A friend passed this book along to me because she knows I like survival memoirs. I remember this story from the news a few years ago when Jaycee was rescued and remember thinking, eighteen years?! How could she not have had an opportunity to escape or make some indication of her existence in that time? An easy thought from someone looking in from the comfort of her kitchen table with morning paper and cup of coffee. What becomes a little more clear after reading her account is just how mind and reality altering captivity can be. Sometimes self preservation means staying right where you are, especially if your kidnapper controls everything necessary for your survival and instills in you a fear of the outside world. This is a heartbreaking story with, maybe not so much a happy ending as she will carry the trauma for the rest of her life, but an inspiring, positive conclusion to a harrowing ordeal. What a remarkable young woman.
In the summer of 1991 I was a normal kid. I did normal things. I had friends and a mother who loved me. I was just like you. Until the day my life was stolen. For eighteen years I was a prisoner. I was an object for someone to use and abuse. For eighteen years I was not allowed to speak my name. I became a mother and was forced to be a sister. For eighteen years I survived an impossible situation. On August 26, 2009, I took my name back. My name is Jaycee Lee Duggard. I don't think of myself as a victim. I survived. A Stolen Life
is my story - in my own words, in my own way, exactly as I remember it. (inside flap)
6 comments:
I think I read a fictional account of a similar situation but the true account sounds interesting – although sad...
Noted.
I have to admit that this genre doesn't usually appeal to me but my sister in law and mother in law practically inhaled this book, I'll have to give it a go.
Beth - The psychology behind something like this is so fascinating. I wonder what kind of research an author would have to do to write a fictional account? I have yet to read 'Room' - I've heard mixed reviews . . .
Sam - It's a quick straightforward read, although certainly not easy.
I'm going to read this...I know that it will affect me deeply...but I've been so impressed with this young woman's ability to "take back her life"...What a testament to the human mind and spirit.
Yes, absolutely. It's a wonderful confirmation of just how resilient a young person can be. She is made of stronger stuff than her captor, that's for sure.
It was heartbreaking and so brave of her to share! I remember just being shocked when she was found alive, so very shocked.
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