“This memoir is intricately observed and written with such clear-eyed intelligence I wanted to swoop down and steal its subject to love and safety. A disturbing and compelling read.” -- Carrie Tiffany

“This is a brave, unflinching memoir of surviving a childhood navigating around a violent and abusive father, whose brooding menace lurks on every page. Psychologically astute, Hanscombe is possessed of an unusually vivid and faithful memory to the terrors of childhood. She has the courage to face and penetrate the dark secrets at the centre of her family. A beautifully written, unforgettable account of what it is to grow up in the shadow of alcoholism and sexual predation.” -- Anne Manne

“With a combination of literary ability and deep self-knowledge, Elisabeth Hanscombe gives a rare insight into a child’s struggle to survive a physically and sexually abusive family.” -- Dr Paul Valent