Hell on the Way to Heaven

By: Chrissie Foster, Paul Kennedy

Narrated by: Chrissie Foster

Chrissie and Anthony Foster were like any other young family, raising their three daughters in suburban Melbourne with what they hoped were the right values. Chrissie could not have known that the stranger-danger she feared actually lurked in the presbytery attached to the girls' Catholic primary school. Father Kevin O'Donnell, a long-term paedophile, lived and worked there. Two of their young daughters became victims of O'Donnell. And once the truth was revealed, the Fosters began a battle to find out how this could have happened. The Church offered silence, lies, denials and threats. Meanwhile, their daughters tried to piece together their fractured lives. This is the chilling true story that made national and international headlines. Chrissie Foster's heartbreaking account of her family's suffering, and their determination to stand up for themselves against the might of the Catholic Church, is testament to the strength of a mother's love, and the resilience of the human spirit.©2010 Chrissie Foster and Paul Kennedy (P)2019 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

'A heartbreaking, searing exposé of the corruption at the heart of the Roman Catholic Church and a powerful testimony to the resilience and power of a mother's love.' (Colm O'Gorman, author of Beyond Belief)

'Chrissie Foster's courageous and utterly devastating book, while intensely personal, is a wake-up call to us all ... Together we must protect our children, bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice and address the systems that perpetuate them.' (Dr Cathy Kezelman, Chairperson, Adults Surviving Child Abuse)

'We would never have achieved (a national apology) without Chrissie’s bravery and tireless advocacy.' (Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard)

'By speaking out against child sexual abuse, Chrissie helped out victims find their voice and gave them strength. Because of Chrissie, our nation is changed for the better.' (Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria)

'Many people would have been destroyed by that suffering. Many would have been overwhelmed by what they saw. But the Fosters did not let this happen.' (Justice Peter McLellan, Royal Commissioner)

Devastating and Shocking

This is a well written book describing the horrors of psychological and sexual abuse, not only by the Perp Priest but by the Church Heirchy as well. Their sins and, worse, the cover-ups are pure evil.

Much can be learned from this book. Abuse is abuse is abuse. Those who know and do nothing are equally guilty of the heinous crimes against children and families.

Sadly, our Mental Health System is ill equipped and quite ignorant on the dynamics of such abuse and are equally responsible. More must be done.

I almost did not finish the Audio version because it triggered me and was drawn out. Glad I did.

Extreme Courage

This book will be transformational as it is so honest and raw. Child abuse is the scourge of our Nation and the truth must prevail. It should always be about justice for the innocent victims and the abusers must not be protected. Thank you Chrissie for sharing your personal hell and I stand in solidarity.