While I was tempted to remove a star for the second part of this book for its overly and seemingly unnecessarily descriptive account of geographical areas, I came to appreciate that they were essential to the author's memories of her abuse as a child. While the option remains to give no rating at all when a book contains sensitive subject matter such as this one, the importance of no longer sweeping issues of child abuse under the rug should make books like this one essential reading. Therefore, 5 stars for all of the victims of child abuse who see themselves represented, defended, and fought for by authors like Sylvia Fraser. Yes this book is difficult to read, that doesn't mean it shouldn't be read.

In the first part of this book we learn, by way of court transcripts, of the 2001 legal case of two young men from the Greater Toronto Area who were caged, diapered, conditioned, and tortured, by their aunt. The details are abhorrent and justice hardly seems served. For anyone who remembers hearing bit of this case, the details herein will shock you.

In the second and third parts of the book, we learn some background of Sylvia Fraser's repressed memories of a horrible childhood and her experiences from when she published a book on these accounts. This woman had admirable strength and her purpose in life and legacy as a fearless advocate for human and animal rights is something we should all strive to honour and replicate.