Jenny Tomlin

Advantages: helpful to others in similar circumstances as author
Disadvantages: none

...I was given this book by my daughter, as it had been recommended by a friend of hers. She knows I like reading biographical books, so bought it for me. I have previously read biographies with similar content, so she knew I would want to read this one. I read the book in 4 hours, and to be honest,I could not put it down. The subject matter of the book is something which goes on all too frequently in this day and age. This is a sad testiment of the times we live in. I felt for Jenny Tomlin, although I fortunately for me, I have never had the misfortune to endure what she did. This is one book I could not put down until it was read! This author is one strong lady to come through this and lead a fairly normal, happy life. I can only hope that by her telling her story, can help others who may be in the same situation, and give them... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: a truely inspirational, gripping book
Disadvantages: a disturbing read

...This is the story of Martine McCutcheon's mother Jenny Tomlin and the sexual, physical and emotional abuse she suffered as a child, growing up in the 60's. The only respite Jenny and her brother and sister get from their abusive every day life is when they are sent to visit their auntie, who gives them the love and nurturing that every child deserves. This was a quick and easy read; Tomlin writes in a frank, no-nonsense, "tell it like it was" style unlike some similar biographies. However this makes her story all the more disturbing. I found the most horrifying part to be that although Jenny and her brothers and sisters could report their mother and father, no-one would believe them; the police were happy to believe the father (who denied what was happening) and wouldn't even speak to the children, and the NSPCC officer did not try... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Very compelling and original
Disadvantages: The whole thing is pretty morbid and definitely not a feel-good read

...I currently work at the local library and so when any new material comes in I often get first pick or else something will catch my eye whilst shelving the stock. That is how I came about reading Jenny Tomlin's "Behind Closed Doors". After reading it I was left fairly distraught at the humiliation and horror that Jenny and her sister had to go through. Jenny Tomlin (nee Ponting) grew up in the East End and lived in squalor and danger during her early years. The book describes how her mother received beatings regularly from her father and how Jenny and her sister Kim were sexually assaulted night afer night by their abusive father from as young as the age of 7. No-one was prepared to listen to them when they tried to tell them what was going on. Even the NSPCC officers and the police were not interested and Jenny's father beat... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: helpful to others in similar circumstances as author
Disadvantages: none

...I was given this book by my daughter, as it had been recommended by a friend of hers. She knows I like reading biographical books, so bought it for me. I have previously read biographies with similar content, so she knew I would want to read this one. I read the book in 4 hours, and to be honest,I could not put it down. The subject matter of the book is something which goes on all too frequently in this day and age. This is a sad testiment of the times we live in. I felt for Jenny Tomlin, although I fortunately for me, I have never had the misfortune to endure what she did. This is one book I could not put down until it was read! This author is one strong lady to come through this and lead a fairly normal, happy life. I can only hope that by her telling her story, can help others who may be in the same situation, and give them... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: a truely inspirational, gripping book
Disadvantages: a disturbing read

...This is the story of Martine McCutcheon's mother Jenny Tomlin and the sexual, physical and emotional abuse she suffered as a child, growing up in the 60's. The only respite Jenny and her brother and sister get from their abusive every day life is when they are sent to visit their auntie, who gives them the love and nurturing that every child deserves. This was a quick and easy read; Tomlin writes in a frank, no-nonsense, "tell it like it was" style unlike some similar biographies. However this makes her story all the more disturbing. I found the most horrifying part to be that although Jenny and her brothers and sisters could report their mother and father, no-one would believe them; the police were happy to believe the father (who denied what was happening) and wouldn't even speak to the children, and the NSPCC officer did not try... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Very compelling and original
Disadvantages: The whole thing is pretty morbid and definitely not a feel-good read

...I currently work at the local library and so when any new material comes in I often get first pick or else something will catch my eye whilst shelving the stock. That is how I came about reading Jenny Tomlin's "Behind Closed Doors". After reading it I was left fairly distraught at the humiliation and horror that Jenny and her sister had to go through. Jenny Tomlin (nee Ponting) grew up in the East End and lived in squalor and danger during her early years. The book describes how her mother received beatings regularly from her father and how Jenny and her sister Kim were sexually assaulted night afer night by their abusive father from as young as the age of 7. No-one was prepared to listen to them when they tried to tell them what was going on. Even the NSPCC officers and the police were not interested and Jenny's father beat... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful