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Don't Smile: A Gripping True Story of Surviving Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control
A riveting memoir that describes one woman's journey through shocking levels of domestic abuse and coercive control, Don't Smile will keep you gripped until the very end. A true story, it delves deep into the psychological world of the abused and the abuser, and you will travel - with Charlotte Robertson - through her raw experiences, discovering shocking levels of gaslighting and manipulation. Bravely written, this story is both heartbreaking and powerful.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2022
139 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 15, 2022
I felt every step of Charlotte’s journey into hell at the whim of a man she hoped would change, but never did. Her book serves as a warning to others not to shrug off those first little hints that a person is controlling you; what initially feels flattering and loving, soon becomes stifling and cruel. This was very well written, engaging, and I truly hope Charlotte is now living the life she deserves.
Charlotte, I don’t know if you’ll see this review, but I spotted a couple of mistakes and if you are able to contact me (I’m also an author here on Goodreads) I could let you know what they are. Best wishes, Jessica xx
Charlotte, I don’t know if you’ll see this review, but I spotted a couple of mistakes and if you are able to contact me (I’m also an author here on Goodreads) I could let you know what they are. Best wishes, Jessica xx
April 13, 2023
At first I didn’t think I would get into this book as the writing felt a little spare but it definitely came into itself and I found I couldn’t stop reading. This is a personal memoir of a mentally abusive relationship and I found it compelling. It’s more of a basic, non literary prose told in the voice of an ordinary English mum and wife who found herself trapped in an abusive relationship. But because of this, I felt I could identify with her voice being that she was a woman telling her story with honesty. I think I will buy the second book as I’d like to read on and see what came after.
April 23, 2022
A really useful read
If you have lived with an abuser, you will see some parts of your story here. Devastating to hear the police are failing abused women and taking the part of a talented liar as gospel over the truth spoken by the victim.
If you have lived with an abuser, you will see some parts of your story here. Devastating to hear the police are failing abused women and taking the part of a talented liar as gospel over the truth spoken by the victim.
July 2, 2022
Such a gripping read, couldn’t put it down then it hits you, this was real for Charlotte and so many others 😞😞 however i did find it gripping.
August 15, 2022
Annoying, and I'd not recommend.. sorry
I'm sorry as I know this is a true story but I honestly found it annoying with the "little did I know" or "it would get much worse" at the end of most chapters.
Charlotte is lovely, I feel for her and her children but the ending is not an inspiration for someone, like myself and her, to leave sooner.
Maybe it may show someone the initial warning signs and safe them. I hope so.
There were spelling mistakes too. I know I'm being petty there sorry.
I just felt like this was a fictional story where the author was trying to drag out this horrible relationship without showing how the leading lady who had a job, then grown up kids and who could get out and about, but didnt leave. A fake sad story to lead to a brilliant happy ending, but it was real and there wasn't one of those.
I do hope Charlotte is safe now, and the kids. I hope she's found Linda and made up, and reunited and found love with her sister.
I am sorry for the loss of her parents.
I'm sorry as I know this is a true story but I honestly found it annoying with the "little did I know" or "it would get much worse" at the end of most chapters.
Charlotte is lovely, I feel for her and her children but the ending is not an inspiration for someone, like myself and her, to leave sooner.
Maybe it may show someone the initial warning signs and safe them. I hope so.
There were spelling mistakes too. I know I'm being petty there sorry.
I just felt like this was a fictional story where the author was trying to drag out this horrible relationship without showing how the leading lady who had a job, then grown up kids and who could get out and about, but didnt leave. A fake sad story to lead to a brilliant happy ending, but it was real and there wasn't one of those.
I do hope Charlotte is safe now, and the kids. I hope she's found Linda and made up, and reunited and found love with her sister.
I am sorry for the loss of her parents.
September 4, 2022
A disturbing account of a long relationship blighted by coercive control. It’s frightening how long Charlotte put up with the psychological abuse from a man who saw her as his exclusive property, for his use and benefit only, even getting jealous when she interacted with pets and children as it would take her attention away from him and banning her from looking at or talking to other people.
May 2, 2022
A really gripping read right from the start. I was really hoping that Charlotte would see what her husband was doing and find the strength to leave.
I know it's a true story so not right to say I was disappointed with the ending but it ended so abruptly and without any explanation or information about what happened next. It would have been nice to have closure but I do wish Charlotte and her family well
I know it's a true story so not right to say I was disappointed with the ending but it ended so abruptly and without any explanation or information about what happened next. It would have been nice to have closure but I do wish Charlotte and her family well
October 4, 2022
Very good
Fantastic and gripping. I felt so involv
ed in reading it. Twists and turns and wondering how this lady had the strength to keep fighting
Fantastic and gripping. I felt so involv
ed in reading it. Twists and turns and wondering how this lady had the strength to keep fighting
April 3, 2022
Gripping read
What a remarkable book how one person can control another person's life. You don't want to believe that the person that you fell in love with can become this control freak who will make your life an absolute misery. I am very pleased to read that she got out of this horrible marriage still alive and with her children and grandchildren she can go and find herself again.
What a remarkable book how one person can control another person's life. You don't want to believe that the person that you fell in love with can become this control freak who will make your life an absolute misery. I am very pleased to read that she got out of this horrible marriage still alive and with her children and grandchildren she can go and find herself again.
April 26, 2022
So sad
I cannot believe what poor women like Charlotte has to go through to finally be released from living hell like she and her family went through
I cannot believe what poor women like Charlotte has to go through to finally be released from living hell like she and her family went through
April 25, 2022
What an amazing woman you are xx
April 24, 2022
what a strong women.
I have just finished reading this book. I could not put it down. I felt like I was right there with Charlotte.
I admire the author for her honesty and strength. Writing this must not have been easy.
Definitely recommend.
I have just finished reading this book. I could not put it down. I felt like I was right there with Charlotte.
I admire the author for her honesty and strength. Writing this must not have been easy.
Definitely recommend.
June 3, 2023
This book was a sad read and it shocks me that she withstood that for so many years. I guess I will never understand having not been in that situation but I wish she didn’t have to spend almost her whole life that way. I am also bothered that Dan never got his comeuppance. I needed to see him suffer and realise his actions and his sick madness, and we didn’t get that in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2022
Worth a read
As somebody who has gone through an awful time with an ex partner myself, I totally empathise with Charlotte's life story. You just will her to see her awful husband for who he is, but I totally understand how hard this is. This is an all too common situation for both women and men and the punishments need to be much greater.
I'm so glad she was able to find the strength in the end, and hope that Charlotte and her children find happiness in the rest of their lives.
As somebody who has gone through an awful time with an ex partner myself, I totally empathise with Charlotte's life story. You just will her to see her awful husband for who he is, but I totally understand how hard this is. This is an all too common situation for both women and men and the punishments need to be much greater.
I'm so glad she was able to find the strength in the end, and hope that Charlotte and her children find happiness in the rest of their lives.
February 18, 2022
I hope Charlotte finds some peace in her life. She loved the wrong man who was a coercive control freak. He watched her every move, Charlotte never done anything wrong in their marriage. It was her husband who was having affairs while trying to drive Charlotte mad.
I thought she was wonderful not to have recognised what he was doing to her. As they say ''Love is Blind'. I would have zero respect for someone like him. I purposely am not writing his name, to me he is an non existant human worthy of anything.
It was a well written book. I would highly recommend it. I read it in one sitting overnight.
I thought she was wonderful not to have recognised what he was doing to her. As they say ''Love is Blind'. I would have zero respect for someone like him. I purposely am not writing his name, to me he is an non existant human worthy of anything.
It was a well written book. I would highly recommend it. I read it in one sitting overnight.
February 5, 2022
Good to begin with but felt as though she was going round in circles chapter after chapter and then a blunt ending.
February 16, 2022
Glad you finally found the strength to leave
Unfortunately this happens a lot it really gets to the point that you doubt everything even your own mind but I am so glad that you finally found the courage and strength to end your marriage i can't imagine how that must have been Charlotte thank you for writing this book as so many women go through this and don't realise until its to late sometimes to do anything about it
Unfortunately this happens a lot it really gets to the point that you doubt everything even your own mind but I am so glad that you finally found the courage and strength to end your marriage i can't imagine how that must have been Charlotte thank you for writing this book as so many women go through this and don't realise until its to late sometimes to do anything about it
February 17, 2022
Move on.
You and your children should move on now. You can't help someone that won't help themselves or see what there actions are doing to others. He's damage goods. Don't waste anymore time feeling guilty, it's a wasted emotion. Your not responsible for his happiness. He is. Good luck to you and your kids.
You and your children should move on now. You can't help someone that won't help themselves or see what there actions are doing to others. He's damage goods. Don't waste anymore time feeling guilty, it's a wasted emotion. Your not responsible for his happiness. He is. Good luck to you and your kids.
September 12, 2022
No sympathy
Could do with more background information, in final pages husbands mental health issues is mentioned. Offered so much help and not taken, feel sorry for the children, they must be scarred (mentally) for life. She should have taken steps earlier to protect the children
Could do with more background information, in final pages husbands mental health issues is mentioned. Offered so much help and not taken, feel sorry for the children, they must be scarred (mentally) for life. She should have taken steps earlier to protect the children
September 20, 2023
I couldn’t stop reading
Thank for this book. I hope women that might be dealing with similar situations seek help sooner. Dan showed signs of coercive control from the beginning. Charlotte loved him so much and would justify his behavior. She deteriorated waiting for Dan to change. I hated Dan from the beginning.
Thank for this book. I hope women that might be dealing with similar situations seek help sooner. Dan showed signs of coercive control from the beginning. Charlotte loved him so much and would justify his behavior. She deteriorated waiting for Dan to change. I hated Dan from the beginning.
January 23, 2022
💗
Strong brave woman.. hooked on someone who didn’t deserve your time. Kids should have come first along time before the final straw but easier said than done xx enjoy you’re new found freedom and chat and enjoy whoever’s company you chose xx
Strong brave woman.. hooked on someone who didn’t deserve your time. Kids should have come first along time before the final straw but easier said than done xx enjoy you’re new found freedom and chat and enjoy whoever’s company you chose xx
May 22, 2022
I also couldn't put this book down,I really felt sorry for Charlotte, I know that she was in a difficult situation when her children were small
and she protected them the best she could from what she was going through. She did the right thing eventually, just sorry she wasn't stronger sooner.
and she protected them the best she could from what she was going through. She did the right thing eventually, just sorry she wasn't stronger sooner.
August 16, 2022
Griping
Very interesting subject.kept me reading late into the night.hope it's read by other women .a very important subject to learn about.
Very interesting subject.kept me reading late into the night.hope it's read by other women .a very important subject to learn about.
January 30, 2022
Good
Wow. Brilliant read and what a strong woman Charlotte Robertson is, I wish her all the luck in the world going forward with her life.
Wow. Brilliant read and what a strong woman Charlotte Robertson is, I wish her all the luck in the world going forward with her life.
May 23, 2022
Sad story.
This story is sad. I felt upset how this poor women had to put up with the awfull abuse from her husband. I can relate to it all. Ive been their myself.
This story is sad. I felt upset how this poor women had to put up with the awfull abuse from her husband. I can relate to it all. Ive been their myself.
Read
September 1, 2024Firstly, I have been in a physically abusive relationship and it's not nice - it can be terrifying, but there came a time when I thought I cannot and will not tolerate this any more, I am worth more, plus I had a daughter to consider.
The longer Charlotte and Dan's marriage went on, the more frustrated I was getting - yes initially Charlotte didn't have anywhere to turn, but she had family, however, she chose not to seek their help and carried on living a lie for 32 years.
Charlotte did get the support of professionals but chose to stay with Dan as his behaviour got more and more unpredictable, there were several points where she had an out, but wouldn't take it because Dan is her husband and she can't betray him like that, so she chose to remain in the home with Dan and subject her children to more and more toxicity, which angered me - as soon as my abusive partner's behaviour impacted my daughter I was out of there, he could do what he wanted to me, I am an adult, but our daughter, oh no, that was a step too far for me, but not for Charlotte it would seem, and it really got my goat on several occasions.
Another thing that grated on my nerves was the "Things were about to get much worse" or words to that effect at the end of each chapter.
I am not victim blaming here, but Charlotte was such a wet blanket that she did herself and their three children absolutely no favours, she insisted on putting Dan's needs before that of her children and putting up with more and more insufferable behaviour and treatment at the hands on the bully she married, just because she did not want to betray him, then was devastated when she came to realise the level of betrayal Dan had bestowed upon her without a second thought for his wife or three offspring (as they were no longer children by this point).
The facts of the story are sad and I do think a potential victim of a narcissist can learn the signs so that they don't fall prey to a narcissist, or if a reader sees themselves in this story, they may be encouraged to seek help.
The longer Charlotte and Dan's marriage went on, the more frustrated I was getting - yes initially Charlotte didn't have anywhere to turn, but she had family, however, she chose not to seek their help and carried on living a lie for 32 years.
Charlotte did get the support of professionals but chose to stay with Dan as his behaviour got more and more unpredictable, there were several points where she had an out, but wouldn't take it because Dan is her husband and she can't betray him like that, so she chose to remain in the home with Dan and subject her children to more and more toxicity, which angered me - as soon as my abusive partner's behaviour impacted my daughter I was out of there, he could do what he wanted to me, I am an adult, but our daughter, oh no, that was a step too far for me, but not for Charlotte it would seem, and it really got my goat on several occasions.
Another thing that grated on my nerves was the "Things were about to get much worse" or words to that effect at the end of each chapter.
I am not victim blaming here, but Charlotte was such a wet blanket that she did herself and their three children absolutely no favours, she insisted on putting Dan's needs before that of her children and putting up with more and more insufferable behaviour and treatment at the hands on the bully she married, just because she did not want to betray him, then was devastated when she came to realise the level of betrayal Dan had bestowed upon her without a second thought for his wife or three offspring (as they were no longer children by this point).
The facts of the story are sad and I do think a potential victim of a narcissist can learn the signs so that they don't fall prey to a narcissist, or if a reader sees themselves in this story, they may be encouraged to seek help.
December 13, 2025
Amazing.
I've just finished this book and my heart goes out to Charlotte and her family. I have luckily never suffered with abuse but Charlotte and her children were so strong to get through this for so many years and I was willing you all through the book to go to the police. What a horrible horrible man he was to put is wife through all that when she should of been having a happy family life. I'm so glad he got what's coming to him and I hope that Charlotte and her children are living happily now. What a lovely strong woman you are getting through all this it probably didn't feel like you were strong but you really really were coping with everything he did to you. You were so so right getting rid of him. He deserved to be in prison for a very long time for what he did. It would of been justice for you all and you all deserved that. You should all be extremely proud of yourselves. It's so hard to believe that there are men like Dan out there treating their wives like he treated you. You can't even call him a human being. He was absolutely disgusting and he knew exactly what he was doing. Charlotte I am so so proud of you for finally getting rid of that animal. I hope the rest of your life will be a happy one xx
I've just finished this book and my heart goes out to Charlotte and her family. I have luckily never suffered with abuse but Charlotte and her children were so strong to get through this for so many years and I was willing you all through the book to go to the police. What a horrible horrible man he was to put is wife through all that when she should of been having a happy family life. I'm so glad he got what's coming to him and I hope that Charlotte and her children are living happily now. What a lovely strong woman you are getting through all this it probably didn't feel like you were strong but you really really were coping with everything he did to you. You were so so right getting rid of him. He deserved to be in prison for a very long time for what he did. It would of been justice for you all and you all deserved that. You should all be extremely proud of yourselves. It's so hard to believe that there are men like Dan out there treating their wives like he treated you. You can't even call him a human being. He was absolutely disgusting and he knew exactly what he was doing. Charlotte I am so so proud of you for finally getting rid of that animal. I hope the rest of your life will be a happy one xx
February 17, 2024
A gripping true story of the truth behind far too many happy marriages & only coming to light because of people who are brave enough to speak out & write about their experience. I too have been targeted by a narcissist but thus was in the work place. These damaged people walk among us.
Charlotte, your experience happened while you lived a stones throw away from me. I too have written about my experience of psychological abuse and would like to connect with you to discuss publishing (& validation!). Contact me 07900 550203?
Well done on your powerful book.
Eleanor
Charlotte, your experience happened while you lived a stones throw away from me. I too have written about my experience of psychological abuse and would like to connect with you to discuss publishing (& validation!). Contact me 07900 550203?
Well done on your powerful book.
Eleanor
February 7, 2022
I enjoyed this book and really empathised with the lady. I just found that the ending felt like the book had been cut short and the story didn't feel summarised fully. Did her husband end up getting diagnosed with a mental health condition? Where did he go live? Did she go ahead with the house sale even though she had the occupational order? I just feel I have a lot of unanswered questions to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2023
Very disturbing
Very disturbing true story of abuse. I hope women up and down the country learn from this. Charlotte should have left him decades before she did. And even at the end she still felt something for him. He was a monster. I lived through similar, but only for 5 years. I needed to get back my sense of self before he destroyed me completely. I hope Charlotte finds a lovely caring partner who will treat her the way she should be treated.
Very disturbing true story of abuse. I hope women up and down the country learn from this. Charlotte should have left him decades before she did. And even at the end she still felt something for him. He was a monster. I lived through similar, but only for 5 years. I needed to get back my sense of self before he destroyed me completely. I hope Charlotte finds a lovely caring partner who will treat her the way she should be treated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews