Not Without You: Some People are Just Destined to be Together

by Alan Brogan, Irene Brogan

Alan and Irene first met in a children's home when he was seven and she was nine. Both had lost their mothers when they were very young. When the car Irene was in drew up outside the Home, seven year-old Alan knew, in that instant, that she was someone special. Over the next year the children were inseparable. But close friendships weren't encouraged, and when it was discovered how close they were Alan was sent away without any explanation and no goodbye. Despite being forcibly parted their bond was never broken, and each started an incredible 45 year journey to find the other again. This is a love story that stretches across five decades and regardless of a series of amazing coincidences and almost insurmountable obstacles, they found each other at last and married in 2007. Despite painful memories of lonely childhoods, cruelty, and desperate attempts to escape the system, this is an astonishing story that demonstrates the ultimate truth—that love can surmount all odds.

Genres: Nonfiction, Romance

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Dion Ribeiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trata-se de uma história real e triste, contada pelos próprios protagonitas que descrevem as tragédias que os levaram a ser institucionalizados, e os sofrimentos e maus tratos que foram sofrendo aos longo dos anos nos orfanatos por onde passaram. As regras eram duras e tinham que ser seguidas à letra sob pena de severos castigos, e fazer amizade com crianças de sexos opostos era inaceitável. Por esse motivo, foram afastados e perderam o rasto um do outro durante décadas.
Foi o desejo de se reencontrarem que deu a ambos a força e a determinação necessárias para sobreviver.

[Marco · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful love stories ever. It really shows how strong and special and unique true love is. How it's like to have a soul mate, what's a soul mate itself.. It's so much more than a 'special person' it's so much more than our partner. Just read it and discover it by yourself!

[An Trieu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuyện cổ tích giữa đời thường

Câu chuyện là tự thuật của Alan và Irene về chính tình yêu và cuộc đời của họ. Không màu mè, không hoa mỹ văn chương nhưng thực sự vẫn có thể chạm tới tầng sâu nhất của cảm xúc. Tình yêu trọn vẹn sẽ càng bền vững hơn khi đối mặt với nghịch cảnh chứ không phải suy tàn. Và điều quan trọng sau cùng là chúng ta vẫn ở bên nhau.

Câu chuyện làm cho những người trẻ như tôi, đang sống ở thế giới đâu đâu người ta cũng kháo nhau là lừa đảo, ảo ảnh, thì vẫn còn những bằng chứng, những vỗ về thật dịu rằng: Thương được, cứ thương đi.

[Cathy Annett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Jasmien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik ben blij dat ik dit verhaal ontdekt heb. Maar dat maakt het geen goed boek natuurlijk. Het is heel persoonlijk, heel eenzijdig, zonder nuance. Een verhaal dat verteld moest worden.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

História verídica Deliciante

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Popsugar Reading Challenge 2020. The first book you touch on a shelf with your eyes closed.

[Jo Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an emotional, but beautiful journey of 2 people.

[Charlotte Kluskens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remains forever one of the most moving stories I know!

[Livralhices · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este livro!... Foi-me oferecido há uns anos e é daqueles que se lê num instantinho!

História verídica contada pelos próprios protagonistas Alan Brogan e Irene Kinnair que tiveram uma ligação forte e imediata quando se conheceram num orfanato em 1959 ainda crianças. Ambos tinham perdido a mãe e foram, por isso, institucionalizados.
A forte amizade não é bem vista e acabam separados quando Alan é transferido para outro orfanato.
Durante as suas vidas difíceis nunca perderam a esperança de se reencontrarem e foi preciso quatro décadas e uma série de coincidências notáveis até se cruzarem casualmente na rua e, ali, souberam que nunca mais se iriam separar!
Eles são a prova de que há pessoas que se estão destinadas!

Alan e Irene Brogan casaram em 2007. Alan trabalha em gestão e Irene é uma feliz e orgulhosa mãe, avó e dona de casa. Residem actualmente em Sunderland, em Inglaterra.
Uma história em que o amor venceu todos os obstáculos!! 😍😍

Irene: “I was chatting to a friend when I saw Alan across the street. My heart lurched, and I shouted out his name. I didn’t notice that heads had turned towards us. All I saw was Alan spinning around and running to me. We flung our arms around each other. I was laughing and close to tears, telling him, ‘I’ve been looking for you.’ He kept a tight hold of me as he turned to my friend and said, ‘I’ve loved this lady all my life.’ My friend just stared open-mouthed.”

Alan: “The moment Irene called my name, my whole life changed. I felt happiness wash over me.”

Irene: “‘He was in my heart for 45 years!”

[Christianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

this books tells a story of love. two people finding eachother after a long time of searching. even though the story is beautiful, it couldn't quite grab me. for me, the emotions in the books didn't come through. if they would have, the read would have been entirely different. also, knowing that it's written by the two people who lose eachother, we know they eventually marry. this takes a lot of spark out of the book. nontheless, it is a nice book to just sit down with and enjoy. an easy read. for the romantics out there, this is a book for you!

[Sandra Barnard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I would not describe this as 'great literature' I was very moved by this book and the treatment these small children received at the hands of their carers. When we look back with nostalgia at "the good old days" it is good to reflect that horrific abuse of children and young people was actually sanctioned by the state. It is tragic how many young people's lives were destroyed. It is sad that these two people wasted a lifetime searching for each other but at least they will spend their twilight years together.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful, amazing, heartbreaking, heartwarming, beautiful love story! My heart goes out to all those children who endured 'care homes' and who still suffer the pain of not feeling loved and wanted, victims of a system in conflict.

Truly, this story warms the heart that love can find a way. Even if it's many years later. The authors of this book are certainly amazing and brave people.

[Teo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The descriptions of Alan's and Irene's experiences in care were rather poignant and I enjoyed it. But admittedly the way the ending was narrated kind of fell flat for me. It didn't seem to retain the charm that the most of the book had in front. My recent forays into modern memoirs have been disappointing; I'll prefer to stick to my trusty old classics and fiction from now on.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

So straight forward, perfect if you have been reading something intellectual and complex. This is direct and simple to follow. Well worth reading and evocative. Hate the times and the society these characters lived in. Necessary and well constructed read

[Trudy Jaskela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Sad story. Alan and Irene, as young children each lost their mother. As families were very poor, they were put in "care" homes. These "care" or foster homes were gruesome. Alan and Irene, as older adults, found each other and found happiness. This is their story.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Alan & Irene
I read a lot.
This is the most special & best book I've read.
I finished it 3 days ago and I am still very silent in daytimes. I am blownaway. .
I wish you are having fun together everyday.
Lovely hugs from The Netherlands, Laura

[Richele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a second hand book store and it was a lovely read.

[Jojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://devaneiosdajojo.blogspot.com/2...

[Catia.borboleta Da Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma historia de amor maravilhosa que me comoveu muito. Muitos momentos tristes estas duas crianças viveram, mas o amor manteve-as fortes.

[Nicola Robson wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly amazing story, its heartbreaking to read what went on in children's homes but a lovely ending against all odds.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a true story and this one is an amazing one!! Proof that what's meant to be will always find a way to come to be and no obstacle can stop it.

[Stargazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing read. I was moved to tears a few times, sobbing at some points. What a tragic childhood both these people had, hope they enoy every breath together.

[Scorchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most moving stories I have ever read. I recommend it to everyone!