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The Girl in the Green Dress
THE GIRL IN THE GREEN DRESS is an unforgettable memoir from a woman who refused to be silenced. Jeni Haynes is an inspiration and her bravery and determination to live is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. This is a unique and profoundly important book as it is not only a story of survival, it also includes incredible insight from Dr George Blair-West, Jeni's psychiatrist and an expert in DID.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
September 20, 2022
When I rate a book I rate it based on how much I enjoyed it, while I didn’t ‘enjoy’ reading about your trauma I think you deserve every part of these 5 stars for being brave enough to share your experiences, for teaching people about MPD/DID and for pursuing legal justice in an area that too often disregards the victims. I have never felt more than I have reading this book, I cried over my lunch at work, on the train and on the couch with my partner. Thank you to all of you for sharing your story. I am so happy that you finally got some form of justice.
November 8, 2024
“Before my first birthday, I had created a top-secret army in my mind. It was an accident. I didn’t set out to create thousands of alter personalities, I was forced to. From the moment I was born – before that, even – my dad did things that threatened my life. His abuse was unrelenting. There was no escape. I had no one to rely on, nowhere to go and no way of asking for help, so I created an army. Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) isn’t a symptom of abuse, it’s a coping strategy.”
“It took years before Symphony felt safe to reveal the original child, Jennifer Margaret Linda, and show us her hiding place, where she had lain protected for forty years.”
The girl pictured on the book cover is Symphony, not Jeni. Symphony arrived when “the Entity Currently Known as Jeni” was about six months old. It was Symphony who created alter personalities. Each one had a specific job.
I knew I would have a difficult time writing a review for this book. Although some news articles and reviews suggest it’s an important story that everyone should read, I would not feel comfortable recommending this book to everyone, particularly those who are triggered by detailed accounts of abuse. The book is structured so that “pauses” are provided to the reader through alternating chapters written by Jeni’s trauma therapist and co-author, Dr. George Blair-West. Through his own experience in treating Jeni, including failed attempts with some treatment methods, Dr. George provides what can only be described as textbook instruction or recommendations to counselors, therapists, and other professionals treating patients with MPD. For example, Dr. George learned that it isn’t a good idea to conduct group therapy with a room full of individuals diagnosed with MPD.
I rated this book highly for several reasons.
First, this is true story about an incredibly brave and strong woman who, despite the odds against her, survived. Those stars are for Jeni,
Symphony, Muscles, Erik, Gabrielle, Little Ricky, The Rulebook, The Assassin, Muscles, Captain Busby, Squadron Captain, Amber, Judas, Happy, Zombie Girl, Magsy, The Joker, Maggot, Volcano, The Student, Ed the Head and Charlotte. There are over 2,500 alters and they are not all named in the book. The alters write their own chapters.
Also, I wanted to learn more about MPD, Multiple Personality Disorder, more commonly referred to now as DID, Dissociative Identity Disorder. This book was an excellent source for presenting how MPD/DID works and what causes multiple personalities.
“Remember, alters are separated, indeed defined, by virtue of the ‘amnestic barriers’ that separate them. These barriers are designed to stop the horror of the abuse invading all aspects of daily life. For this reason, these barriers are relatively impervious, disallowing the transmission of awareness, of knowledge between alters.”
“Surviving is a rare miracle, and it comes with a duty: to tell the story in the hope of helping others. I’m alive and so I have to speak out. I want people to know that MPD isn’t a mental illness.”
MPD/DID is synonymous with being a victim of crime, specifically childhood abuse and trauma, while the mind is still forming. It is an unconscious act of self-love, or self-care, to protect the child experiencing trauma.
Finally, the court case, which led to her father’s conviction, made history and set legal precedent. For the first time, the “alters” were allowed to testify in court during a criminal trial that led to a conviction.
"It's a landmark case because, as far as we're aware, it's the first time in which the testimony of different parts of person with DID has been taken at face value into the court system and has led to a conviction," says Dr. Cathy Kezelman, the president of Blue Knot Foundation, an Australian organization helping survivors of childhood trauma.
Since reading the book, I’ve watched the 60 Minutes Australia segment and several other interviews with Jeni and her alters. When asked why she wrote the book, she explains that she wanted to get justice for the unknown child.
Her own legal process took 24 years.
“It took years before Symphony felt safe to reveal the original child, Jennifer Margaret Linda, and show us her hiding place, where she had lain protected for forty years.”
The girl pictured on the book cover is Symphony, not Jeni. Symphony arrived when “the Entity Currently Known as Jeni” was about six months old. It was Symphony who created alter personalities. Each one had a specific job.
I knew I would have a difficult time writing a review for this book. Although some news articles and reviews suggest it’s an important story that everyone should read, I would not feel comfortable recommending this book to everyone, particularly those who are triggered by detailed accounts of abuse. The book is structured so that “pauses” are provided to the reader through alternating chapters written by Jeni’s trauma therapist and co-author, Dr. George Blair-West. Through his own experience in treating Jeni, including failed attempts with some treatment methods, Dr. George provides what can only be described as textbook instruction or recommendations to counselors, therapists, and other professionals treating patients with MPD. For example, Dr. George learned that it isn’t a good idea to conduct group therapy with a room full of individuals diagnosed with MPD.
I rated this book highly for several reasons.
First, this is true story about an incredibly brave and strong woman who, despite the odds against her, survived. Those stars are for Jeni,
Symphony, Muscles, Erik, Gabrielle, Little Ricky, The Rulebook, The Assassin, Muscles, Captain Busby, Squadron Captain, Amber, Judas, Happy, Zombie Girl, Magsy, The Joker, Maggot, Volcano, The Student, Ed the Head and Charlotte. There are over 2,500 alters and they are not all named in the book. The alters write their own chapters.
Also, I wanted to learn more about MPD, Multiple Personality Disorder, more commonly referred to now as DID, Dissociative Identity Disorder. This book was an excellent source for presenting how MPD/DID works and what causes multiple personalities.
“Remember, alters are separated, indeed defined, by virtue of the ‘amnestic barriers’ that separate them. These barriers are designed to stop the horror of the abuse invading all aspects of daily life. For this reason, these barriers are relatively impervious, disallowing the transmission of awareness, of knowledge between alters.”
“Surviving is a rare miracle, and it comes with a duty: to tell the story in the hope of helping others. I’m alive and so I have to speak out. I want people to know that MPD isn’t a mental illness.”
MPD/DID is synonymous with being a victim of crime, specifically childhood abuse and trauma, while the mind is still forming. It is an unconscious act of self-love, or self-care, to protect the child experiencing trauma.
Finally, the court case, which led to her father’s conviction, made history and set legal precedent. For the first time, the “alters” were allowed to testify in court during a criminal trial that led to a conviction.
"It's a landmark case because, as far as we're aware, it's the first time in which the testimony of different parts of person with DID has been taken at face value into the court system and has led to a conviction," says Dr. Cathy Kezelman, the president of Blue Knot Foundation, an Australian organization helping survivors of childhood trauma.
Since reading the book, I’ve watched the 60 Minutes Australia segment and several other interviews with Jeni and her alters. When asked why she wrote the book, she explains that she wanted to get justice for the unknown child.
Her own legal process took 24 years.
October 5, 2022
This was a very beautifully-written book. When I initially sampled it, I was expecting it to be heavily ghost-written but was pleasantly surprised to see it was really Jeni's own words and she is a very skilled writer in her own right.
I first heard about Jeni Haynes because of the 60 minute special. Her story was so tragic that I kept thinking about her. I myself was a victim of childhood abuse, but I never developed DID. Still, I struggle with mental health issues as a result because of it and became fascinated with how Jeni managed to survive her own horrors--terrors more severe than mine--and come out smiling today.
I really like how between Jeni's chapters there are sections by her psychiatrist that explain her psychology. The part about him pulling out a small child's shoe next to an adult man's shoe and asking a guilt-ridden victim whether the child could have stopped the man was very piercing to me.
As for the abuse parts of the book, they are definitely not for the average person to stomach. I know I can tolerate much more than most when it comes to reading about such things, and initially I could, but when I got to Symphony's Worst Year it disturbed even me to the point I wanted to vomit. I actually cried, and I'm normally not a softie. It is not just a list of what exactly is happening, but a look at what is going on in her head while all of this was happening.
It was fascinating seeing how the inside of Jeni's mind works. While I watched her 60 Minutes special, it hit in a completely different way when I read her book. When I watched 60 Minutes, I will be honest, when Symphony was in control it really did look like a grown woman pretending to be a four-year-old girl. But it's completely different when you read the book and are actively seeing what's going on in Jeni's head. Instead I became astounded by the workings of Jeni's brain and even grew attached to the alters. I wanted to know what each of them were thinking, imagining them sitting together in a circle in a club house setting. I loved Muscles and Symphony. They were more clearly different people. It taught me a lot about DID.
I also grew to really, really respect Jeni. In spite of all the terrible things that had happened to her, and how many people failed her early on in life, she still put others first. She would hide tales of her abuse to avoid traumatizing people. She wanted her father's trial to be only in front of a judge, and not a jury, so she could say exactly what she was on her mind and avoid traumatizing jurors. It humbled me, because I do not think I am so selfless.
I am still a little confused where Jeni ends and Symphony begins, sometimes they seem like they are the same person. Does that mean Jeni experienced Symphony's Worst Year as her own?
I found myself celebrating with Jeni as she became closer and closer to putting her father in prison. I understand completely what it feels like to go through life feeling like you suffer and continue to suffer over what someone else did to you while they could move on and have a happy life. I wanted to see Jeni get the justice she so badly deserved. I am so glad Richard Haynes rots away in prison while everyone will forever know he was a sadistic child abuser.
This is a very well-written book. I don't always like memoirs because they are often ghost-written or don't have a clear narrative direction, or lack emotion, but Jeni's book is wonderful because there is a clear trajectory, you understand what is going on in her head, and she is a very intelligent woman with a remarkable brain. I saw her latest update video that showed her dressed in her beautiful 1950s style and she seems like she is thriving and it makes me really glad she could have a happy ending.
I first heard about Jeni Haynes because of the 60 minute special. Her story was so tragic that I kept thinking about her. I myself was a victim of childhood abuse, but I never developed DID. Still, I struggle with mental health issues as a result because of it and became fascinated with how Jeni managed to survive her own horrors--terrors more severe than mine--and come out smiling today.
I really like how between Jeni's chapters there are sections by her psychiatrist that explain her psychology. The part about him pulling out a small child's shoe next to an adult man's shoe and asking a guilt-ridden victim whether the child could have stopped the man was very piercing to me.
As for the abuse parts of the book, they are definitely not for the average person to stomach. I know I can tolerate much more than most when it comes to reading about such things, and initially I could, but when I got to Symphony's Worst Year it disturbed even me to the point I wanted to vomit. I actually cried, and I'm normally not a softie. It is not just a list of what exactly is happening, but a look at what is going on in her head while all of this was happening.
It was fascinating seeing how the inside of Jeni's mind works. While I watched her 60 Minutes special, it hit in a completely different way when I read her book. When I watched 60 Minutes, I will be honest, when Symphony was in control it really did look like a grown woman pretending to be a four-year-old girl. But it's completely different when you read the book and are actively seeing what's going on in Jeni's head. Instead I became astounded by the workings of Jeni's brain and even grew attached to the alters. I wanted to know what each of them were thinking, imagining them sitting together in a circle in a club house setting. I loved Muscles and Symphony. They were more clearly different people. It taught me a lot about DID.
I also grew to really, really respect Jeni. In spite of all the terrible things that had happened to her, and how many people failed her early on in life, she still put others first. She would hide tales of her abuse to avoid traumatizing people. She wanted her father's trial to be only in front of a judge, and not a jury, so she could say exactly what she was on her mind and avoid traumatizing jurors. It humbled me, because I do not think I am so selfless.
I am still a little confused where Jeni ends and Symphony begins, sometimes they seem like they are the same person. Does that mean Jeni experienced Symphony's Worst Year as her own?
I found myself celebrating with Jeni as she became closer and closer to putting her father in prison. I understand completely what it feels like to go through life feeling like you suffer and continue to suffer over what someone else did to you while they could move on and have a happy life. I wanted to see Jeni get the justice she so badly deserved. I am so glad Richard Haynes rots away in prison while everyone will forever know he was a sadistic child abuser.
This is a very well-written book. I don't always like memoirs because they are often ghost-written or don't have a clear narrative direction, or lack emotion, but Jeni's book is wonderful because there is a clear trajectory, you understand what is going on in her head, and she is a very intelligent woman with a remarkable brain. I saw her latest update video that showed her dressed in her beautiful 1950s style and she seems like she is thriving and it makes me really glad she could have a happy ending.
October 21, 2024
This read isn’t for the faint of hearts. I almost decided not to finish reading but I needed to know the harrowing details. Don’t know how many times I’ve cried. I’m so glad she got the justice she deserved. This is a true story.
September 10, 2022
Es increíble que esta memoria tenga bajos tan bajos y altos tan altos. Es decir, partes de su historia SÍ SON MUY TRIGGER, tengan cuidado, y es fácil perder la fe en la humanidad. Pero te la recupera y te da fuerzas, y te hace sentir menos solo, menos loco, y con más ganas de seguir buscando justicia y que se escuche nuestra voz.
July 23, 2023
This book is absolutely visceral in every sense of the word. I learnt so much about MPD/DID that I didn’t know previously. I found the structure of the book fantastic, the insights and medical breakdowns from Dr. Blair-West to be extremely astute.
I honestly do not know how Jeni survived the sheer amount of abuse she experienced. This book no doubt highlights a lot of trauma, but it also showcases her and her alters sheer strength, their absolute desire for justice (especially in a very flawed justice system) and their urge to both educate and protect society by sharing their stories.
I honestly do not know how Jeni survived the sheer amount of abuse she experienced. This book no doubt highlights a lot of trauma, but it also showcases her and her alters sheer strength, their absolute desire for justice (especially in a very flawed justice system) and their urge to both educate and protect society by sharing their stories.
May 31, 2023
An incredibly harrowing and at times very difficult book to read due to the content. And yet, Jeni's story is one of incredible strength, intelligence, and bravery. Very well written and engaging throughout. I hope it achieves exactly what she hopes it does.
October 14, 2024
Very confronting book.
It took me a while to finish as I needed regular breaks from the content.
It's an amazing survival story of a very horrific life for a young girl. I cried, I was angry, I felt sad but then felt relief toward the end.
This story will never leave me. I'm so impressed by the immense courage this stong woman had to tell her story, reliving her horrors.
It took me a while to finish as I needed regular breaks from the content.
It's an amazing survival story of a very horrific life for a young girl. I cried, I was angry, I felt sad but then felt relief toward the end.
This story will never leave me. I'm so impressed by the immense courage this stong woman had to tell her story, reliving her horrors.
December 3, 2022
I don’t know how to put into words how meaningful, informative and inspiring this book is. No synopsis could not do it justice. I am so grateful to Symphony, the alters and George for putting into words Jeni’s story which expertly explores the complexities of MPD/DID, trauma, abuse, relationships and therapy. I feel privileged to have gained a better understanding of MPD/DID and the ingenious and creative survival method that it is. The recounts of abuse are hard to read especially because they are from a child’s perspective. But this is such an incredibly important perspective to have, to be able to understand the devastating way a child tries to make sense of abuse. As a reader I have the ability to put the book down and take a break. But it’s important to read on to acknowledge the real and incredible pain that Symphony and the alters went through.
As a trainee therapist I am certain that I will forever be a better therapist because of this book. I have learnt so much. I am so grateful to Jeni, the alters and George for sharing such a complex, heart wrenching story in a way that will undoubtedly change perspectives and lives.
As a trainee therapist I am certain that I will forever be a better therapist because of this book. I have learnt so much. I am so grateful to Jeni, the alters and George for sharing such a complex, heart wrenching story in a way that will undoubtedly change perspectives and lives.
July 26, 2024
Harrowing, fascinating and inspiring. For readers who visualise, imagine themselves in a story or are highly empathic, please take care reading Part 1. Breathe, get up and stretch, take breaks, ground yourself and remind yourself she is safe, you are safe and justice is coming. So many times I felt light-headed and wanted to vomit, I held my hand over my mouth, focused on the sensation of my breath on my fingers and sped read through.
I’ve given this 4 stars not because I don’t respect this incredible story. I have great admiration for Jeni and what she teaches us. I gave this 4 stars simply because it is a hard read and it may not be a suitable recommendation for everyone, particularly those with a history of childhood trauma.
I’m grateful to learn more about MPD/DID and the therapeutic process. I wish more people believed Jeni. I hope this paves the way for future legal proceedings.
In Jeni’s words… Good riddance to bad rubbish!
I’ve given this 4 stars not because I don’t respect this incredible story. I have great admiration for Jeni and what she teaches us. I gave this 4 stars simply because it is a hard read and it may not be a suitable recommendation for everyone, particularly those with a history of childhood trauma.
I’m grateful to learn more about MPD/DID and the therapeutic process. I wish more people believed Jeni. I hope this paves the way for future legal proceedings.
In Jeni’s words… Good riddance to bad rubbish!
January 18, 2024
This is genuinely the hardest book I’ve ever had to read. The horrific sexual abuse and torture Jeni suffered as a child at the hands of her father was incredibly graphic and difficult to read, and I actually had to take breaks and pause to take deep breaths as it was truly sickening. Despite her tragic childhood, Jeni shines a light on Dissociative Identity Disorder (or as she prefers to call it, Multiple Personality Disorder). I have always been fascinated by this condition, and remember watching her interviewed on ‘60 Minutes’ years ago. Reading about how her “army” of alters protected her is nothing short of a superpower. She is a brave and remarkable human being.
September 24, 2022
Book was amazing. And awful. I learned a lot about DID/MPD. But you will need a strong stomach to read parts of the book. Jeni and her mind are amazing. I couldn’t sleep properly or put it down until I had finished it.
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April 17, 2023I don’t know how to rate this book
September 20, 2025
A very confronting and somewhat distressing read but an incredible story of someone who has survived the worst things a human can go through. Jeni’s story is incredible & this book also provides such an interesting psychological insight to MPD/DID. Being able to read this story from Jeni, her alters and Dr Blair-West’s perspectives was so interesting - such important information.
July 9, 2024
Simply wow. I could not imagine the life she has lived, and I am so grateful to have been able to hear her story. The insights into the psychiatric care and MPD/DID was absolutely fascinating, and so refreshing to help in reading the traumatic experiences events.
October 15, 2025
A hard read and an inspiring story. This book has opened my views on MPD/DID. I hope I can utilise what I’ve learnt into my life and into my practice as a nurse. Jenny is a Brisbane gal and if I ever saw her in real life I would definitely want to thank her for sharing her story. She is one brave being.
September 18, 2023
Incredibly brave for Jeni to tell her story the way she has. Heartbreaking, intense, heavy, devastating, amazing what a persons mind can do to make them survive.
August 25, 2025
This was very hard to read. My 5 star rating is based on my admiration for such an incredibly strong woman for telling her story and not the events within the book (just to clarify.)
August 9, 2025
What an inspirational book this is for those put in this horrendous situation. Some people are born pure evil and capital punishment is too good for them but should be bought back in.
December 21, 2024
Challenging and informative, and tackled disturbing content with nuance and depth. Having multiple authors providing commentary not only enhanced the narrative but also offered an educational perspective which I enjoyed and learned from. A compelling read (if ready to confront tough topics).
December 31, 2022
One of the most shocking memoirs I’ve ever read. I am in awe of this brave woman!
March 18, 2025
Jeni’s bravery, growth and optimism despite her life experiences is extraordinary- superhuman I would say. Inhumane torture at the hands of her father, familial betrayal and community injustices… yet she is a genius with the kindest heart. I pray for her and her alters peace and happiness🙏
Major content warning: Jeni details harrowing experiences of childhood abuse, torture and injustice. They are very vivid and heavy. Support hotlines are advised at the back of the book.
Major content warning: Jeni details harrowing experiences of childhood abuse, torture and injustice. They are very vivid and heavy. Support hotlines are advised at the back of the book.
October 9, 2022
A harrowing tale of courage and redemption.
September 14, 2023
Jennifer Margaret Linda Haynes is a remarkable lady!
To suffer such horrific abuse from early childhood and to overcome such torment is incredible!
With help from a caring and knowledgeable doctor Jennifer and her 2681 alternate personalities begin to heal, and with the help from wonderful police and detectives Jennifer’s abuser is put on trial and gaoled.
Jennifer’s story is very confronting, you want to collect her in your arms and save this poor child from the monster hurting her.
I am so very happy for Jennifer to know she is now living a life filled with joy.
To suffer such horrific abuse from early childhood and to overcome such torment is incredible!
With help from a caring and knowledgeable doctor Jennifer and her 2681 alternate personalities begin to heal, and with the help from wonderful police and detectives Jennifer’s abuser is put on trial and gaoled.
Jennifer’s story is very confronting, you want to collect her in your arms and save this poor child from the monster hurting her.
I am so very happy for Jennifer to know she is now living a life filled with joy.
January 8, 2024
5 minutes into this memoir, I found myself not breathing normally and just as I was considering that this actually might be far too difficult for me to read… Jeni writes to the reader and reminds us that she is now okay, and we are also okay, and to just…breath…
Hands down the most gut-wrenching, nauseating, emotional, heartbreaking, inspiring, educational, informative, memoir that I will probably ever be touched by. This woman is a miraculous real-life example of the complexities and abilities of the human brain. I am so glad(?) that I continued on..
Proceed with caution..
Hands down the most gut-wrenching, nauseating, emotional, heartbreaking, inspiring, educational, informative, memoir that I will probably ever be touched by. This woman is a miraculous real-life example of the complexities and abilities of the human brain. I am so glad(?) that I continued on..
Proceed with caution..
November 9, 2022
I really admire Jeni for being the bravest person I’ve ever read about, as her recollections of sexual sadism and torture are beyond comprehension, but at the same time, this book really angered me. How could her mother not have known? The baths? Didn’t she see the bruises? The locked kitchen? The outside toilet? I just don’t believe it. This woman is responsible.
That question was a neon sign in my mind the entire time I was reading… 😵💫
That question was a neon sign in my mind the entire time I was reading… 😵💫
January 15, 2025
Wow, what an exceptional book though it was horribly heartbreaking and sad what Jeni had to endure through her childhood with someone who was supposed to love and protect her.
This book was also very interesting as I only had a small amount of information on MPD/Did so it was interesting reading it from her 'alter's' perspective and her psychologist.
This book was also very interesting as I only had a small amount of information on MPD/Did so it was interesting reading it from her 'alter's' perspective and her psychologist.
April 6, 2023
Such a difficult book to get though I had to take my time. But so inspiring and interesting. Amazing the strength Jeni found to free herself and find justice. A wonderful opener to DID/MPD.
September 16, 2024
I had mixed feelings about this book because primarily its subject matter is very disturbing - Jeni puts helpful asterisks to warn readers when that subject matter is approaching, but it still permeates the book in a large way. That being said, I finished her life story with a lot of respect for Jeni. She went through unimaginable trauma and developed multiple personality disorder as a result - and I have a whole new understanding of MPD and what it takes to develop it. I was guilty of thinking it was a mental health disorder - that someone who develops it is just ‘crazy’. Now I understand that it comes from intense childhood trauma and is a very complex & sophisticated system developed to keep the brain safe. So, I wouldn’t read this again but am glad I got a whole new perspective on MPD and am super impressed with the author’s ability to tell her story in such an intelligent way.
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