Damaged: The Heartbreaking True Story of a Forgotten Child

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Damaged: The Heartbreaking True Story of a Forgotten Child

By: Cathy Glass

Narrated by: Denica Fairman

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About this listen

The No. 1 Sunday Times Bestseller.

At just eight years old, Jodie is violent, aggressive and extremely challenging. Five carers in four months have been unable to cope, but there is one last hope: Cathy Glass…

As Jodie begins to trust Cathy and make progress, shocking details about her past come to light. No one had noticed the glaring signs of abuse by those who were supposed to love her most.

One of Cathy’s earliest and bestselling memoirs, Damaged is a heartbreaking story that proves just how valuable foster carers are for society’s most vulnerable children.

Abuse

Child Abuse

Dysfunctional Families

Dysfunctional Relationships

Parenting & Families

Personal Development

Relationships

Sexual Abuse & Harassment

Women

Emotionally Gripping

Heartfelt

Critic Reviews

"Cannot fail to move those who read it." (Adoption-net)

"Heartbreaking." (The Mirror)

"A truly harrowing read that made me cry." (The Sun)

Most relevant

My mother is a foster carer and I have met and connected with many troubled children throughout my life, which made me feel prepared to tackle this novel. I wasn’t.
It is currently 3:30 am and I couldn’t sleep until I knew Jodie was okay. The traumas this innocent little girl suffered broke not only my heart, but tore at the very foundations of my soul.
Knowing the many complications, frustrations, trials and tribulations foster carers endure not only with the children in their care, but with the care system itself, I honestly expected this novel to be yet another glorified account of a highly functioning system with sunshine and daisies and a few rainy days in between. Instead I was impressed at the brutal truth unveiled, showing the intensity of the frustrations that every foster carer faces on a day to day basis, while also highlighting how rewarding the job can be and the importance of good foster carers and just how much difference can be made.
Cathy Glass reminds me so much of my own mum and her foster carer Aunty Betty. If it weren’t for the hard word and determination of Aunty Betty my mum likely would not have been able to overcome her own traumas to become the wonderful, caring foster parent and mother she is today.
Despite the tears still streaming down my face over this tragic story, I feel privileged to have had a peek through the window of one of Cathy’s precious memories and of Jodie’s life.

Cathy, you are one amazing, brave woman and you should be so proud of yourself for all you have done. Your children sound incredible and so insightful and empathetic.

I wish the best for young Jodie and am so glad that someone took the time to reach her and help her to become the best she can be.

This book will stay in my heart and mind for a very long time to come.

Also a brilliant performance by the narrator for this audiobook. Best I have come across.

I wish I could give this a higher rating than five stars, because it takes some skill to write such a horrifying tale with so much emotion and insight. Thank you.