Review of Finding My Freedom

smolbird · Post by **smolbird** » 18 Jun 2021, 02:01

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Finding My Freedom" by Bridget Jones MBE.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Finding My Freedom by Bridget Jones MBE is not an easy read. This book is about the author’s traumatic childhood, and she wrote it hoping that she can inspire other abuse victims to overcome their past and pursue their happiness. Additionally, writing this book was part of the author’s healing process.

Bridget was born to a family of Irish Tinkers, known also as gypsies and “Travellers.” Her parents were neglectful; her father was a drunk, and her mother seemed to care more about rearing children rather than feeding the ones she already had. By the time Bridget was born, she already had seven older siblings, and would later become an older sister to many more. After a fire broke out and burned down their tents, her mother handed her over to a convent, where most of the nuns were physically and verbally abusive. This streak of abuse, whether from her own parents or other adults, would last until she was sixteen. Life eventually got better for Bridget, but that part wasn’t included in the book, as it only covered her life from the ages of three to sixteen.

Although it was a tough read for me, I loved the book in its entirety. Despite Bridget’s rough attitude, I liked how innocent she was, and how she took everything literally. She also had a strong sense of responsibility at such a young age. I also liked her brothers, Martinlee and Keith, and her sister, Nancy. Finding My Freedom made me emotional; I was angry at the irresponsible and indifferent adults in her childhood, and though their actions were understandable, I was devastated by the betrayals of those she trusted most.

I found nothing to dislike about this book. The writing style was simple, which made it easier to read. The events of the book were also easy to follow. However, I would have appreciated it more if the author translated some of the Gaelic sentences, especially the prayer that she recites. I would have also loved to read about her life after she finally became independent.

In the author’s note, she pointed out that she’s an uneducated gypsy woman and to expect mistakes, so I was not expecting to see that the book was professionally edited. I only found a few minor errors. Thus, I am giving Finding My Freedom a perfect rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Although the author’s intention is to inspire others who have the same experience, I would strongly recommend against reading the book if they are still in the early stages of their healing process. The details of physical, verbal, and sexual abuse in this book may do them more harm than good. I would recommend the book to those who are brave enough to read Bridget’s childhood.

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Finding My Freedom
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Kanchan Sharma · Post by **Kanchan Sharma** » 01 Jul 2021, 02:03

A really touching story and heartbreaking content as per the review. Everyone should read it and try to learn to say no to the abuse or any wrongdoing. Definitely going to read it.

Ldpuff · Post by **Ldpuff** » 01 Jul 2021, 07:10

What a great review! I was sad just reading your review, I imagine reading the book would be a challenge for me. It’s hard for me to read about neglectful parents. Being a teacher, I see it all of the time and I don’t want to also read about it. Thanks for a thorough review!

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 01 Jul 2021, 09:49

What an interesting and thought-provoking book! I would love to find out more about the Irish Tinkers and how the author managed to overcome the hardships in her life. Thank you for this brilliant review!

Ada Ling · Post by **Ada Ling** » 01 Jul 2021, 11:59

Raluca_Mihaila wrote: ↑01 Jul 2021, 09:49 What an interesting and thought-provoking book! I would love to find out more about the Irish Tinkers and how the author managed to overcome the hardships in her life. Thank you for this brilliant review!

Agree that this is a brilliant review. A review with the strong emotions behind it. Hard to imagine the hardship the author experience when she was young. But I admire her encouragement and determination to open the scar and being helpful to the readers.

Dzejn_Crvena · Post by **Dzejn_Crvena** » 04 Jul 2021, 02:47

Thank you for your warning.
This story is very heart-wrenching to read, and I'm not ready to feel strong negative emotions right now.
But opening up about past trauma can be therapeutic at times.

Congratulations on your published review!

Tareq Alqasi · Post by **Tareq Alqasi** » 05 Jul 2021, 19:33

What an interesting and thought-provoking book! I would love to find out more about the Irish Tinkers and how the author managed to overcome the hardships in her life. Thank you for this brilliant review

Troy Barnes · Post by **Troy Barnes** » 06 Jul 2021, 09:44

Cool review. I will definitely be checking it out as it seems like a very emotional read. Enjoyed your take on it.

Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 06 Jul 2021, 09:49

Sounds like a very powerful and emotional read. I would love to explore the author's story. Thank you for a great review!

Emily_Jen · Post by **Emily_Jen** » 09 Jul 2021, 08:35

I'm glad to read that this book is part of the author's healing process. I'd like to read this book to find out exactly what she passed through. Thanks for the review.

Josephe-Anne · Post by **Josephe-Anne** » 09 Jul 2021, 19:27

After years of surviving trauma and abuse, it's encouraging to see people trying to heal and share their stories.

Thank you for an excellent review.

smolbird · Post by **smolbird** » 11 Jul 2021, 05:19

Kanchan Sharma wrote: ↑01 Jul 2021, 02:03 A really touching story and heartbreaking content as per the review. Everyone should read it and try to learn to say no to the abuse or any wrongdoing. Definitely going to read it.

It's definitely heartbreaking. I'm sure it will be worth your time. Thank you for stopping by!

smolbird · Post by **smolbird** » 11 Jul 2021, 05:20

Ldpuff wrote: ↑01 Jul 2021, 07:10 What a great review! I was sad just reading your review, I imagine reading the book would be a challenge for me. It’s hard for me to read about neglectful parents. Being a teacher, I see it all of the time and I don’t want to also read about it. Thanks for a thorough review!

Thank you for the compliments and taking the time to leave a comment! It's definitely a difficult read, especially if you see it happening in person with no power to stop it.

smolbird · Post by **smolbird** » 11 Jul 2021, 05:21

Raluca_Mihaila wrote: ↑01 Jul 2021, 09:49 What an interesting and thought-provoking book! I would love to find out more about the Irish Tinkers and how the author managed to overcome the hardships in her life. Thank you for this brilliant review!

I found the Irish Tinkers fascinating as well. Although, in my opinion, it's nowhere for a child to be if the conditions are the same with the author. Thank you for your comment!

smolbird · Post by **smolbird** » 11 Jul 2021, 05:22

Ada Ling wrote: ↑01 Jul 2021, 11:59
Raluca_Mihaila wrote: ↑01 Jul 2021, 09:49 What an interesting and thought-provoking book! I would love to find out more about the Irish Tinkers and how the author managed to overcome the hardships in her life. Thank you for this brilliant review!
Agree that this is a brilliant review. A review with the strong emotions behind it. Hard to imagine the hardship the author experience when she was young. But I admire her encouragement and determination to open the scar and being helpful to the readers.

Thank you for your compliments and comment! The author is very brave to share her story.