I have read a lot of books on the West family, whether by the West family or by third parties and this was the most difficult to read at the start.
None of the books are easy reading based on content, however I have always been interested in the psychological affect on the children and what on earth made Fred and Rose how they were. Whether it be Fred’s head injuries or the abuse that Rose herself suffered. If either were contributing factors they just exasperated the evil nature that already existed within both.
I have such sympathy for the children as their parents caused them the most horrendous pain, trauma and humiliation. Some of them overcame this and went on to live normal lives and become amazing parents, some suffered and succumbed to the trauma.
Some shared an open honest view with a well rounded view of life despite the misery and abuse.
Then there is Anne Marie. One thing from this book that made it difficult to want to read is what would appeared to be a classic case of narcissistic personality disorder. However as I got into the book I realised I was wrong and there was reasons behind the rift with her siblings.
Anne Marie went through a particularly rough time. It seemed initially that there may have been jealousy, maybe a lack of lack of empathy and disassociation when it comes to her siblings. But reading further Anne Marie it would seem was isolated and treated differently and was even treated unfairly on occasion by her own siblings.
I wouldn’t wish her life on anyone, but I am truly glad she she found happiness.
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Anne Marie West is the eldest daughter of Fred West, daughter of his third victim, Rena Costello and half-sister of his or Rose West’s youngest victim, Charmaine West. She grew up in the house of horrors in Gloucester and was abused terrible by the pair.The first part of the book is particularly gripping, as Anne Marie West lays out the details of her horrific childhood experience. She writes with raw honesty about how she was taken away from her mother, abused by multiple people throughout her childhood, and eventually escaped at fifteen. Despite all this trauma, Anne Marie somehow finds it in herself to retain hope and love for those around her.The second half of Out of the Shadows follows Anne Marie’s transition into adulthood as she confronts her abusers, learns to trust again, and eventually finds happiness in a new life. This section of the book is particularly inspiring as we see Anne Marie reclaim control over her own story and build a better future for herself. It’s an incredible demonstration of strength and courage that will leave readers feeling motivated to conquer their own struggles.Anne Marie’s writing style is simple yet effective; it does not attempt to be flashy or overly poetic but rather captures the reader’s attention with its straightforwardness and sincerity. There are some points where the pacing feels slightly rushed – especially during the initial recounting of events – but overall, this serves to make the narrative even more powerful as we feel swept up in Anna Marie’s intense emotions during these moments. It also must have been terribly difficult to put down on paper having had to relive her horrors.I felt the writing improved in the second half of the book, Anne Marie West appears to have calmed herself and seems more confident and surer of herself as she expresses how her life has been since leaving home and her first husband. She is now building a new life with her best friend (her partner) and her two children.As this book is now getting older (and more difficult to find a copy of that doesn’t cost a fortune!) I wonder how Anne Marie West is getting on with things now and how her life continues to improve.All in all, Out of the Shadows by Anne Marie West is an incredibly thought-provoking read that will leave you inspired and motivated by its message of resilience and courage in spite of overwhelming odds. The honest yet hopeful tone creates an intimate connection between writer and reader that makes this book impossible to put down until you reach its final page. If you're looking for a powerful read full of grit, determination, love, and hope then look no further than Out Of The Shadows!
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