Review of Finding My Freedom
Posted: 18 Jun 2021, 02:01
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Finding My Freedom" by Bridget Jones MBE.]
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
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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.
******
Finding My Freedom
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
