Breaking the Chain: Abuse, Revenge, Redemption: The True Story of a Damaged Childhood

by Andy McQuade

Andy McQuade was just 12 years old when he plunged an axe into the head of his father. After suffering years of sadistic abuse at his hands, and watching his mother slowly lose the will to live, it seemed his only option. However, his father survived the attack, dying several years later, a shadow of his former self, leaving his son to live with the overwhelming guilt of his actions. At 16, Andy ran away from home and moved to London, where he lived as a near-derelict, became addicted to drugs, and worked as a dealer. At 17, he overdosed on heroin and technically died, coming around three days later in a filthy room. Realizing that it was time for a change, he made the decision to turn his life around. From these traumatic beginnings Andy has become a successful actor and director. Breaking the Chain is the story of his incredible journey encompassing abuse and revenge, and the struggle for redemption.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ally Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I read it twice

An eloquently written book that wrings your emotions. You will be shocked, disgusted, amazed, exhilarated, exasperated and satisfied in equal measure.
There are parts that make you laugh, parts to cry over and parts that make you think deeply.
Highly recommended.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning part of the book was quite well-written and portrayed the turmoil in the family, though the second half bored me with long-winded storylines of drugs, parties and gambling. The ending rated somewhere between the two, where hidden facets of the father's life were revealed, explaining his destructive, violent behaviour. The author's newfound redemption was a memorable denouement to the otherwise drab second half that had fallen short of the explosive events of the first. 3.5 stars to be exact.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An absolutely petrifying read. There were times that I had to stop as my neck muscles were in spasm. For anyone who's been exposed or affected by domestic or physical abuse, this brings up so many emotions. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is that I wasn't crazy about the last couple of chapters - seemed to jump around too much and I wasn't always sure who was who. But a great read, nonetheless.

[Love · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well I was very uninterested in finishing this book. Maybe it was his writing, maybe it was the fact that he never really was out with what was happening to him...I was 120 pages in and decided to put it down :( Hoping passing it off was not a bad idea.