Author: Torey Hayden
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: September 2019
In a forgotten corner of Wales, a young girl languishes in a
home for troubled children. Abandoned by her parents because of her violent
streak, Jessie—at the age of ten—is at risk of becoming
just another lost soul in the foster system.
Precocious and bold, Jessie is convinced she is possessed by
the devil and utterly unprepared for the arrival of therapist Torey Hayden.
Armed with patience, compassion, and unconditional love, Hayden begins working
with Jessie once a week. But when Jessie makes a stunning accusation against
one of Hayden’s colleagues – a man Hayden implicitly trusts – Hayden’s work
doubles: now she must not only get to the root of Jessie’s troubles, but also
find out if what the girl alleges is true.
A moving, compelling, and inspiring account, Lost
Child is a powerful testament once again of Torey Hayden’s
extraordinary ability to reach children who many have given up on—and a
reminder of how patience and love can ultimately prevail.
I'll start by saying that I have not read any of Torey Hayden's other books about her time as a special education teacher. I am also not a psychologist. I know that this is a recounting of her own experience and keeping that in mind, I thought this was an interesting read. The story of Jesse was so heartbreaking and I was definitely riveted by her story. It was so sad to see that this child was neglected for so long.
However, I'm not sure that I agreed with the way the investigation or therapy was handled. I could see where mistakes were made by multiple people. Hindsight being what it is, I wonder if this child could have had help a lot sooner that she did. Repeatedly, we are told by the author that she was not experienced in sexual abuse cases, but she was allowed to continue to hold sessions with Jesse after her accusation. She also pointed out that she was not supposed to bring up Joseph, but she repeatedly brought up his name and asked what I felt were leading questions. I mean, it ultimately did help the truth to come out. I wish we could have seen more of the outside investigation and the perspectives of the social worker and police. It might have given me a more rounded view of how everything went down.
I should warn that there is very explicit language and descriptions of abuse in this book. So, that may steer some people away. I think ti's worth picking up. If only to gain insight into how neglect and abuse can shape a child's behavior. I was glad she included an epilogue. It was nice closure for the reader.
Purchase Links
About Torey Hayden
Born in Montana, USA, Torey Hayden has spent most of her
adult life working with children in distress. Now living in Great Britain, she
divides her time between writing and volunteer work with several British
charities. Torey is author of numerous internationally best-selling books about
her experiences as a special education teacher and therapist. She has also
written two novels and two children’s books.
Tour Stops
Thursday, October 3rd: The
Book Diva’s Reads
Monday, October 7th: Girl
Who Reads
Thursday, October 10th: Helen’s
Book Blog
Friday, October 11th: Jennifer
~ Tar Heel Reader
Monday, October 14th: Patricia’s
Wisdom
Thursday, October 17th: Instagram: @crystals_library
Tuesday, October 22nd: From the TBR Pile
Wednesday, October 23rd: Instagram: @simplykelina
Friday, October 25th: Literary Quicksand
TBD: Monday, September 30th: Read Till Dawn
TBD: Friday, October 18th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
2 comments:
This seems like such a difficult book to read. And not in a "this is difficult but I can appreciate the art behind it" kind of way. Probably a pass from me.
I think psychological treatment is tricky in every case, especially when children are involved. Thank you for being on this tour. Sara @ TLC Book Tours
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