Stolen Childhood

Hi Laila, I read your book this afternoon and am so deeply saddened by your childhood. Your innocence was taken from you but your soul and spirituality are your savior's.

I have never visited Noway, but your detailed decriptions create a vivid picture (even if the pictures were sad)...

Your introduction hooked me in... So many stories of abuse, sadness and despair but your spirit and life resonates today... The readers will embrace this memoir and you will be duly rewarded.

Good luck with your writings and your life
FC
I have rated this a six...

Hi Laila,

My twelve year old daughter and I read through chapter five of your book tonight. I must say we were both stunned by the horrible abuse that you, a precious little girl, had to endure. I asked myself the question that you have probably asked a million times: “Why God? Why didn’t you protect Laila?” From your introduction, I know you have been reconciled to God, and I am so glad. I will continue to read your story to learn more of your journey of healing and forgiveness. I’m sure it will be an inspiring and challenging testimony of trust and surrender.

In your introduction when you mentioned that you didn’t know if you could write in English, I thought that you must have hired someone to interpret for you - the story sounds and reads so naturally English. I am very impressed by its clear, easy to understand language. You have done a very remarkable job conveying your difficult and emotional past with grace and a sense of self-control. Six Stars!

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

Difficult stories aren't always easy to read, but are often worth it. Yours was worth it.

This story stands as testimony to the grace and mercy of our God. He takes each of us FROM RIGHT WHERE WE ARE and brings us, at our own pace, into the light of His presence! How merciful that is!
You've done an amazing job at depicting your childhool traumas but even more, telling of the mercy you have found at the feet of the Savior.
God bless you!

Joyce ~ Slave to Grace

I read through quite a bit of the first of the book then skipped to the end to see how it all had come out. It's a wonderful testimony to what God can do in people's lives. I'm so glad you're happy now and hope others who need your story will find it.

A great author, a great book

I stopped by to give maximum stars and to say I am supporter of your book.

Dear Laila: Best of luck in promoting your book - your book deserves and merits widespread acceptance and it reigns on my bookshelf! I hope you will have a moment to check out the workbook, Refuge and Strength - YOUR comments would be greatly appreciated! Prayers, Pat

Dear Laila: Not only did I put your book on my bookshelf but I also put this comment on the Christian Lit Forum:
I've just read "Stolen Childhood" by Laila Bevans. In all of my years as a psychologist, I have never encountered a young woman who survived what Laila survived. It seems impossible. What truly amazes me, once I get my mind wrapped around the idea that she survived, is what a remarkable woman she has become. She must be extraordinarily intelligent and courageous. She is certainly a survivor and deserves every ounce of support that she gets. She is a talented writer and her book is a good read. While it is hard to visualize the brutality of her childhood, her story and the way she tells it is fascinating. This book went immediately on my bookshelf.

Dear Laila: I'm backing your book. It is an amazing story. I do not see how you survived that brutal, horrible childhood. You not only survived, but you became a remarkable woman and a very talented writer. I couldn't put your book down and read it from beginning to end - I only wish you had continued your story until the current day as it is a remarkable story of survival and of the resiliency of the human spirit. You must be a very, very intelligent and brave young woman and not only am i putting your book on my bookshelf, but I'm also putting you on my personal prayer list. I know God has good things in store for such a courageous young woman of faith as yourself. And now i've a favor to ask of you if and when you have the time. As a retired professor of psychology, I've written a workbook to help individuals such as yourself who have had to overcome terrible childhoods (although I've never me anyone who has had to overcome all you went through). It's titled, "Refuge and Strength for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families." Would you take a look at it? Use anything in it that might help you. I'd also appreciate any support which you might feel you can give to the workbook.

Hi Laila, I read your book this afternoon and am so deeply saddened by your childhood. Your innocence was taken from you but your soul and spirituality are your savior's.

I have never visited Noway, but your detailed decriptions create a vivid picture (even if the pictures were sad)...

Your introduction hooked me in... So many stories of abuse, sadness and despair but your spirit and life resonates today... The readers will embrace this memoir and you will be duly rewarded.

Good luck with your writings and your life
FC
I have rated this a six...

Laila:

Stories that are a reflection of life, especially about children, aren't always easy to read. Especially when you have family members who have experienced similar situations. Your heart aches. Tears make it difficult to read. This is written very well. Great job.

Drew
"The Eyes of Tokorel"

Hi Laila, I have just added you to my bookshelf and will read your story. This is certainly my genre, these life stories always demonstrate the passion and strength within.

Will comment soon
FC

Hi Laila,

I hate taking books off my shelf, I feel so heartless, sorry I hate to make space for another one but I have kept it on my shelf as long as possible, if you need a boost again and want it back please let me know. I want to support you until the end, until you have achieved your goal.

I have added loads more to Chrsitian and Arabella, I am particularly fond of chapters 8&9, you will see why. They are totally unedited and a first draft, trying to see if the story ties together before I get stuck into unfolding it more and editing. I would love you to take a look and tell me what you think if you get a moment.

Love
Angela
xxx

PS I would love to connect on Facebook too www.facebook.com/kingsdaughter21 and perhaps on my blog
http://www.facebook.com/kingsdaughter21

You are welcome, I would be grateful if you could read the first chapter, it is only very small as it is a pocket book BE THE HUMAN SUNSHINE and leave a comment blessings Clare :)

I am immediately engrossed in this book from your, just reminds me of "A child call it" Dave Peltzer, I have read many books on child abuse, I work with young people who's lives too have been affected. Another amazing book is also called "UGLY" by Connie Bristow, such amazing strength and courage, throughout the book it shows you the gifts of human sunshine. Connie has an amazing life now, it is with hope that the person in your book has now too, I will leave my comments about your book over the next couple of days. Sharing my human sunbeam, I do hope you read Be The Human Sunshine, it is only a little pocket book it I hope it becomes a friend. Blessings Clare :)

Sad, sad and hurt feeling. A child too much bitting, a whole atmosphere filled with hitting, bitting and abuse. Mum and dads meeting and then quarel, hiting. Well written. Grand parents are the positive hope here. Also there are travelling and holidays too seems to have a littlwe break from bitting. Sad for a child, oneday dad allowed to buy an icecream with choice of flavour. Clear writting. Ending with hope.

Hi Laila,

My twelve year old daughter and I read through chapter five of your book tonight. I must say we were both stunned by the horrible abuse that you, a precious little girl, had to endure. I asked myself the question that you have probably asked a million times: “Why God? Why didn’t you protect Laila?” From your introduction, I know you have been reconciled to God, and I am so glad. I will continue to read your story to learn more of your journey of healing and forgiveness. I’m sure it will be an inspiring and challenging testimony of trust and surrender.

In your introduction when you mentioned that you didn’t know if you could write in English, I thought that you must have hired someone to interpret for you - the story sounds and reads so naturally English. I am very impressed by its clear, easy to understand language. You have done a very remarkable job conveying your difficult and emotional past with grace and a sense of self-control. Six Stars!

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

I'm looking forward to reading

Hello

I loved your story, especially truths that are hard to tell sometimes. I specialized in suicide research when I got my bachelors and masters degrees. People are always surprised of the age of the youngest who committed suicide. It was six months of age. It still plays with my mind when I think about it. Anyhow, you have a great story, but I saw some things that could pull the reader even deeper into your character. For instance: I would feel his nails plunge into my face until the blood flowed. Change this to: His nails plunged into my face until the blood flowed. Getting rid of filter words like "I could fee" sends the reader deep into the person's experience. The reader experiences as deeply as the character. I did this a lot when I first started writing and still let them slip by sometimes, but I joined a critique (it's free) site that helped me tremendously with all of those things. I feel you have a great story here and would like to see it flourish. It's one that needs to be told, in my humble opinion. If you're interested in finding out more about the critique site, let me know. I would definitely follow your book on it and help the best I can.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.
Jennifer Killby - The Legend of the Travelers: Willow's Journey

I like the somber tone of this book and I can visualize the scenes very well. Sometimes I get caught on word choice or comma placement, but some of this could be thought of as intentional with the language translation going on in your mind. The story about Aunt Wilma visiting is an interesting memory, but I'm not sure it fits well. One piece of advice I received was that I should not put in everything I was told or remember. I should just put in what makes the story move and put strong description around it. I'm still reading. I love the voice! Stacy G.

Dear Laila,
Without a doubt this is a real sad story, cratively done and your English is very agreeable, and am pleased to read this. Well done. highly starrated****** Am reading moore for me!
Well done.
Josphine

This book took me to past when I was a child and as a child always enjoyed the life to fullest. Those were the days when there were no worries and everyone cared for me. Those golden days of life could never come again. My childhood was the best part of my life for which i will always wish if it could come again. Thanks for bringing back those memories. 6 stars are quite less for this book but i could not give more than 6. Will definitely back it soon.

Difficult stories aren't always easy to read, but are often worth it. Yours was worth it.

Laila, you asked me to take a look at Stolen Childhood, and I have read the introduction and first chapter so far. This is very compelling and honest. It took a lot of bravery on your part to not only put your horrifying childhood into words, but to also share those words in order to help others.

This is the second or third memoir type manuscript I've looked at on the site. It is very well written, but beyond that I'm not sure if I am the best to give good advice as I'm not well read in this genre and not familiar with what works and what doesn't. What follows is just my opinion as a reader.

The introduction is heart wrenching, and I felt for you as a young girl trying to escape yet another beating at the hands of your brother. However, the scene is told looking back, and almost has a clinical feel to it, losing the depth of emotion that it really needs to pull the reader into your pain and fear. This really has the feel of an adult looking back on past experience, through the lenses of maturity, healing and forgiveness. That is certainly an acceptable way to write this, because that is essentially what you are doing. It just might be more powerful, and really pull the reader into the story, if you let more emotion bleed into your words. Were you scared, bleeding, in physical pain, was the emotional pain worse? As an eight year old, did you ever feel the abuse was your fault, that maybe you had done something to provoke the beating? How did you feel about your brother when he wasn't beating you? How much older was your brother?

Chapter one was hard to follow for me, and just felt like a lot of information, giving the background of your family, which could possibly be sprinkled into later chapters as needed. This is your story after all, and though your parents' backgrounds are important, this whole chapter pulled me out of the story. Maybe this is how memoirs are written, like I said I'm not an expert on the genre. I'd like to be given this information in connection to your own experience, rather than just told a lump of background.

Good luck with this book.

This story stands as testimony to the grace and mercy of our God. He takes each of us FROM RIGHT WHERE WE ARE and brings us, at our own pace, into the light of His presence! How merciful that is!
You've done an amazing job at depicting your childhool traumas but even more, telling of the mercy you have found at the feet of the Savior.
God bless you!

Joyce ~ Slave to Grace

I read through quite a bit of the first of the book then skipped to the end to see how it all had come out. It's a wonderful testimony to what God can do in people's lives. I'm so glad you're happy now and hope others who need your story will find it.

Ch. 6 first paragraph. In America, grass that grows tall in a large field and is used to feed animals is called "hay". Americans call the short plant that "carpets" the ground around a house "grass". First para of second section you talk about "grass" and "hay" ... this is confusing to me. Usually, here we put corn in silos to create silage ... the corn ferments over time and makes an excellent feed for farm animals. Is this what you mean by grass?

Laila, Compelling read, and I browsed through it pretty quickly. Story is something that should reach a wide audience, and I have added it my watch list. Gave you a 3 on the rating only because incomplete reads are tough for me to rate higher, but I would recommend your book! Please return the favor and check out Step Into The Light, Christian N/F and I hope you find blessings inside of it.
Respectfully,
Walt

Ch. 4 Para. starting: "The normal pattern that indicated ..." you mistyped "...that Dad and (had?) stolen her youth."
Para starting: "I felt I had a solution in which I could help Mum." This sentence is a little awkward ... you might change the "in" for "with" or else you could change it by saying, "I felt I had found a way to help Mum."

Ch. 3 second paragraph: You describe a "casserole pot" that can hold at least 100 litres of water. We would more likely call that a "cauldron". While the word is old-fashioned and probably not taught in an English as a Second Language class, everyone will recognize it as "what witches use to brew up potions". Every British/American child has a mental picture of the witch with the big wooden paddle stirring her cauldron that sits over a hot fire in her yard. The caudron looks like a larger version of a casserole pot, but comes up the an adult's knees, at least while sitting on the ground.

Amazing cathartic journey. Top marks. I do not need return read. God bless you.

An excellent book - although very disturbing reading at times. I read several chapters and then I am afraid I skipped to the end! What a lovely ending Laila - and your faith and love for the Lord Jesus shine through in a wonderful way. God Bless you for being such a lovely witness to Him and I pray that many be helped to find Jesus by reading your book.

Margaret Weston - How do I know I know God?

Added to my WL, JB. Woods - author of 'George Barrington Hunter'

Ch. 1 First paragraph: ( I am AMAZED at your command of English) ... you write: "...the city where my mum came from" you needn't use the word "where".

A truly heartfelt story, well written. The chapters I read were easy to follow - many people will relate to areas of this book, so so sad in places. I think it is very good . The opening of the book is a tear-jerker in itself. You just want to give the child a big hug. I found my emotions drawn in straight away, which made me want to read the rest.

Lee

Lalia, the pace of this story is good. It's not the sort of thing I read normally, and I'm new to giving critique so ignore this if it doesn't help.
First, I was surprised that everyone in the story seemed to be an abuser, the brother, the father, the grandmother (not sure sometimes if its Nan or mum you're referring to). I think you would get greater sympathy for your character if there were a single abuser. Not sure how to address this if is based on a true story and not fiction.
Second thing I question is your description of the father as like Elvis and Steve McQueen. Set in Norway, not sure if the character would have known to use them for reference. Might try to think of a regional hero or actor.
Positives, there was comelling narrative flow. I kept reading after the Introduction and through all of chapter one. Not a grammarian, but caught no grammar errors.
Good work and all the best in your writing.
fledglingowl
PS, would appreciate your comments on The Milche Bride if you get a chance to read it.

Lalia, the pace of this story is good. It's not the sort of thing I read normally, and I'm new to giving critique so ignore this if it doesn't help.
First, I was surprised that everyone in the story seemed to be an abuser, the brother, the father, the grandmother (not sure sometimes if its Nan or mum you're referring to). I think you would get greater sympathy for your character if there were a single abuser. Not sure how to address this if is based on a true story and not fiction.
Second thing I question is your description of the father as like Elvis and Steve McQueen. Set in Norway, not sure if the character would have known to use them for reference. Might try to think of a regional hero or actor.
Positives, there was comelling narrative flow. I kept reading after the Introduction and through all of chapter one. Not a grammarian, but caught no grammar errors.
Good work and all the best in your writing.
fledglingowl
PS, would appreciate your comments on The Milche Bride if you get a chance to read it.

Let me start with that I'm relieved you've found happiness in your life after everything you have been through. I read all the chapters you put out here and am confident that this story will give hope to many people in similar situations. It is powerful,raw and well written.
Highly stared and backed.
Best of luck;
-Elke
Ella In Between

This is such a sad story.
I felt really heartbroken for the little girl--abused and forgotten by everyone. People laughing at her expense, even when there is a chance she might die. It's amazing how someone can ignore the screams of a child in agony.
I felt like a child was speaking to me, not an adult, which made me sympathize even more.


-Aliah
Her Demise

Amazing story and very brave of you to write about something so personal. It had me gripped, very well written. Well done. I'll happily back this book.

Amazing story and very brave of you to write about something so personal. It had me gripped. You really get a sense of the pain and fear you must have felt. Very well written and moving, well done. I'll quite happily back this book.

I've only had time for the first section thus far, but this is really amazing! You express this in a way that rings true in my heart, as I myself have experienced similar situations. I look forward to having time to sit down and absorb more of this!

-Sara

Thank you for the invitation to read this. Having read the first few paragraphs I'm sorry but this isn't for me. I can see that you have had a lot of success and I hope this continues for you.
Despite this not being for me I hope you can still give mine a quick look if you have the time.

Steven

Well done! I feel sad for the child and the many thousands and more who are treated this way and even murdered by their parents. It is a good read and backed!
Shirley Grace Kelly
The Devils Stepchild
Turnips and Tulips
Sinja

Hello! Took a look at your book. Very compelling story. My own novel is about a girl who survives foster care in America, but my story begins at a happier point in her life. I think you have done a service to others who have endured child abuse by telling your story. Good luck! Regards, Ashley

I just bought the Kindle edition of this book. Amazing. Simply amazing. The first time I read it here, I could only make it the first few chapters. I bought it so I could eventually read all the way through. Conratulations, Laila. This piece is going to go worldwide. It's just a matter of time.

Hi Laila,
The opening of this book is very good, but it then becomes a little too bleak for my taste... it's RAW alright... too raw, and if this an account of a true story then it is truly horendous. It's good for the genre type and must appeal to a certain type of reader... but it is too bleak for me.

Good luck with it and I wish you well in the future.

Regards,
Tom Hull
"King Arthur and the Secret of the Universe".

I read the first five chapters and then skipped ahead a bit to chapter 12. How heartwreching, to see this child hoping to die in the opening of the book. And I gather that Ted is a monster because he has witnessed bad behavior from his parents, but this is not super clear in the beginning. Of course some people are just born a sociopathes, but it's pretty unusual so as a reader I would like some input as to how he became so hateful. I skipped ahead because I found your tale so utterly depressing I needed to see if and when things would get better. I liked the relationship between you and granny and how she encourages you to steal. At least you have someone to side with. Also knowing that the school provided dental work and you stood up for yourself and asked for a toothbrush gives me hope.
It is really pertinent to include that introduction, that explains where you are today and how you found the power to survive--otherwise it would seem like a hopeless tale. Very honest and open story, and your writing is clear and easy to read. I give this high stars and wish you lots of luck!
I would very much appreciate your taking a peek at my memoir when you have the chance. Thanks!
Caitlin Avery
Lightning in my Wires

I read the first five chapters and then skipped ahead a bit to chapter 12. How heartwreching, to see this child hoping to die in the opening of the book. And I gather that Ted is a monster because he has witnessed bad behavior from his parents, but this is not super clear in the beginning. Of course some people are just born a sociopathes, but it's pretty unusual so as a reader I would like some input as to how he became so hateful. I skipped ahead because I found your tale so utterly depressing I needed to see if and when things would get better. I liked the relationship between you and granny and how she encourages you to steal. At least you have someone to side with. Also knowing that the school provided dental work and you stood up for yourself and asked for a toothbrush gives me hope.
It is really pertinent to include that introduction, that explains where you are today and how you found the power to survive--otherwise it would seem like a hopeless tale. Very honest and open story, and your writing is clear and easy to read. I give this high stars and wish you lots of luck!
I would very much appreciate your taking a peek at my memoir when you have the chance. Thanks!
Caitlin Avery
Lightning in my Wires

I read the first five chapters and then skipped ahead a bit to chapter 12. How heartwreching, to see this child hoping to die in the opening of the book. And I gather that Ted is a monster because he has witnessed bad behavior from his parents, but this is not super clear in the beginning. Of course some people are just born a sociopathes, but it's pretty unusual so as a reader I would like some input as to how he became so hateful. I skipped ahead because I found your tale so utterly depressing I needed to see if and when things would get better. I liked the relationship between you and granny and how she encourages you to steal. At least you have someone to side with. Also knowing that the school provided dental work and you stood up for yourself and asked for a toothbrush gives me hope.
It is really pertinent to include that introduction, that explains where you are today and how you found the power to survive--otherwise it would seem like a hopeless tale. Very honest and open story, and your writing is clear and easy to read. I give this high stars and wish you lots of luck!
I would very much appreciate your taking a peek at my memoir when you have the chance. Thanks!
Caitlin Avery
Lightning in my Wires

I read the first five chapters and then skipped ahead a bit to chapter 12. How heartwreching, to see this child hoping to die in the opening of the book. And I gather that Ted is a monster because he has witnessed bad behavior from his parents, but this is not super clear in the beginning. Of course some people are just born a sociopathes, but it's pretty unusual so as a reader I would like some input as to how he became so hateful. I skipped ahead because I found your tale so utterly depressing I needed to see if and when things would get better. I liked the relationship between you and granny and how she encourages you to steal. At least you have someone to side with. Also knowing that the school provided dental work and you stood up for yourself and asked for a toothbrush gives me hope.
It is really pertinent to include that introduction, that explains where you are today and how you found the power to survive--otherwise it would seem like a hopeless tale. Very honest and open story, and your writing is clear and easy to read. I give this high stars and wish you lots of luck!
I would very much appreciate your taking a peek at my memoir when you have the chance. Thanks!
Caitlin Avery
Lightning in my Wires

I read the first five chapters and then skipped ahead a bit to chapter 12. How heartwreching, to see this child hoping to die in the opening of the book. And I gather that Ted is a monster because he has witnessed bad behavior from his parents, but this is not super clear in the beginning. Of course some people are just born a sociopathes, but it's pretty unusual so as a reader I would like some input as to how he became so hateful. I skipped ahead because I found your tale so utterly depressing I needed to see if and when things would get better. I liked the relationship between you and granny and how she encourages you to steal. At least you have someone to side with. Also knowing that the school provided dental work and you stood up for yourself and asked for a toothbrush gives me hope.
It is really pertinent to include that introduction, that explains where you are today and how you found the power to survive--otherwise it would seem like a hopeless tale. Very honest and open story, and your writing is clear and easy to read. I give this high stars and wish you lots of luck!
I would very much appreciate your taking a peek at my memoir when you have the chance. Thanks!
Caitlin Avery
Lightning in my Wires

I read the first five chapters and then skipped ahead a bit to chapter 12. How heartwreching, to see this child hoping to die in the opening of the book. And I gather that Ted is a monster because he has witnessed bad behavior from his parents, but this is not super clear in the beginning. Of course some people are just born a sociopathes, but it's pretty unusual so as a reader I would like some input as to how he became so hateful. I skipped ahead because I found your tale so utterly depressing I needed to see if and when things would get better. I liked the relationship between you and granny and how she encourages you to steal. At least you have someone to side with. Also knowing that the school provided dental work and you stood up for yourself and asked for a toothbrush gives me hope.
It is really pertinent to include that introduction, that explains where you are today and how you found the power to survive--otherwise it would seem like a hopeless tale. Very honest and open story, and your writing is clear and easy to read. I give this high stars and wish you lots of luck!
I would very much appreciate your taking a peek at my memoir when you have the chance. Thanks!
Caitlin Avery
Lightning in my Wires

I read the first five chapters and then skipped ahead a bit to chapter 12. How heartwreching, to see this child hoping to die in the opening of the book. And I gather that Ted is a monster because he has witnessed bad behavior from his parents, but this is not super clear in the beginning. Of course some people are just born a sociopathes, but it's pretty unusual so as a reader I would like some input as to how he became so hateful. I skipped ahead because I found your tale so utterly depressing I needed to see if and when things would get better. I liked the relationship between you and granny and how she encourages you to steal. At least you have someone to side with. Also knowing that the school provided dental work and you stood up for yourself and asked for a toothbrush gives me hope.
It is really pertinent to include that introduction, that explains where you are today and how you found the power to survive--otherwise it would seem like a hopeless tale. Very honest and open story, and your writing is clear and easy to read. I give this high stars and wish you lots of luck!
I would very much appreciate your taking a peek at my memoir when you have the chance. Thanks!
Caitlin Avery
Lightning in my Wires