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The true story of an abandoned, abused little girl who was desperate to be part of a family

By: Cathy Glass

Narrated by: Denica Fairman

Million-copy bestselling author Cathy Glass tells the story of Dawn, a sweet and seemingly well-balanced girl whose outward appearance masks a traumatic childhood of suffering at the hands of the very people who should have cared for her.

Dawn was the first girl Cathy Glass ever fostered. Sweet and seemingly well balanced girl, Dawn’s outward appearance masked a traumatic childhood so awful, that even she could not remember it.

During the first night, Cathy awoke to see Dawn looming above Cathy’s baby’s cot, her eyes staring and blank. She sleepwalks – which Cathy learns is often a manifestation in disturbed children. It becomes a regular and frightening occurrence, and Cathy is horrified to find Dawn lighting a match whilst mumbling it’s not my fault in her sleep one night.

Cathy discovers Dawn is playing truant from school, and struggling to make friends. More worryingly she finds her room empty one night, and her pillow covered in blood. Dawn has been self-harming in order to release the pain of her past.

When Dawn attempts suicide, Cathy realises that she needs more help than she can give. Dawn’s mother eventually confides in her that Dawn was sent away to live with relatives in Ireland between the ages of 5 and 9, and Cathy soon realises that the horrors Dawn was exposed to during this time have left her a very disturbed little girl.

Critic reviews

Reviews for ‘Damaged’:

'Cannot fail to move those who read it.' Adoption-net

‘Heartbreaking.' The Mirror

‘A truly harrowing read that made me cry.’ The Sun

'A true tale of hope. ****.' OK!

‘Foster carers rarely get the praise they deserve, but Cathy Glass’s book should change all that.****’ First Magazine

‘A hugely touching and emotional true tale.’ Star Magazine

Easy listen

It was easy to follow and i enjoyed the narration. i would like to have the story from dawn’s pov.

a bit disappointed

this one didn't quite sit right with me. I know Cathy has been inexperienced then, but this is just unreal. I mean, noone can be THAT naive and submissive towards social services, letting them and Dawn to just walk all over them, not answering questions and risking the life and safety of Adrian. She went a bit overboard with the story this time, it just wasn't believable to me. And if she really spoke to Dawn in the tone you use for a toddler, it's no wonder the kid ran loose.

Hmmmm

Riveting story. I feel like it must have been sanitized, somehow. The foster family seems too perfect, people are flawed. I feel like the author idealized herself and her role.

Cut Review

Cathy Glass is amazing with her stories. I am sure Im not alone when I say I wish we had more if an update on how Dawn is doing.

great book

good story, great narration. helped me understand a bit about self injury and child abuse.