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Child C: Surviving a Foster Mother's Reign of Terror
In April 2007, 62-year-old Eunice Spry was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the systematic wounding, cruelty, and assault of the vulnerable children whose welfare had been entrusted to her. Her home had become a prison where over the course of 20 years she routinely abused and tortured her charges. Behind closed doors she was a sadistic tyrant who beat her children with metal bars, forced wooden sticks down their throats, and made them eat lard, bleach, vomit, and feces. In this harrowing account, one of the victims of Spry’s wrath—known during the trial as Child C—tells the full, shocking story of his enforced isolation and the psychological and physical abuse he endured. Despite years of suffering and abandonment, with his mother now behind bars, today Christopher Spry is a survivor with a zest for life.
306 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 30, 2009
This is an amazing book- this man is amazing actually. I think most of us can't begin to imagine even the least painful punishment this man went through as a child. The least painful. Spry went through things that survivers of torture didn't go through. I mean POW's and kidnapping victims, etc. This isn't the "normal" abuse memoir in my opinion.
Don't get me wrong- please- they're ALL bad. Horrible, horrific, terrible, whatever you want to say. But I seriously don't see how Spry survived this woman. It sounded to me like each and every "punishment" was meant to kill him. I wholeheartedly believe in a way, that's what she was trying to do. She probably would have just buried him on her property.
Who can imagine growing up with such a monster and then seeing her get 14 years? I have some questions for Spry though and I am planning on asking him. I'd like to know, if he'll share that is, why he hasn't changed his name. Or if he has and just used his old name for the book maybe. I'd like to know why he termed Eunice Spry "Mother" for almost the entire span of the book, with the exception of maybe two or three sentences. I think that was for effect, that was his state of mind at the time, which I totally understand, but I still want to see if I'm right. I've read books where the abuser only said 'Monster" or something like that and after what this so called woman did to him and the other kids I can't even imagine my lips forming the word mother to be honest. But then I wasn't messed with in the head like this kid.
He wrote this book at 18. That right there is amazing to me. I couldn't write a book and I'm 31.
Spry really did a good job, he lets you right in and you see exactly what he went through. The fact that he was so open is even more scary because he readily admits that there were parts of his childhood too horrific to write about. That he still doesn't even think about. He mentioned briefly a knife slash to his penis as a child and now he can't have kids. What can even be said about that? I wouldn't do that to my worst enemy- let alone a child.
The fact that she got away with all of this- for so long, with so many children, with so many warning signs, disgusts me to the fullest. I really wouldn't recommend this as the first "mis-lit" anyone picks up. Read a few others first. I don't mean to come off like they're less important but it's like true crime books, they are ALL awful but they're there and they show a side of humanity we don't see (hopefully) everyday. But this is a professional one versus a beginner. Trust me. My stomach was twisting and turning just reading what he went through. To imagine actually being forced to do the same things makes me ill.
Don't get me wrong- please- they're ALL bad. Horrible, horrific, terrible, whatever you want to say. But I seriously don't see how Spry survived this woman. It sounded to me like each and every "punishment" was meant to kill him. I wholeheartedly believe in a way, that's what she was trying to do. She probably would have just buried him on her property.
Who can imagine growing up with such a monster and then seeing her get 14 years? I have some questions for Spry though and I am planning on asking him. I'd like to know, if he'll share that is, why he hasn't changed his name. Or if he has and just used his old name for the book maybe. I'd like to know why he termed Eunice Spry "Mother" for almost the entire span of the book, with the exception of maybe two or three sentences. I think that was for effect, that was his state of mind at the time, which I totally understand, but I still want to see if I'm right. I've read books where the abuser only said 'Monster" or something like that and after what this so called woman did to him and the other kids I can't even imagine my lips forming the word mother to be honest. But then I wasn't messed with in the head like this kid.
He wrote this book at 18. That right there is amazing to me. I couldn't write a book and I'm 31.
Spry really did a good job, he lets you right in and you see exactly what he went through. The fact that he was so open is even more scary because he readily admits that there were parts of his childhood too horrific to write about. That he still doesn't even think about. He mentioned briefly a knife slash to his penis as a child and now he can't have kids. What can even be said about that? I wouldn't do that to my worst enemy- let alone a child.
The fact that she got away with all of this- for so long, with so many children, with so many warning signs, disgusts me to the fullest. I really wouldn't recommend this as the first "mis-lit" anyone picks up. Read a few others first. I don't mean to come off like they're less important but it's like true crime books, they are ALL awful but they're there and they show a side of humanity we don't see (hopefully) everyday. But this is a professional one versus a beginner. Trust me. My stomach was twisting and turning just reading what he went through. To imagine actually being forced to do the same things makes me ill.
December 21, 2009
This is the second book that I have read about the abusive foster mother Eunice Spry. After reading about the lives of two of the children that were left in her care I would really like to read about the third child that suffered at the hands of this monster.
Most children are jealous of the material possesions of other children, but not Christopher Spry. After being starved for weeks at a time he's jealous of the pigs on their farm. Why, because they get to eat.
Doctors have told Chris that he will not be able to have children due to an injury caused by Eunice. This woman has already taken so much from him and then to hear that she has taken that from him as well is beyond hearbreaking.
Christopher seemed to want to say more in his book, but since Eunice wasn't charged with those things he can't talk about them becuase then she could sue him for defamation of character. Crazy right!? But from what he does say I think we can safely guess it was painful and horrific.
How anyone could look into a childs tear filled pleading eyes and do the things this Eunice Spry did is beyond me.
Eunice was always good at screaming quotes from the bible at the children and claiming they had demons in them, well here is a quote directly from the bible for her:
"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."Matthew 18:6
Many thanks to you Jeannie for letting me barrow this :)
Most children are jealous of the material possesions of other children, but not Christopher Spry. After being starved for weeks at a time he's jealous of the pigs on their farm. Why, because they get to eat.
Doctors have told Chris that he will not be able to have children due to an injury caused by Eunice. This woman has already taken so much from him and then to hear that she has taken that from him as well is beyond hearbreaking.
Christopher seemed to want to say more in his book, but since Eunice wasn't charged with those things he can't talk about them becuase then she could sue him for defamation of character. Crazy right!? But from what he does say I think we can safely guess it was painful and horrific.
How anyone could look into a childs tear filled pleading eyes and do the things this Eunice Spry did is beyond me.
Eunice was always good at screaming quotes from the bible at the children and claiming they had demons in them, well here is a quote directly from the bible for her:
"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."Matthew 18:6
Many thanks to you Jeannie for letting me barrow this :)
May 19, 2009
This was a powerful read.
One of the best of this genre I have ever read!
His style of writing was so comfortable and easy to read, it flowed very well. Without going into much detail, cause I hate to do a spoiler here, I must say this foster "mother" (and I use that word to describe her very reluctantly) was pure evil. I felt it was very hard for Christopher to write this book but I also sensed that by doing so it helped him come to terms with some of what happened. He seems very private of not only himself but of his sisters. There were certain things he refused to speak of, it was more he hinted of them, they were obviously just too painful for him to acknowledge at the time he was writing this. He spoke little of the abuse suffered by his sisters, he states that is their story- for them to tell if and when they decide to.
I googled Eunice Spry's name after I finished this book and found that her sentence has been shortened from the 14 she orginally received. What is wrong with our society that we can allow abuse such as this to have such a light sentence? Sickens me.
One of the best of this genre I have ever read!
His style of writing was so comfortable and easy to read, it flowed very well. Without going into much detail, cause I hate to do a spoiler here, I must say this foster "mother" (and I use that word to describe her very reluctantly) was pure evil. I felt it was very hard for Christopher to write this book but I also sensed that by doing so it helped him come to terms with some of what happened. He seems very private of not only himself but of his sisters. There were certain things he refused to speak of, it was more he hinted of them, they were obviously just too painful for him to acknowledge at the time he was writing this. He spoke little of the abuse suffered by his sisters, he states that is their story- for them to tell if and when they decide to.
I googled Eunice Spry's name after I finished this book and found that her sentence has been shortened from the 14 she orginally received. What is wrong with our society that we can allow abuse such as this to have such a light sentence? Sickens me.
August 9, 2015
Whilst reading this book my mind kept comparing it to "A Child Called It", so it was no surprise to me when the police discovered a copy of that book under Eunice's bed.
"A Child Called It" ... the book that made me cry buckets full of tears, gave me nightmares, and, the only book I've ever read that made me rush to the bathroom and vomit ... this book was used by Eunice Spry as an instruction manual.
I can find no pity or mercy in my heart for this evil monster, and that she served only 8 years in prison for the torture of 3 innocent children for 20 years ... well, it just boggles my brain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZC3o...
"A Child Called It" ... the book that made me cry buckets full of tears, gave me nightmares, and, the only book I've ever read that made me rush to the bathroom and vomit ... this book was used by Eunice Spry as an instruction manual.
I can find no pity or mercy in my heart for this evil monster, and that she served only 8 years in prison for the torture of 3 innocent children for 20 years ... well, it just boggles my brain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZC3o...
March 28, 2017
What makes a mother? This monster was no mother. A mother is supposed to be loving and nurturing; supportive and kind.
Eunice Spry had two natural children and five foster/ adopted children l, three of whom suffered shocking and evil injuries and beatings for over 10 years. Why these three? What did she see or hate in these three vulnerable innocent children? She made their every day horrible, yet that's all these children knew; they didn't know that normal families don't function like this.
I can't understand a woman like Eunice. I can't understand what in her mind makes her think this abuse is ok. She used anything and everything to abuse these kids over and over; things that horrify the rest of us. I don't understand how she could turn it on and off as she did when they were in Florida and the children had a temporary reprieve where she seemed almost loving. I also don't understand how she got away with it so long. What is wrong with the other adults in these children's lives that they would turn a blind eye to what was going on? They would have to have been complete morons not to know and anyone knowing and allowing it should have been charged and punished as well.
This story is fascinating, yet so tragic and heartbreaking. I couldn't read a lot at once, it is intense and raw. It is well written by one of the abused, Christopher, whose childhood was ruined by Eunice and will carry scars both physical and mental for the rest of his life.
I altered between anger and rage to disbelief that someone could be that cruel to anyone, much less a child put in her care.
In my opinion, this witch did not get anything close to a long enough sentence but I know there is a special place in hell waiting just for her.
Eunice Spry had two natural children and five foster/ adopted children l, three of whom suffered shocking and evil injuries and beatings for over 10 years. Why these three? What did she see or hate in these three vulnerable innocent children? She made their every day horrible, yet that's all these children knew; they didn't know that normal families don't function like this.
I can't understand a woman like Eunice. I can't understand what in her mind makes her think this abuse is ok. She used anything and everything to abuse these kids over and over; things that horrify the rest of us. I don't understand how she could turn it on and off as she did when they were in Florida and the children had a temporary reprieve where she seemed almost loving. I also don't understand how she got away with it so long. What is wrong with the other adults in these children's lives that they would turn a blind eye to what was going on? They would have to have been complete morons not to know and anyone knowing and allowing it should have been charged and punished as well.
This story is fascinating, yet so tragic and heartbreaking. I couldn't read a lot at once, it is intense and raw. It is well written by one of the abused, Christopher, whose childhood was ruined by Eunice and will carry scars both physical and mental for the rest of his life.
I altered between anger and rage to disbelief that someone could be that cruel to anyone, much less a child put in her care.
In my opinion, this witch did not get anything close to a long enough sentence but I know there is a special place in hell waiting just for her.
July 26, 2024
Had tears in my eyes half of the time. It was such a good read, I couldn’t put it down ♥️
June 25, 2009
OH MY!! How do I even start? This woman is so terrible how could she even think of some of this let alone act it out on a child. How she was able to get other people to give here their children is beyond me. Why did she ask for them the money?? Or as her personal torture victoms? She read books to get ideas? What again was done to her for her to be like this or what mental illness did she go undiognosed for? If it's that you think they would have had her evaluated by shrinks during the trial process. Her parents seemed pretty normal but you never know I guess. I did feel a little sorry for her when she loss to of her children in that car accident but then I could not help thinking they were in a much much better place.
On the writing I did get a little confused at times from the way he would repeat a story or skip around a bit. Maybe that was just me but it was a well told story from his point of veiw. I can't help wondering what she did to him he could not talk about or how it made him unable to father a child. He also said there was things he was legally not able to talk about. I can not see why not if he did not sign some kind of agreement. I do feel it was a subject of his family that should not been ignored god knows if she would have gotten more children in the future. In my eyes her sntance was not long enough.
On the writing I did get a little confused at times from the way he would repeat a story or skip around a bit. Maybe that was just me but it was a well told story from his point of veiw. I can't help wondering what she did to him he could not talk about or how it made him unable to father a child. He also said there was things he was legally not able to talk about. I can not see why not if he did not sign some kind of agreement. I do feel it was a subject of his family that should not been ignored god knows if she would have gotten more children in the future. In my eyes her sntance was not long enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2014
I finished this book in one day because I needed to know what happened in the end...a long ordeal for the author. The details brought graphic images to mind, not unlike those I've read on stories of abuse. It was something along the lines of 'Tears of the Desert' and 'A Child Called it'. The only difference was that I didn't cry this time because throughout the years, I've almost grown accustomed to acknowledging the human ability to inflict evil of the highest degree imaginable. I hope that the author eventually finds peace.
April 13, 2011
Had to put it down half way through before finishing it. The things that happened to these children are seriously beyond wrong. At many points I found myself thinking this just can't be true. It was too beyond my ability to digest. But, I believe him and that's just horrifying.
Horror aside, it was particularly well written.
Horror aside, it was particularly well written.
January 5, 2010
Another sad but true story of child abuse that should never have been allowed to happen.
April 8, 2025
What a sad, sad story. I’ve always wonder how children build up resilience? Is it something that they are taught or is it a natural personality trait? This is not the worst story I’ve read, as I’ve read about child abuse where a child was ultimately killed. It’s hard to understand the mind of the abuser. Quite clearly this abuser has a mental illness? Was she taught this behaviour from home? Clearly not, as she was careful not to show this abuse around her parents. So she clearly knew it was wrong. Perhaps religion radicalised her? Why was I drawn to this book? As a Police Officer, I wanted to work in child protection but unfortunately never got a chance to. At times I had to put this book down, as it was too much to comprehend the type of abuse. I hope for the rest of his life, the author has a successful and peaceful life.
March 28, 2024
I first heard about this case on TikTok, it was a podcast that Chris was a guest on and I was blown away at his resilience when talking about his childhood. I immediately bought his book and it easily overshadowed the other book I was reading at the time I received it. I love how he wrote this book, it was like he was writing his story to you. He explains his feelings through each trauma he endured, how he coped and how he still cared. This man has an amazing heart after going through what he went through.
I have to say this was an extremely fast read for me because it was a constant page turner, sometimes I would have to put it down to process the bad moments.. but overall I wanted to know how it all ended and how he got out.
I have to say this was an extremely fast read for me because it was a constant page turner, sometimes I would have to put it down to process the bad moments.. but overall I wanted to know how it all ended and how he got out.
January 18, 2025
It feels wrong to give this 5 stars based on the content of this book but how can you not give 5 stars when a young man is brave enough to share such a horrific story with the world. It's written in quite an interesting way. Written almost in the way it would be spoken. When you read it, it feels as though the writer is reading it directly to you. Something I have struggled with is the number of unanswered questions which I had hoped would be covered off in the book however, the questions I have are probably the same questions the author himself cannot answer (either because he does not know the answer or because legalities/privacy issues prevent him from speaking out).
July 29, 2023
The most courageous, shocking, harrowing memoir I have ever read. Everything I read in this book had me close to tears, and trying not to be sick. The thought that a monster like Eunice Spry exists in this world is truly terrifying. The physical and psychological abuse Christopher had to endure throughout his childhood is recounted by him eloquently and in a detail so great that it must’ve taken great courage to remember his trauma and write it down, so he could tell it to the world. A truly courageous memoir.
July 17, 2020
Ouf, que dire...Voici un livre qui a été difficile à lire, surtout en tant que mère. Je suis encore sous le choc de tout ce qu'ont enduré les enfants sous ce toit. Dans ce livre, on retrouve vraiment en détail l'enfance de Christopher Spry, sa vie au quotidien avec des sévices de tout genre et les conséquences qui ont suivi.
Deux autres enfants adoptés d'Eunice Spry ont écrit un livre, je suis curieuse de les lire également.
Deux autres enfants adoptés d'Eunice Spry ont écrit un livre, je suis curieuse de les lire également.
January 5, 2021
Absolutely heartbreaking to read, poor boy was living hell on earth, no one should ever go through what this poor boy went through, the social system definitely let him down, the story will stay with me for a lifetime definitely recommend!
January 30, 2023
What a book. I cried through most of it and i found myself up into the wee hours reading it. A harrowing book about survival against someone who was pure evil. This book will stay with me for a very long time. Very much worth the read!
March 1, 2024
Such a shame, again! Was really looking forward to reading this book but as I was listening to it on audio, the reader made it sound like she was reading a recipe book. So unfortunately I couldn’t get past the first few paragraphs
July 1, 2019
Deff worth reading such a heart breaking story
August 1, 2019
life-changing
June 9, 2020
This book was good but I felt like it skipped around a lot with no transitions
April 18, 2021
this was a harrowing read but i admire christopher for writing it and sharing his life with his readers and i would like to wish him well and enjoy every minute of his new life and new adventures
October 20, 2023
Such an horrific story. The things them children encountered was absolutely heartbreaking.
February 18, 2024
Those poor children. Extremely sad/hard book to read.
September 13, 2024
I found this a really hard read. There were times when I felt physically sick reading this, I can't even imagine what it was like living it.
Check your trigger warnings.
Check your trigger warnings.
August 6, 2025
A raw and authentic narrative of abuse and how Stockholm syndrome is being developed in the authors mind. A very brutal but true read
Read
December 15, 2016Child C
Angel Stinnett
December 14, 2016
English 10-5
Author’s Background
Christopher Spry was born December 20, 1988 in Cheltenham. He was abused and tortured by his foster Mother Eunice Spry. Despite his suffering he still felt love for her. “Left with permanent injuries, Christopher is now making his way in the world as a bright young man determined to overcome the physical & mental scars of abuse.”
2. Literary Time Period
This book was published in 2008, not much was taking place during this time period. I’d say the inspiration the author had was his horrendous experience with his evil foster mom.
3. Setting
The setting takes place in Gloucestershire, England.
4. Characters
Christopher Spry: “Child C” he was the one that got abused & tortured the most. But hardly cried out of emotion.
Eunice Spry: The evil foster mother who thought children should not be withheld discipline. “If you beat them with a rod, they will not die.”
Bradley:Christopher’s younger brother, who never got touched by Eunice, he was loved and cared for.
Lulu: “Child B”, Christopher’s older foster sister by four years, who tried running away trying to tell about what was happening.
Karen: “Child A” younger than Christopher and was fostered a year or so before him.
5. Theme
“Even in the most tranquil and ordinary places it seems evil can find a home”. You never would’ve expected that those poor children were being beaten and harmed by a harmless looking old lady.
6. Plot Summary
Christopher Spry tells his heartbreaking story of what it was like to be beaten and abandoned with no-one to hear your cries and help you. He tells us the full, horrifying story of a trust betrayed and got his childhood robbed from him.
7. Literary Devices
Flashback-Christopher is older now and telling his story. “I was born in Cheltenham in 1988. December the 20th, to be precise, although I never celebrated my birthdays because Eunice was a Jehovah's witness and her beliefs did not extend to birthdays and Christmases.” -Chapter 2
Imagery-The author gives very vivid details about the abuse. “She hit us across the feet because it’s so painful, and because feet don’t bruise, she said - something she’d learned during her time as a nurse. It was the kind fact she was so proud of knowing.” -Chapter 5
8. Memorable Quote
“Because Eunice was my mother.” (page 8)
This was memorable to me because Eunice had put those foster kids through so much abuse and suffering, and he still stayed and he still loves her/ refers to her as his mother sometimes
“The truthful witness was Charlotte, she told us. We were the false witnesses, and she took the rod to us.” (page 113)
This quote was memorable to me because it showed that Eunice only really cared about her own child, she didn’t care for the children she fostered. I could not imagine what those poor children went through, all the pain & suffering.
Angel Stinnett
December 14, 2016
English 10-5
Author’s Background
Christopher Spry was born December 20, 1988 in Cheltenham. He was abused and tortured by his foster Mother Eunice Spry. Despite his suffering he still felt love for her. “Left with permanent injuries, Christopher is now making his way in the world as a bright young man determined to overcome the physical & mental scars of abuse.”
2. Literary Time Period
This book was published in 2008, not much was taking place during this time period. I’d say the inspiration the author had was his horrendous experience with his evil foster mom.
3. Setting
The setting takes place in Gloucestershire, England.
4. Characters
Christopher Spry: “Child C” he was the one that got abused & tortured the most. But hardly cried out of emotion.
Eunice Spry: The evil foster mother who thought children should not be withheld discipline. “If you beat them with a rod, they will not die.”
Bradley:Christopher’s younger brother, who never got touched by Eunice, he was loved and cared for.
Lulu: “Child B”, Christopher’s older foster sister by four years, who tried running away trying to tell about what was happening.
Karen: “Child A” younger than Christopher and was fostered a year or so before him.
5. Theme
“Even in the most tranquil and ordinary places it seems evil can find a home”. You never would’ve expected that those poor children were being beaten and harmed by a harmless looking old lady.
6. Plot Summary
Christopher Spry tells his heartbreaking story of what it was like to be beaten and abandoned with no-one to hear your cries and help you. He tells us the full, horrifying story of a trust betrayed and got his childhood robbed from him.
7. Literary Devices
Flashback-Christopher is older now and telling his story. “I was born in Cheltenham in 1988. December the 20th, to be precise, although I never celebrated my birthdays because Eunice was a Jehovah's witness and her beliefs did not extend to birthdays and Christmases.” -Chapter 2
Imagery-The author gives very vivid details about the abuse. “She hit us across the feet because it’s so painful, and because feet don’t bruise, she said - something she’d learned during her time as a nurse. It was the kind fact she was so proud of knowing.” -Chapter 5
8. Memorable Quote
“Because Eunice was my mother.” (page 8)
This was memorable to me because Eunice had put those foster kids through so much abuse and suffering, and he still stayed and he still loves her/ refers to her as his mother sometimes
“The truthful witness was Charlotte, she told us. We were the false witnesses, and she took the rod to us.” (page 113)
This quote was memorable to me because it showed that Eunice only really cared about her own child, she didn’t care for the children she fostered. I could not imagine what those poor children went through, all the pain & suffering.
September 1, 2012
Questo libro racconta una storia vera, pertanto, ovviamente, non e' scritto come un romanzo ma quasi come se stessi ascoltando il racconto di un amico. Detto questo, l'argomento e' sicuramente molto scottante, i maltrattamenti sui bambini. Questo libro e' raccontato da uno di loro, Christopher, un ragazzo che ormai ha superato i 20 anni, inglese, che e' stato maltrattato da Eunice Spry da quando era piccolo.
Il libro racconta delle situazioni estreme che Christopher e gli altri bambini sotto la custodia di Eunice erano costretti a subire, offre inoltre uno spaccato sulla mentalita' ( instabile ) di Eunice, pero' solleva anche molte domande, secondo me. Questa storia non e' ambientata nel Medioevo, ma in Gran Bretagna, in tempi non poi cosi' lontani da oggi. Christopher Spry e' del 1988. Eunice e' riuscita a togliere lui ed un'altra bambina da scuola, senza che gli insegnanti ed i servizi sociali abbiano fatto troppe domande. Alcuni vicini hanno avuto modo di leggere il diario di Lulu ( un'altra delle bambine maltrattate da Eunice ) oltre a vivere vicini alla famiglia Spry, in numerose occasioni la polizia si e' avvicinata alla famiglia ( quando Lulu tento' di scappare, quando in vacanza in Florida furono costretti ad evacuare per via di un tornado ) e mai nessuno ha detto loro niente. Come mai la gente ha fatto finta di niente, sbucando fuori solo quando la notizia e' uscita sui giornali? Christopher stesso ha cominciato ad essere maltrattato da bambino ma poi e' cresciuto, eppure non si e' praticamente mai ribellato: rispetto Lulu, che ha cercato dirlo alle insegnanti, ai vicini, che e' perfino fuggita...ma Christopher e gli altri non hanno fatto niente. Questo libro non e' solamente un racconto dalla parte della vittima, uno spaccato sul mostro di Eunice Spry, ma secondo me e' soprattutto un libro che dovrebbe far riflettere su come le persone ignorino gli altri, su come a volte sia piu' comodo fingere di non vedere piuttosto che preoccuparsi e cercare di aiutare qualcuno. Inoltre, mi ha colpito come Christopher abbia impiegato moltissimo tempo a smettere di pensare ad Eunice nei termini di " Mother". Onestamente, e' un libro che non so valutare appieno...se state cercando una lettura che non sia leggera, che racconti una storia vera, allora questo libro fa per voi.
Il libro racconta delle situazioni estreme che Christopher e gli altri bambini sotto la custodia di Eunice erano costretti a subire, offre inoltre uno spaccato sulla mentalita' ( instabile ) di Eunice, pero' solleva anche molte domande, secondo me. Questa storia non e' ambientata nel Medioevo, ma in Gran Bretagna, in tempi non poi cosi' lontani da oggi. Christopher Spry e' del 1988. Eunice e' riuscita a togliere lui ed un'altra bambina da scuola, senza che gli insegnanti ed i servizi sociali abbiano fatto troppe domande. Alcuni vicini hanno avuto modo di leggere il diario di Lulu ( un'altra delle bambine maltrattate da Eunice ) oltre a vivere vicini alla famiglia Spry, in numerose occasioni la polizia si e' avvicinata alla famiglia ( quando Lulu tento' di scappare, quando in vacanza in Florida furono costretti ad evacuare per via di un tornado ) e mai nessuno ha detto loro niente. Come mai la gente ha fatto finta di niente, sbucando fuori solo quando la notizia e' uscita sui giornali? Christopher stesso ha cominciato ad essere maltrattato da bambino ma poi e' cresciuto, eppure non si e' praticamente mai ribellato: rispetto Lulu, che ha cercato dirlo alle insegnanti, ai vicini, che e' perfino fuggita...ma Christopher e gli altri non hanno fatto niente. Questo libro non e' solamente un racconto dalla parte della vittima, uno spaccato sul mostro di Eunice Spry, ma secondo me e' soprattutto un libro che dovrebbe far riflettere su come le persone ignorino gli altri, su come a volte sia piu' comodo fingere di non vedere piuttosto che preoccuparsi e cercare di aiutare qualcuno. Inoltre, mi ha colpito come Christopher abbia impiegato moltissimo tempo a smettere di pensare ad Eunice nei termini di " Mother". Onestamente, e' un libro che non so valutare appieno...se state cercando una lettura che non sia leggera, che racconti una storia vera, allora questo libro fa per voi.
September 5, 2012
Ho comprato questo libro e l'ho letto in poco tempo ma onestamente ne sono rimasta alquanto delusa La scrittura del libro è scorrevole ma, leggendolo, sono rimasta perplessa su molti punti. Christopher, il protagonista del libro, subisce per anni delle violenze fisiche e psicologiche da parte di Eunice Spry, colei che aveva preso in affidamento Christopher ( Chilc C)ed altri bambini. Se Lulu, un'altra delle bambine, cercava in qualche modo di far sapere al mondo esterno i vari abusi, Christopher secondo me non ha mai fatto niente per cercare di mettere la parola fine a quello che stava vivendo. Il libro si snoda raccontando i vari anni che Christopher ha vissuto in balia di Eunice, racconta i suoi stati d'animo, le punizioni che Eunice costringeva i bambini a subire, fermandosi delle volte a cercare di analizzare il comportamento di Eunice ma, oltre questi punti che delle volte sono interessanti mentre altre volte meno, non ho potuto fare a meno di notare che Cristopher non ha mai fatto niente per difendersi. Ha avuto numerose occasioni, incluso alcuni incontri con la polizia, per poter avvisare qualuno di quello che stava subendo ma invece non ha fatto niente. Capisco che un bambino possa essere stato traumatizzato, ma negli anni in balia di Eunice Christopher è cresciuto, diventando poi un adolescente, un adolescente che però non ha mai potuto ( o voluto) trovare il coraggio di dire basta. E tutt'oggi si fa chiamare Christopher Spry, prendendo il cognome di Eunice, la donna che gli ha distrutto la vita.
Ho deciso però di votare CHILD C tre stelline perchè tutto sommato il libro è scorrevole e ben scritto, è difficile che il lettore possa annoiarsi anche sesecondo me alcuni punti sarebbero potuti essere più brevi. Comunque, per chi ama questo genere di storie vere è un libro da leggere, specialmente se il lettore non è alla ricerca di un protagonista che ama combattere.
Ho deciso però di votare CHILD C tre stelline perchè tutto sommato il libro è scorrevole e ben scritto, è difficile che il lettore possa annoiarsi anche sesecondo me alcuni punti sarebbero potuti essere più brevi. Comunque, per chi ama questo genere di storie vere è un libro da leggere, specialmente se il lettore non è alla ricerca di un protagonista che ama combattere.
January 7, 2013
From the very first page, I was hooked on Christopher Spry's story of survival. The physical scars are bad enough, but the emotional scars are worse. It's amazing this young man even survived to adulthood. In so many aspects Christopher should be dead - ingesting toxic cleaning fluids, starved, being dragged by a car and then just the many blows to his head. His foster mother was pure evil as she hid behind her religious views. As hard as a book like this is to read - sometimes it's necessary so that maybe somewhere else another child in the same situation might be saved. Perhaps social workers will do their jobs more efficiently and people will pay closer heed to the warning signs that are often overlooked. As hard as it seemed for Christopher to share his story, I can only hope that his future will be brighter as he makes peace with his demons. A highly recommend read. Reviewed by: Tamera Lawrence
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