A FEW months ago, we interviewed Grays resident Sharon McGovern about her life as chronicled in her book “Afraid”. Although the book was written in 2008, it continues to resonate with many people. The book signings continue and next month Sharon will host a book reading at Corringham Library.
YourThurrock’s Sally Casey reviews Afraid
Suddenly, you have got to Chapter 11 and you pause for breath. You then reflect: “All this and we have got up to her sixteenth birthday.”
Sharon’s testimony of abuse, redemption and justice works because it is so well written. You can just imagine Sharon going through the experience. You know it goes on, you can see it reflected on television but the moving portraits painted by Sharon, desperate sad portraits of a whole childhood ripped apart by systematic abuse really hit home.
In many ways it depends where you are coming from. As a mother-of-two, seeing your own kids living carefree lives, Sharon was having to keep her horrendous world from everybody.
Sharon is no doubt the heroine and that is re-inforced if you ever have the pleasure of meeting Sharon. It is also re-inforced by the fact that justice triumphs in the end. Even at court, after her step-father was found guilty, she waited on the courtroom steps for the jury to come out. Then, Sharon handed each member a “Thank You” card. She would have done the same if he had been acquitted. The card was an apology to them for having to listen.
An inspirational woman, an inspirational read.
