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Run, Mummy, Run
From the author of Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller Damaged, the gripping story of a woman caught in a horrific cycle of abuse - and the desperate lengths she must go to, to escape. When Aisha spots an ad for a 'personal introductory service for professionals' in the newspaper, she could never have guessed it would lead to such a perfect marriage. But you should be careful what you wish for… Mark is sorry the first time he hits Aisha. His tears make her all the more determined to be a better wife; not to let herself down again. But however hard Aisha tries, she can't live up to Mark's impossible expectations – or escape his terrifying, violent temper. Soon she is trapped in a cycle of horrific abuse and imprisonment. And with two young children to protect, Aisha must draw on what strength she has left to find an escape. What follows is something so devastating it plunges Aisha into her darkest days yet. Is the price she must pay for freedom too high? Cathy Glass' book 'A Family Torn Apart' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 10-10-2022.
295 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
245 people are currently reading
2498 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Glass
179 books2,229 followersCathy Glass is a bestselling British author, freelance writer and foster carer.
Her work is strongly identified with both the True Life Stories and Inspirational Memoirs genres, and she has also written a parenting guide to bringing up children, Happy Kids, and a novel, The Girl in the Mirror, based on a true story.
Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse.
The first title, Damaged, was number 1 in the Sunday Times bestsellers charts in hardback and paperback. Her next three titles, Hidden, Cut and The Saddest Girl in the World, were similarly successful, all reaching the bestseller charts.
The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone.
Her work is strongly identified with both the True Life Stories and Inspirational Memoirs genres, and she has also written a parenting guide to bringing up children, Happy Kids, and a novel, The Girl in the Mirror, based on a true story.
Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse.
The first title, Damaged, was number 1 in the Sunday Times bestsellers charts in hardback and paperback. Her next three titles, Hidden, Cut and The Saddest Girl in the World, were similarly successful, all reaching the bestseller charts.
The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
April 27, 2011
This book was different than some of the other Cathy Glass books I've read. It's a novel based on true events about a woman named Aisha who marries her dream man named Mark. The physical and mental abuse starts the first night they bring their newborn baby home from the hospital and continues for years. I was shocked when she attempted escape and the events that happened with that. This is a great book. Cathy Glass never fails to write amazing stories fiction or non fiction!
April 16, 2017
When will th eworld be free from scumbag men that treat women like possessions, controlling and manipulating situations. Physical and emotional abuse is horrendous and more should be done to prevent it and put a stop to it!
May 14, 2017
I found this book really interesting, and am a big fan of Cathy Glass' work, as her experiences as a parent and foster carer allow for great insight into the lives of the little ones she looks after and their often highly troubled pasts.
Run, Mummy, Run was slightly different in that it was loosely based on a true account, and so although the was a fascinating read, I found myself questioning a lot of the content throughout. For instance, when Aisha quickly escaped from the house and bundled the children into her husband's car, having not driven for a number of years, and driven straight off and to the motorway, I questioned whether this was part of a true account or whether it was embellishment for the sake of the book. It would have helped me to know how much of this was fact / fiction, as when some things seemed too awful to believe I found myself writing it off as 'oh that's probably made up for the book'. I can't quite put my finger on why this bothered me, but I wanted to know whether I was reading fiction or non-fiction and didn't like the mix of the two.
Run, Mummy, Run is a really well-written book and gives a good understanding into why people in abusive relationships often stay far longer than they should. Distant observers often find it very easy to say 'well why didn't s/he just leave?' without really understanding that it really isn't that easy, and Run, Mummy, Run helps to dispel some of those myths.
The only reason I gave this book three stars is due to the confusion between fiction and non-fiction.
Run, Mummy, Run was slightly different in that it was loosely based on a true account, and so although the was a fascinating read, I found myself questioning a lot of the content throughout. For instance, when Aisha quickly escaped from the house and bundled the children into her husband's car, having not driven for a number of years, and driven straight off and to the motorway, I questioned whether this was part of a true account or whether it was embellishment for the sake of the book. It would have helped me to know how much of this was fact / fiction, as when some things seemed too awful to believe I found myself writing it off as 'oh that's probably made up for the book'. I can't quite put my finger on why this bothered me, but I wanted to know whether I was reading fiction or non-fiction and didn't like the mix of the two.
Run, Mummy, Run is a really well-written book and gives a good understanding into why people in abusive relationships often stay far longer than they should. Distant observers often find it very easy to say 'well why didn't s/he just leave?' without really understanding that it really isn't that easy, and Run, Mummy, Run helps to dispel some of those myths.
The only reason I gave this book three stars is due to the confusion between fiction and non-fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2013
Usually I like Cathy Glass, but I didn't particularly care for this book. This was a novel about a battered wife. I think the point was to show how easy it is for a woman to find herself trapped in an abusive relationship with no way out (that she can see).
If this had been a work of non-fiction I think I would have been more interested. I like stories about real people overcoming real problems. But a fictional novel about spousal abuse...I just couldn't see the point. The woman's life got as bad as the author wanted it to get, and then the woman got help. It's just a story. (And yes, I like fiction too. Just not fiction about abused wives.)
If this had been a work of non-fiction I think I would have been more interested. I like stories about real people overcoming real problems. But a fictional novel about spousal abuse...I just couldn't see the point. The woman's life got as bad as the author wanted it to get, and then the woman got help. It's just a story. (And yes, I like fiction too. Just not fiction about abused wives.)
March 23, 2016
It bothers me that people here on Goodreads seem to think that this is nonfiction! Did you even read the book?! It says NOVEL on the front, and explains that it is not real, but only based on a true story. Sorry but these things get to me sometimes! That being said, I was thoroughly delighted with the way Cathy wrote this story. It seemed so different than the way she writes her non-fiction memoirs. I really think she should branch out and do more fiction sometime, because it was a nice change of pace. I loved this story because of the surprise ending. It wasn't a huge surprise, but I love that at the end she is basically home free without having to admit what she did, but feels compelled to do so anyway. It shows the depth of human emotion and character that she wouldn't just feel like she didn't have to say anything (which, in my opinion, she didn't have to). I simply adore stories that leave you at the end coming up with your own conclusions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. Reading Aisha's story my heart went out to her. I was in an abusive relationship so I could real relate to get story. I never allowed things to get as bad as they did for aisha I could never understand why people stay, mine was more emotional abuse for a year then after the 1st punch I upped and left. I never understood why women stayed, reading aisha story makes you realise how people are manipulated into thinking it's their fault. I hated her husband and felt for the children and knowing the kids and aisha had nobody was heart breaking and I was rooting for aisha to find the strength. The ending was brilliant and I have never wished ill on anyone but mark got what was coming to him and it made me feel so happy. I hope whoever this book is based on reads this and knows they are strong and there is always help out there. brilliant book.
February 1, 2014
I absolutely love Cathy Glass's books. The fact that this book is totally fiction and not like her other books is great. It shows how easy (and sad) it is to fall into a life of abuse. It becomes all you know and u truly do feel like u are to blame. Its a horrible thing to ever have to endure. Cathy did an awesome job at telling this story without giving to much (in depth) description of the abuse.
January 1, 2015
I have read most of Cathy Glass's books (loved them all) and I believe this is her first fiction. Hopefully her last as I was VERY bored througth most of it. Takes way to long to get to the heartwrenching stuff that people kept talking about.
July 26, 2019
This is a novel based on true events.
Aisha meets Mark and is swept off her feet. He’s charming, giving and an all round “good man”. Once they marry, things start changing and Mark starts showing who he really is. It starts with small acts of mind control and game playing but escalates quickly into physical violence. This was a sad read but an important one and I admire Alisha’s eventual strength and courage.
Aisha meets Mark and is swept off her feet. He’s charming, giving and an all round “good man”. Once they marry, things start changing and Mark starts showing who he really is. It starts with small acts of mind control and game playing but escalates quickly into physical violence. This was a sad read but an important one and I admire Alisha’s eventual strength and courage.
December 25, 2022
Not her usual type of book & it took me about 100 pages to get into but once I did I found I couldn’t put it down. Based on a true story, with emotions running high throughout, it is a sad insight into the lives of an abused wife and children.
June 9, 2013
Cathy's writing style in this book was different to others I have read. Not written about foster children, this was a story about a mothers abuse and demonstrated how difficult it is for battered wives to break the abusive cycle. I did not find myself judging this woman but instead, Cathy wrote about the sliding of this poor womans intelligence, integrity and self esteem with such detail and accuracy of the timing of events, it is understandable how this can happen. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it difficult to put down as i considered how many families in our community are hiding horrendous secrets. I found myself calling out to Aisha in my mind "don't go in there" or "just keep running". I was completely engaged with this story.
October 15, 2013
This is different from most of Cathy Glass' books. Usually, she writes about foster children which they have had, but this is about an abused woman who thinks she has married the perfect man, but after the marriage, he begins to dictate more and more to her and to isolate her. It doesn't take long before he starts physical abuse.
The author made it easy to get inside the mind of a person who is being abused and understand why they find themselves powerless to fight back. I think that is the hardest thing to understand. Sitting her reading the book, I know exactly what she should do, but the insidious nature of the soul destroying intimidation places a person into a completely different world.
The author made it easy to get inside the mind of a person who is being abused and understand why they find themselves powerless to fight back. I think that is the hardest thing to understand. Sitting her reading the book, I know exactly what she should do, but the insidious nature of the soul destroying intimidation places a person into a completely different world.
January 1, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, but it probably wasn't the book I should have been reading on Christmas lol.
Cathy Glass did an amazing job of writing, I really get into the scene and can picture it so well. My mother was abused when I was a small girl so I really could relate and have vivid memories of the same stuff happening as Aisha in this book. God, I hated everything about Mark! Everything I could possibly hate about a guy and I felt like the story could have gone no better way. I was so happy that there would be no way for him to ever hurt her or the kids again, that is how it should be. Really good book! Just make sure you are reading at the right time and are ready to handle it emotionally because it can really set off some triggers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2013
This is a true story of Aisha who is a very busy person that all she does is work, she spots a ad in the personal page for people on there own to meet people. She soon met a Man called Mark.
After a year of going out together there get married, and than there have a little girl,
This book took a while to get into the story but once you did you where hooked and i was up till 1am to see what happen to Aisha and the children.
Aisha has to cope with Mark temper and she blames herself for the temper and abuse that he gives her.
One day she finds strength to do something about the way Mark has been treating her and The children, but i will let you read the book to find out
After a year of going out together there get married, and than there have a little girl,
This book took a while to get into the story but once you did you where hooked and i was up till 1am to see what happen to Aisha and the children.
Aisha has to cope with Mark temper and she blames herself for the temper and abuse that he gives her.
One day she finds strength to do something about the way Mark has been treating her and The children, but i will let you read the book to find out
May 22, 2011
With ease and diplomacy Cathy tells the story of Aisha's life through love, loss & betrayal. A difficult subject of predatory grooming, emotional and physical abuse, yet perfectly told in a factual light, with a fast engrossing pace; you won't want to put this book down! A truly emotional and heartbreaking story approached with diplomacy and compassion as only Cathy knows how. I have read many of Cathy's previous books, but was a little unsure as this was not focused on her role as a foster carer, however with such a wonderfully written story I was not let down at all!
June 20, 2017
I didn't like this book nearly as much as I've liked every other book by Cathy Glass. It could be that it was fiction, or that it was not focused on children. It wasn't that the writing was bad, or even that the story was bad. I just didn't find it as interesting, and I never really got in to the story. The main character's father's words at the very end of the book was the highlight of the entire book to me. It was just an alright book, nothing amazing, but I would still say that it was worth reading.
May 24, 2013
It took me a few nights reading to get into this book, but once I did I couldn't put the book down. I found the story of Aisha`s living hell at the hands of her brutal husband harrowing to read, but I found myself wanting to see if she escaped. I totally understood what she had to do. I found the book gave a very good account of a woman living in an abusive relationship, and that maybe we shouldn't be so trusting of someone's charms in the beginning. Another good read from Cathy Glass even if a little slow at the beginning.
December 27, 2014
i choosed to read this book because of its cover. cute lil' girl.
Based on true story of a horrible abusive Marriage. A very successful woman-Aisya, before she married her abused husband-Mark. Aisha is an İndian born England, very responsible, dutiful daughter, always tried to put her father high expectation as priority. When she married Mark. she brings her dutiful character becomes a dutiful wife. Never a woman in her family leaves their husband, so she stays longer than she needs. Have two children, Sarah and James also 8 years of marriage. Before it comes to an end.
Based on true story of a horrible abusive Marriage. A very successful woman-Aisya, before she married her abused husband-Mark. Aisha is an İndian born England, very responsible, dutiful daughter, always tried to put her father high expectation as priority. When she married Mark. she brings her dutiful character becomes a dutiful wife. Never a woman in her family leaves their husband, so she stays longer than she needs. Have two children, Sarah and James also 8 years of marriage. Before it comes to an end.
November 30, 2022
Definitely different than her other books, this book tells the story of marital abuse. A warning to other readers: it gets much more graphic than her works about children, including some descriptions of sexual abuse that were more graphic than what I hear as a therapist at work. This book deserves some kind of warning, if not for abuse survivors then for readers who were not prepared for descriptions of sexual abuse that allow for more picturing than anyone may be comfortable with. I stopped halfway through.
August 24, 2012
I really like how this book approaches the subject of spousal abuse - instead of focusing on giving in depth descriptions of the horrific beatings themselves, Cathy Glass focuses on the emotional and mental horrors suffered by abuse victims. Aisha ends up finding an inner strength she has forgotten she posesses, and readers are allowed to follow her journey toward finding herself again. Very good book!
April 28, 2013
I usually love the works of Cathy Glass, but, unfortunately, this one just didn't connect with me. Perhaps because it was only inspired by a true story, and not Cathy's own experience with a foster child, it made me feel distant from Aisha and her family. Well written, but made me disconnected from the story.
August 20, 2013
This is my first time reading a book like this and quite honestly it made me cry. Not because of poor writing or a bad monologue, it was the pain that this poor woman and her children went through! So sad. Inspired by a true story, it was a past paced read. Definitley worth the time to sit down and read for the weekend.
May 28, 2015
Heart breaking
This book is well written. A book like this either makes you feel very fortunate or makes you feel you are not alone. It is hard to know the there are so many women and families out there experiencing the same kind of life. Hopefully as more people tell their story more will have the courage to leave.
This book is well written. A book like this either makes you feel very fortunate or makes you feel you are not alone. It is hard to know the there are so many women and families out there experiencing the same kind of life. Hopefully as more people tell their story more will have the courage to leave.
July 22, 2011
Although the subject matter for this book was very sad, I found it hard to put down. I wondered how the main character could have stayed with such a nasty person for so long yet know there are many out there in the same position.
A very straightforward read, which didn't take me long to finish.
A very straightforward read, which didn't take me long to finish.
May 8, 2013
I'm a fan of Cathy's books and have read nearly everything she has written but I was not particular keen on this book I didn't feel it was all that well written compared to her others, it took me forever to read I feel she should stick to he foster caring.
July 4, 2013
I'm a child of abuse. I saw my mom get hurt...a lot. I tried not to cry everytime I read the book. I'm not sure how I should feel about the book - I mean, it's a good book but at the same time I feel exposed because I've witnessed a lot of this in my own life.
June 24, 2011
This book was a stark reminder of what some men are capable of and the cruelty they can dish out to women behind closed doors.
I loved it and it was very well written.
I loved it and it was very well written.
February 21, 2012
Like all Cathy Glass's Books, this too is a beautiful book... Sad, yes, but Beautiful!
November 20, 2013
I have read a number of Cathy Glass books and found this one quite different. It was written very well and told the story of a woman and her children living with Domestic Violence.
February 12, 2015
Such a frustrating read but still so courageous of her to share with the world. May her heart heal and she and her kids on day find the happiness they deserve!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews