Don’t say a word
DON'T SAY A WORD is the empowering memoir of Kate Marshall, a mother-of-four from Manchester. Ripped from her many brothers and sisters at the age of eight, Kate's mother uproots her to a new life in which love and safety are not priorities. With few explanations, Kate is thrown into a world of chaos and neglect, a world which her Uncle Phil exploits through a campaign of shocking abuse over many years.
The lessons Kate learns in those early years leave her extremely vulnerable and, while still a teenager, she marries an emotionally abusive, gaslighting fraudster, spending years in a controlled marriage punctuated by bulimia and a fierce desire to protect her beloved children. Finally finding the courage to leave, she seizes control of her own destiny by taking her paedophile uncle to court, where his guilt on all charges sees him finally face up to what he has done. From that moment, Kate vows she will never again be the victim of those who chose to control and abuse her, that she will fight for herself and for others with every breath she has - that she will never be silenced again.
5 Star Reviews ★★★★★
Some parts of this book were so terrible to read that I nearly gave up. I then thought, I am just the reader, this child is in hell, I have to see this through. I just cannot believe the cruelty of a parent who firstly, keeps her daughter away from a loving father. Secondly mentally abuses her own daughter. Thirdly knows their child is being abused by her own brother and does nothing to stop it. Her behaviour with many men is downright disgusting in front of her child. Kate, by telling your story I hope you will be helping so many others out there who are suffering, being abused and made to think it is their fault. You are a survivor, and sound like a wonderful mother to the children you were blessed with. I am so glad I finished your story, you are an amazing person.
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Unbelievable what you have gone through. Was very hard to read at points but absolutely continued on as it’s imperative that we read whatever that’s happened to anyone who’s suffered abuse in their childhood! Make the uncomfortable, comfortable that’s how we change societal norms. Keep going Kate, you’re a warrior for change and sending you so much love.
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Oh gosh. Just finished Kate’s book in tears. Harrowing account of a little girl growing up without the love of a mother, targeted more than once by abusers in different forms and how she has found meaning in her life and made sense of what she endured and her feelings about herself. This is a beautifully written book that I couldn't put down (read in one sitting). It's emotive and heartbreaking and gets to the core of how children are failed and let down. I feel very proud of you Kate. You're a survivor.
