I Am Someone

by Aisling Creegan

Aisling Creegan’s childhood was dominated by an abusive, alcoholic mother, who tortured her at every turn. From insults through beatings and being threatened with a butcher’s knife, Aisling endured unthinkable suffering at the hands of the woman who should have loved her unconditionally. Yet in the midst of this trauma, Aisling was able to rely on the one person she knew she could trust – herself.

Possessed of an incredible imagination and remarkable resilience, Aisling found escape in the little things in lying in a field on a sunny day; drawing; Matchbox cars; and her teddy bear, Panda. Aisling’s power to imagine an alternative world enabled her to hold on and make it to adolescence and the freedom she had longed for since childhood.

But the scars of the past take time to heal, and when Aisling suffered a breakdown it took her on a surprising path to freedom – and forgiveness. I Am Someone is an extraordinary memoir about female cruelty, and ultimately female strength and endurance.

288 pages, Paperback

Published July 20, 2022

Reviews

[Emma Redmond]

Omg, what do I say about this book? This is more than “just a book”, it is an emotional rollercoaster that is so easy yet so hard to read. Aisling has bravely put her life story in black and white for all to read, warts and all! From being put on a train on her own at the tender age of 8, not being able to read or write with her mum saying someone will pick you up at the end, to scrubbing blood splatters from the walls and floors before school, Aisling has somehow managed to pull her life together when it could have so easily ended another way. This is a truly inspirational read, worthy of a film being made on it.

[Jennifer Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t remember the last time I picked up a book that I just didn’t want to put down until I’d reached the very end. I hadn’t expected that with this book given the harrowing theme of Aisling Creegan’s story, but “I Am Someone” is written in such an engaging way with moments of joy, humour and nostalgia interwoven into even the most shocking and heartbreaking chapters. Readers will fall in love with the determined and adventurous little girl that Aisling was while finding inspiration in the strong and forgiving woman she has become, against all the odds. This is the story of an unbreakable spirit. A must read!

[Carol Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I started to read Aislings book depicting her very traumatic and abusive childhood resulting from her Mother's ongoing torture, I couldn't put the book down. Her bravery, honesty, and determination in highlighting the silent suffering she had to endure was astounding. Despite the fact that it was a roller coaster emotional read, I would highly recommend her book.

[Gerard Cullinane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am Someone is a gentle and honest book that stays with you.

Aisling Creegan writes with warmth and care, giving voice to people who are often not fully seen or heard.

It is a book about dignity, identity, and being seen as fully human.

I found myself pausing often, not because the writing was difficult, but because it touched on truths that felt both personal and shared.

It would resonate with anyone who has ever felt different, unseen, or quietly resilient.

A small book with a big heart. I am glad to have read it.

[Paul Weafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful story , set in the midst of untold cruelty , a story of resilience and determination from young innocent and scared little girl to a strong independent and determined lady , this book charters Aisling's journey of strength and survival .

[Sally Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically written, heart wrench account of events of a spirit broken before it had a chance to grow. An amazing account of a little girls journey, struggles & achievements, healing & success against all odds. It’s a book every young person should read… beyond the struggle there is light & hope, this is what this authors journey teaches us.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book. Once I started I could not put it out of my hands. Sad to think that a child had to endure so much but Aisling showed such strength of character. She is an inspiration to us all. I really do recommend this book.

[Louise Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aisling very courageous putting her life story into words ,
Seeing what she has overcome in her young life
Its a must read
5⭐️

[Kathleen Kirwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic book spoken from the heart insperational

[Ali Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really striking, unforgettable book. Incredibly well-written and a joy to read - I knew it was going to contain many utterly challenging and unthinkable things, and yet I loved the experience of reading it. This feels like a testament to Aisling's craft as a writer and also the deep process she has taken herself through to hold everything she has experienced and who she is with love, playfulness, artistry, honesty and space. I love how much she tells us about her creative and imaginative processes as a child - it made me see and reflect on myself and my own childhood in a new way. Her account of her mother manages to be both unflinchingly honest and well-roundedly compassionate - an unbelievable feat. I cried when I read Aisling's last words and finally put the book down. What a story, and what a piece of writing to put out in the world. Thank you, Aisling, and I hope many people are helped, inspired and enriched by your courage, your creativity and your huge heart.

[Máire Ní · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aisling Creegan certainly is someone. Her resilient, intelligent and artistic spirit shine throughout this memoir with integrity and amazing humour and compassion. I don’t know how she hid the horrors of her childhood behind the shy smile I remember from her schooldays. She found joy in the beauty of nature, memories of her gentle father and expressing herself through art and later, words. I read this heart rending and beautifully written book in one sitting, appalled at what Aisling the child and young teenager had to endure, but overawed by how she managed to achieve success and happiness in life and art. I am Someone is fundamentally an uplifting read, a celebration of the life of a unique human being.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt I was in the book and couldn’t put it down. A gripping thriller written in such a way that it seemed like fiction.

Then you realise, even though you already knew that this was true so very true.

Not only does it give you an insight into Aislings world, it also echoed a time that many can relate to. The neglect, the abuse.
The poverty was well hidden as they seemed to be an average family in the suburbs.

I could go on & on but I won’t. Parts of it resonate with the abuse of Alcohol in my own own. We had poverty & were looked down on by the Nuns in school.

Anyway, best of luck for the future Aisling. Well done to you.

Marian Byrne

[Rachel A · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am Someone " is difficult to read but even harder to put down. Your heart will break for little Ais. You'll be drawn back to the innocent world of a child with extraordinary detail and memory. The adventure and fun crushed by fear and cruelty .
Aisling tells her harrowing story with such bravery and humour . Her whole thought process and determination which kept her alive and fighting laid bare.
Her courage to share with the world "even if it were to save one life "shows her utter selflessness.
A truly emotional and inspirational read.

[Christine Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful memoir of a difficult childhood which despite the odds always had hope and an eye on the future. I commend the author for her humane protray of some very difficult moments . As is the author's intention this book is written to let any young person going through a similar experience know that they are not alone. If it does that alone, it will have done its work.

Well done Aisling and little Ais too.

[Mary O'Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, a searingly honest account of a very traumatic childhood. As I was reading the book, it reminded me of the childhoods of both Sinead O'Connor and Katriona O'Sullivan. I honestly am in awe of Aislingm who experienced such a heartbreaking childhood, but has come through it with such resilience. This story will definitely help others in a similar situation. It is also such a reminder that one good teacher can make such a difference in the life of a child.

[Susanne Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Aisling's story I was left full of emotions and initially slightly lost for words. Hers is an account of unbeatable inner strength, of perseverance and a revered sense of self that shines throughout her journey from childhood into adulthood. She tells her story with such dignity and momentum that it is hard to put down despite its challenging content. A truly inspirational read.

[John Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read book. It's an extremely heart warming true story of survival and a very easy read. It gives inspiration to others with a difficult childhood to express themselves and use inner strength and determination to succeed in life.Aisling tells her story which we can relate to growing up and how Art in particular was her "escape" from reality .
Highly recommend.

[Karen Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that’s both harrowing & uplifting, the author has managed to combine her childhood trauma with a message of hope for everyone, children and adults, that you can survive & you are someone. Aisling’s courage & inner strength is incredible from her earliest formative years through to adulthood, she is a real life warrior.

[Anthony Raleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard road to walk but it never loses its light or integrity. Brutally honest and filled with humour. I loved it!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the most engaging reads I’ve had in years. It’s such an important read, and we would all be the better for reading it. It’ll stay with you!

[Kieran Flood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book by a friend, and was reluctant because I tend towards reading fiction, but they compelled me by their description of the book and so I started it - and finished it in two days. This book is the reason why I now don’t only read fiction. Some true life experiences are just too important to ignore. It’s a harrowing story of a person who is traumatised by her upbringing but who brings humanity and humour and also an admirable clarity and fairness in writing her life’s tale.

I urge anyone who is dealing with issues from childhood to read it. The author asks at one stage, “can’t I do anything in this life without her [mammy] poisoning it?” This is the rotten apple core of abuse, that the poison is there before we even realise what it is. These things are terrible to face, they become a persons whole life, but Aisling embarks on a tremendous journey of discovery, reclaiming her life through painful and exhausting examination and understanding of what she’s suffered.

It’s a hopeful book, and not a unique experience unfortunately for children of alcoholics, but I wholeheartedly recommend it!

[Alicia LYNAGH · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 word.... Wow. I don't usually read books cover to cover. I dip in and dip out. But I couldn't put this book down. Although there were moments when I was reading it, I almost felt as if I was holding my breath in anticipation of what might happen next. How courageous of Aisling to share her story.
I loved this style of writing, it almost felt as though the reader was invited along to journey with Aisling throughout her entire life. Her story will stay with me. Despite everything she never played the vicitim. This is SO admirable. I always knew that the role of Motherhood was an Important one, but this book really hit home just how vital it is for our children to feel safe and feel loved. These were things I was lucky to receive from my own parents but probably even took for granted. Aisling should be proud of this book and the Amazing woman she has become.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable. Thanks for writing this wonderful book. So many stories go untold. From start to finish I was gripped by your account of a harrowing childhood.

A childhood should be innocent and filled with wonder. We know this is not always the case. You told your story with honesty. Yes, there was always hope there as the pages turned.


Thank you Aisling for shining your light so brightly. May you have a wonderful life for the ones who couldn’t.


Kind Regards

Barbara Cunningham

[Dara Clear · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptionally moving book written with a clear-eyed honesty and empathy that makes it all the more powerful. Upsetting and even harrowing in places, it is Aisling Creegan's great accomplishment that her story never wallows in self-pity but focuses instead on the hard-earned arrival at recovery and genuine self-worth. The precious kindnesses along the way are priceless grace notes that allow you dare to believe in the possibility of hope and love being part of Little Ais's future.

Highly recommended.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible read. Aisling chooses strength over bitterness and hope over despair. That choice — again and again — defines her journey.

Her ability to stay kind, to hold onto compassion when it would have been easier to harden, is perhaps the most inspiring part of all. Even when tested beyond what anyone should have to bear, she refuses to let cruelty shape her heart.

This book charts more than survival; it charts courage, character, and the extraordinary power of choosing light in the darkest of times. An unforgettable and deeply inspiring read.

[Maureen Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi I am someone is a powerful and deeply honest story. Aisling shares her childhood experiences with courage and openness, giving a voice to what many survivors struggle to do so.
Her story is heartbreaking, but it is one of strength and resilience. The bravery it took to put pen to paper is visible on every page.
By telling her truth, she has created something that can help others feel understand and less alone.

An important and courageous book that shows the strength of the human spirit ✨️

[Sarah Devlin-Sinnott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly heartbreakingly honest story of a young girls incredibly harsh upbringing and how she manages to save herself whilst remaining deeply loving, compassionate and human. Aisling delivers her stark life story, not looking for validation nor comfort, it is what it is. Her descriptions of the small, tiny uncared for little girl, finding ways to survive impossible situations and summoning the strength to escape her cage, to then go on to show the deepest compassion to the one who deserved it the least. A beautiful and inspiring read.

[Shirley Purfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This morning I sat to start reading a few pages and 164pages later my husband asked would I be finishing the book today I said probably, this book is honest so emotionally hard but truth in its finest form, it’s captivating and I just needed to know that Aishling would be ok , her powerful story gives hope to people to need hope and need encouraging words to keep them strong , it’s empowering and inspiring, best read and making sure you recommend to all your friends to ready

[Monica Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book by Aisling Creegan.and couldn't get it out of my mind for months.
It is written with such candour and honesty. It's when you actually realise what Aisling didn't or couldn't say in her book.it dawns on you the horrific life she had to live and survive as a child.
Remarkable story of survival and resilience. It is hard to believe how the warm and honest women today came from such a devastating beginning.
Monica Kelly

[Maria Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic, real, and so true of what life was like growing up in such an unconscious environment.
Not being afraid to tell it how it was from her own words and realizing we are all deserving of love and how love truly works.
We all have a story; however, we are not our story, and we have the courage to share that story and encourage others to do the same.
It definitely encouraged me to write my story, so thank you.
A must-read for everyone.