we least expect it.
What stands out most is the message of hope and courage. The story shows how beliefs formed in childhood can be challenged, how coping mechanisms can evolve, and how forgiveness—while difficult—can lead to peace. It’s a tough read at times, but also an inspiring one.
This book isn’t just a personal story—it’s also a call to break cycles of abuse, speak out, and protect the vulnerable. Dancing with the Devil stays with you, not because it’s dramatic, but because it’s real.
In this second edition, the author opens up about her more recent struggles, including immigration battles and separation from her family. These events stirred up past wounds and forced her to confront pain she thought she had already healed. It’s a powerful reminder that healing isn’t always a one-time process—it comes in layers, often when we least expect it.
What stands out most is the message of hope and courage. The story shows how beliefs formed in childhood can be challenged, how coping mechanisms can evolve, and how forgiveness—while difficult—can lead to peace. It’s a tough read at times, but also an inspiring one.
This book isn’t just a personal story—it’s also a call to break cycles of abuse, speak out, and protect the vulnerable. Dancing with the Devil stays with you, not because it’s dramatic, but because it’s real.
August 23, 2025
Lee-Ann Suddick invites readers into one of the most vulnerable spaces a writer can share—her lived truth. Dancing with the Devil: Breaking Chains of Childhood Sexual Abuse isn’t told from a distance; it’s written from the inside, where the wounds are raw and the scars are still tender. Her honesty gives the book a unique strength, because it doesn’t hide the confusion, rage, or loneliness that come with surviving such trauma.
What makes this edition especially compelling is how Lee-Ann connects her personal struggles to wider global challenges. From the isolation of the pandemic to the heartbreak of being separated from her children due to immigration battles, she shows how life can reopen old wounds just when we think we’ve healed. Instead of pretending recovery is a straight line, she illustrates how it bends, breaks, and sometimes circles back, making the reader reflect on their own resilience.
At its heart, this is a book about transformation. Yes, it confronts abuse, injustice, and pain, but it also highlights courage, healing, and forgiveness. Lee-Ann’s story reminds us that while trauma may shape us, it doesn’t have to define us. Her voice encourages not only survivors, but anyone who believes in breaking cycles of silence, to keep moving toward hope.
What makes this edition especially compelling is how Lee-Ann connects her personal struggles to wider global challenges. From the isolation of the pandemic to the heartbreak of being separated from her children due to immigration battles, she shows how life can reopen old wounds just when we think we’ve healed. Instead of pretending recovery is a straight line, she illustrates how it bends, breaks, and sometimes circles back, making the reader reflect on their own resilience.
At its heart, this is a book about transformation. Yes, it confronts abuse, injustice, and pain, but it also highlights courage, healing, and forgiveness. Lee-Ann’s story reminds us that while trauma may shape us, it doesn’t have to define us. Her voice encourages not only survivors, but anyone who believes in breaking cycles of silence, to keep moving toward hope.
October 15, 2020
Dancing with the Devil, by Lee-ann Suddick, is a book that anyone who wants to understand the damage done by child abuse and mental illness, should read. In such cases as these, mental illness is a coping mechanism. A way of dealing with the mental anguish that torments the victim.
Ms Suddick has penned a book that is hard to put down. It is like it is a mirror in some ways and we can see some parts of ourselves reflected in its depths. It, in my opinion, is a book about humanity and resilience, in the face of what must feel like impossible odds.
Though “Electra” sinks into an emotional mire, where she almost drowns in her own pain, there is still the sense of how special she is. She is brave and loving, loyal and intelligent. No one should have to have endured the depths of pain described in this book. No wonder that the mind invents “bolt holes” to escape into.
Alongside all the pain, there are golden moments. Most of those spent with her twin Aurora, and with her children. There is also Ms Suddick’s lyrical prose and diamond glimpses into the good parts of memory, about growing up in South Africa.
I highly recommend this book to all.
Ms Suddick has penned a book that is hard to put down. It is like it is a mirror in some ways and we can see some parts of ourselves reflected in its depths. It, in my opinion, is a book about humanity and resilience, in the face of what must feel like impossible odds.
Though “Electra” sinks into an emotional mire, where she almost drowns in her own pain, there is still the sense of how special she is. She is brave and loving, loyal and intelligent. No one should have to have endured the depths of pain described in this book. No wonder that the mind invents “bolt holes” to escape into.
Alongside all the pain, there are golden moments. Most of those spent with her twin Aurora, and with her children. There is also Ms Suddick’s lyrical prose and diamond glimpses into the good parts of memory, about growing up in South Africa.
I highly recommend this book to all.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews