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Behind Closed Doors

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Behind Closed Doors

By: Sue Smethurs, Katherine X
Narrated by: Caroline Lee
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About this listen

Four children by her father.

Thirty years of horrific sexual abuse.

In March 2009, Joseph Fritzl was sentenced to life in jail for the systematic imprisonment, torture and rape of his daughter, Elisabeth, over 24 years, fathering seven children. The case shocked the world.

But just a month before, the story of Australia’s own house of horrors was emerging in a Victorian country town.

Under a blanket of suppression orders, a man in his late 60s was quietly arrested, charged - and later convicted - for the systematic rape, abuse and imprisonment of his only daughter, 'Katherine', which spanned decades. He fathered four of her children.

Until now, this shocking story has been buried under a complex legal web and Katherine’s insistence on silence so that she could rebuild her shattered life and protect her children. In Behind Closed Doors, written with Sue Smethurst, Katherine breaks her silence and tells the story of how she survived - and how such degrading abuse went unnoticed for so long.

©2015 Sue Smethurst and Katherine X (P)2016 Bolinda Mental Health
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I have just finished this book and feel that I am intruding into a tragic life story. So very sad that this beautiful lady’s life has been ruined by a monster that is her father. I could be friends with this lady- it touched my heart and soul to the core

Fantastically written tragic story

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Absolutely loved this book. was quite confronting for me to listen to because my sorry is eerily similar to your own. Your choice of words when describing things is also unsettlingly similar to my own. I moved from one abusive family life to another and have in the past described it exactly as you did, out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Spooky.
Also just your father's general behaviours, demeaner and psychological history is crazy similar to my own father's. I suppose it does paint a picture of depravity and dysfunction well before they became the men who chose to abuse their own children in this way.
I am writing my own autobiography about my journey at the moment and this written piece as well as being an inspiration for me has emboldened me to feel brave enough to do it.
Well done girl, good on you.

Mirror Image

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an inspiring and uplifting story of courage and hope, told with brutal honesty and grace. a must read

powerful

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nothing to dislike, totally heart breaking and raw. the strength of this woman is massive.

absolutely loved this

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5 Stars great Australian story well read as well , i was so brave of the victim to tell her story and for that i thank you ❤️️❤️️

what a amazing story A++

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Growing up in the area..I had no idea..sick twisted man..Incredibly strong woman.

Mind blowing

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Incredible story, there but for the grace of God. My heart goes out to "Katherine", what a brave woman you are. I hope you and your boys and your brother's can live a happy, carefree life

Unimaginable Life

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what a stong woman. And a strong mother. what she went through is horrific and not what anyone should go thru

such strength

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What a horrific true story and how the system let this girl/woman down. Thank you for sharing your story.

Horrific true story

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The story kept me intrigued Throughout the whole book. Narrator showed emotion while reading and made me really feel some of the emotions that were intended. Well worth the read (listen)

Loved it

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