Peter Roche, Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood Reviews
Latest Reviews
“chlldhood”
Written on: 29/09/2012 by salsal
i have just this minute finished reading this book, i have read many like this 1, about abuse, strange tho why i do like reading these books, as i and my siblings didnt have a great upbringing, my mum was fantastic, but my dad was an alcoholic, and was very abusive to my mum, and us lot, but she never left him, i too was an alcoholic at the age of 13, i had my daughter wen i was 18, and i dnt like 2 admit it, but i wasnt a great parent, she ended up living with my mum when she was 14, i just... (read more)
“Unloved very emotional and disturbing.”
Written on: 11/03/2012 by Emsie
I have just finished this book, my friend brought it for me on wednesday and i finished it today. I was dubious about reading it has i suffer with depression and new it would have some affect on me and may affect my mood more. But because i am a avid reader the temptation was to much. This book is so awful all the way through, how Peter and his siblings were treated is absouletly disgusting. I all got to me but the parts were he constantly wet himself and had to sleep on the floor because is... (read more)
“This is very moving book which genuinely made me...”
Written on: 29/07/2011 by tweeedypie (7 reviews written)
This is very moving book which genuinely made me cry. Peter's childhood was very though and it's very sad to know that his parents didn't treat him well. I have becoming very interested in all different aspects of his life. (read more)
“What an amazing story of courage and of survival....”
Written on: 12/04/2011
What an amazing story of courage and of survival. Everyone who feels they have been hard done by in any form should read this book. Peter should you ever read this comment...you should be proud and hold your head high for surviving life and all it has dealt you. A brilliant and moving book that moved me to tears and made me wish I could go out and find that little boy and scoop him up and love him better. (read more)
“PETER ROCHE THE STORY OF A STOLEN CHILDHOOD. I...”
Written on: 09/03/2011
PETER ROCHE THE STORY OF A STOLEN CHILDHOOD. I couldn't put this book down from the moment i picked it up, i almost felt like i was there right beside him. I have total respect and admiration for peter coping with the most horrific life he went through. The one thing i found though was the fact that i was still looking for some answers and wondering what he looked like now. (read more)
“This book made me cry and can't understand how a mum...”
Written on: 05/11/2010 by janette1201 (1 review written)
This book made me cry and can't understand how a mum and dad could treat thier child like they did with Peter. What Peter did at the end in the hospital was sooo right. What right did his mam have to speak to him like that on his death bed. He did right by walking away. I read this book in 2 days as I couldn't put i down. Everyone should read this book. (read more)
“I have had this book for a few years in my camper, but...”
Written on: 14/08/2010
I have had this book for a few years in my camper, but have never had chance to read as I have three young children to watch all the time and have never had chance. This last holiday I started it and got totally hooked, I thought it was so sad near the end where Peter discovered the photo of himself on the wall of Mrs Els, I cried. If I was to criticise I would say it was slightly slow to start but I not sure why maybe it was slightly repetative? It also made me want to see a photo of... (read more)
“This book made me realise just how lucky i am to have...”
Written on: 13/08/2010
This book made me realise just how lucky i am to have been raised in a far better way than what peter was, this book reduced me to tears when i finished it, i am proud of peter for being able to turn his life around after being treated in a terrible way by so called parents and brothers, his children should be proud of their father, and he should be proud of himself for coping with all that torment, but in the end he has fantastic children, and a lovely wife - their is only one word to... (read more)
“i have just finished reading unloved it was hard to...”
Written on: 21/05/2010 by kerry larner (1 review written)
i have just finished reading unloved it was hard to beleive a child growing up same time as i was had such a hard life , i know relise how lucky i was to grow up with 5 sisters and loving parents . I was please peter got given a chance and was able to turn his life around for himself and children good luck peter and family for the future (read more)
“Great book, what an insight into a world of a child...”
Written on: 30/03/2010 by nat44 (1 review written)
Great book, what an insight into a world of a child who took so much from so called parents and siblings.
His children should be so proud of him.
Proof to all, that no matter how you are brought up there is always a way out and people there who can love and help you.
Its just horrible to think that someone can treat a human in this way, and it has even made me look at my little one and hug him tight knowing that he is loved, but somewhere out there, there is another little child who may be...
(read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 59 Reviews
“ PETER ROCHE UNLOVED ”
Written on: 19/03/2010
PETER ROCHE UNLOVED
This book made me cry so much i was heartbroken while reading it yet i couldnt put it down compulsive reading definately it makes you wonder just how many more are ill treated behind closed doors for years through out their childhood Peter suffered in silence and survived to write about it all my heart goes out to him now ive found the album cover with Peters photograph taken by Lord Snowden on the front there it was in my dads house but the record is missing from it...
(read more)
“Excellent book, very sad and it is impossible to put...”
Written on: 19/02/2010 by carmen118 (1 review written)
Excellent book, very sad and it is impossible to put down as soon as you start reading it. I finished this book in one day and a half (and I go to school full time and I also have 2 kids) I found the time to finish it because it is very good. (read more)
“i would recommend this book to friends and family. i...”
Written on: 12/08/2009
i would recommend this book to friends and family. i enjoyed Unloved: the Story of a Stolen Childhood very much its a of hartwarming book when i picked it up and started to read i didnt want to put it back bown i really enjoyed it that much that i could easily sit down and read this book again! (read more)
“It kinda has a WOW factor about it. "Unloved The Story...”
Written on: 10/04/2009
It kinda has a WOW factor about it. "Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood" certainly made me feel differently about a lot of things in my own life. I have every bit of respect for this hero Peter Croche. X Loved this book and still cant stop thinking about him. I feel as though i need more answers from him about certain things he went through. (read more)
“Once i started reading Unloved The Story Of a Stolen...”
Written on: 01/04/2009
Once i started reading Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood i couldnt put it down it is one of the best books i have read. It is sad to see how some children were treated like growing up but at least Peter Roche has come a long way and can tell everyone what his childhoos was like (read more)
“Peter Roche, Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood,...”
Written on: 02/03/2009 by Sylvia Hayes (1 review written)
Peter Roche, Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood, although unsophisticated, is unforgettable reading.I found it difficult to put the book down. Writing it must have been a catharsis for Mr Roche. I admire him for being able to put that life behind him and start anew. The photograph taken by Lord Snowdon is unforgettable and I agree that some royalties should be paid to the writer. I would like to hear his brothers or sisters side of the story. (read more)
“Peter Roche tells his story, Unloved The Story Of a...”
Written on: 20/02/2009
Peter Roche tells his story, Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood, with such conviction that you can almost feel you are with him as he is growing up. It is a heart wrenching story that has truly touched my heart in a way no other book has. (read more)
“Peter Roche, Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood -...”
Written on: 19/01/2009 by danica87
Peter Roche, Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood - This book is an inspiration to all adults who faced childhood abuse. I finished the book with such empathy for Mr Roche and his family. A heartwarming story of success over hardship. (read more)
“A frank and brave account of a very sad and difficult...”
Written on: 01/01/2009 by allied154
A frank and brave account of a very sad and difficult existance. A prime example of how even the worst situations cannot crush human spirit, this man had empathy for others who made his life a living hell all credit to him for turning his life around and breaking the cycle with his own kids. A must read. (read more)
“This is a shocking and well penned story about a small...”
Written on: 02/10/2008 by shaylee
This is a shocking and well penned story about a small child like who's life was an utter nightmare. Yet insult is added to injury in by Lord Snowdon and the NSPCC who used images taken of the boy for their own gains. Even today Peter does not receive any royalties or benefits from the famous photograph taken of him. Un-put-downable from start to finish. (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 59 Reviews
“I just didn't believe most of the book, I think it's...”
Written on: 01/10/2008
I just didn't believe most of the book, I think it's over done. Not recommended. (read more)
Otterpool's Comment
Written on: 31/12/2008
I could not disagree more with your review. This is one of the best written and most important accounts of neglect I have read. Also I have yet to see it in hardback so just think you are being deliberately unhelpful for some reason.
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433491_Danica87's Comment
Written on: 19/01/2009
This book is an inspiration to many people, to say that it's overdone is totally wrong in my opinion!
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“This is book that everyone should read it makes you...”
Written on: 21/09/2008 by book worm (1 review written)
This is book that everyone should read it makes you truly understand that you can't let the bad things in life bring you down because if you do you're the one who suffers. It also shows doesn't matter if you didn't get any love it doesn't mean you can't love others and I also think it shows understanding for the people on the streets which I see as riff raff. (read more)
“Overall, i personally think that this book was very...”
Written on: 13/09/2008 by XxXcatherineXxX (1 review written)
Overall, i personally think that this book was very good and i could read it over and over again. It's a very sad story and I'm happy he's found happiness at the end and never gave up and just went with his old mates to take herion and go joyriding. (read more)
“Although the book ended with him feeling happier with...”
Written on: 02/09/2008
Although the book ended with him feeling happier with kids and a decent wife, I still felt sad to think that any person out there could have that much sadness and wrong done to them. To top it off with his parents gone the treatment he had from his ex-wife and brother could not satisfy me even at the end, because I know that I probably couldn't do what Pete did, to live on and do better for himself, I would give up which is why I was so touched with admiration for such an amazing man to even... (read more)
“To be honest i am not one for reading, but this book...”
Written on: 27/08/2008
To be honest i am not one for reading, but this book was being passed round work. So I thought why not. Well i could not put the book down, as much as it brought tears to my eyes at part's, I wanted to get to the end. I am very happy that Peter has his own family. I bet he is a brilliant dad. I have now passed the book to my boss who hasn't stopped reading it yet. Best book I've read. (read more)
“I loved the book but didn't finish it, lost it on...”
Written on: 24/08/2008 by natzbambs
I loved the book but didn't finish it, lost it on chapter 16 :(. (read more)
“I felt 'Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood' was...”
Written on: 18/08/2008
I felt 'Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood' was well written as it mede me feel that I was there. I am really glad you have become a great father. Keep it up. (read more)
“This book made me cry! peters parents needed help but...”
Written on: 17/08/2008
This book made me cry! peters parents needed help but at the end of the day no child deserves what he got. The poor man has those horrid pictures from his past in his head all the time. What a waste of a childhood. I thought i had a bad life untill i read this book. It really touched me. (read more)
“Peter has wrote the book with a lot of courage, maybe...”
Written on: 16/08/2008
Peter has wrote the book with a lot of courage, maybe his way of overcoming some of the pain he has suffered, he is a great man and i would be so proud to call him my dad. Through out the books he speaks about his life with honesty and that whats makes it such a greaat read, he has opened up to any one willing to hear story the bad bits and the unbeliveable parts of his stolen childhood.
A great read one of the best and most touching i have read, so great i will be reading it again!
(read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 59 Reviews
“Peter Roche, Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood...”
Written on: 12/06/2008
Peter Roche, Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood is AWESOME. It makes you want to keep reading. (read more)
“The picture on the cover says it all........ I'm...”
Written on: 11/06/2008 by Carmel Wood
The picture on the cover says it all........ I'm almost tempted to buy a limited edition copy of the photograph which is priced at £2000, but if I had that kind of money, I know I should give it to the NSPCC.
I can understand how Peter felt so let down when his picture probably brought in millions in donations to the NSPCC, yet he was never one of the children to be 'saved'. I just hope he has learned to live with his nightmares and can live a relatively 'normal' life now...
(read more)
“The book is lovely but I wished peter never went...”
Written on: 11/06/2008 by megmeral
The book is lovely but I wished peter never went through that rough time and hope noone does.
People should protect and love their family, not hurt and damage them.
(read more)
“This book made me hate his parent and brothers even...”
Written on: 18/05/2008
This book made me hate his parent and brothers even though he didnt, (read more)
“Peter Roche, Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood...”
Written on: 25/04/2008
Peter Roche, Unloved The Story Of a Stolen Childhood was very moving, it makes you wonder how many slip through the net even today. When reading the book I had to keep reminding my self of the period that this was happening. I kept visulising Dickensian times. I cant even being to imagine what it feels like to be turned away by family and not to have a warm bed and hugs and kisses before bed. A truly astonishing book that is hard to put down as you are spurred on by the thought that this has... (read more)
“This book is about survival, i read this book and i...”
Written on: 13/04/2008
This book is about survival, i read this book and i give my upmost respect to peter, what he had to deal with and how he got through it. Pete Roche is an amazing person. not only did hehave to suffer abe from his parents he had to get it from his brothers aswell and bullies at school. (read more)
“What an amazing person Peter Roche is. To overcome...”
Written on: 28/03/2008 by Ellie33 (1 review written)
What an amazing person Peter Roche is. To overcome such trauma, be able to talk about it, and still be alive to tell the tale.What courage and determination you have! An inspirational read. Sad to believe this actually happened and heartbreaking to imagine what must have gone through his mind with such a traumatic childhood. I too, believe Miss Zils had the picture on her wall all those years Peter ,because she did care about you. I also look at that picture and care about you too....not... (read more)
“Nobody believes that these types of families exist....”
Written on: 24/02/2008
Nobody believes that these types of families exist. Reading this book validated some of the suffering that I myself experienced at the hand of parental figures in my own family. I too have suffered mental illness most of my adult life, and I have found it a struggle to succeed. Thank you for your openness and letting me into your past as it has helped me reconcile with aspect of mine. (read more)
“A very sad tale of a horrible childhood and the...”
Written on: 17/02/2008
A very sad tale of a horrible childhood and the picture on the cover of the book will forever be in my mind.It is nothing short of a miracle that Peter survived and I know that there was a plan for him so he could tell his story and teach us how NOT to rear our children. Children are a gift and one day we will all have to answer as to what we have done with those precious gifts. (read more)
“Was crying throughout this book to know that some...”
Written on: 15/02/2008 by dondons
Was crying throughout this book to know that some people could do this to anyone. It beggers belief that this still goes on in this day and age.would love to meet him, not out of morbid type curiosity but just to tell him how proud i feel that he's overcome some major hardships and come out the other side. with a fantastic supportive wife and children be proud xxx (read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 59 Reviews
“I have read many True Stories, Peters events are...”
Written on: 14/02/2008 by jackieb999 (1 review written)
I have read many True Stories, Peters events are truely horrific and how this man has come through the otherside is amazing. (read more)
“this book is moving and i am of similar age i grew up...”
Written on: 26/01/2008
this book is moving and i am of similar age i grew up one of six children with only our dad to bring us up, reading this story has made me realise my childhood was really not so bad. i wish the author all the best in the world for him and his family. (read more)
“I loved reading this book, couldn't put it down. I...”
Written on: 15/01/2008
I loved reading this book, couldn't put it down. I admire how he spoke about his life, even though it may have been bad memories for him. really good book, I would recommend it to anyone. (read more)
“this is a very sad story but it needs to be told. We...”
Written on: 09/01/2008 by annamurtaugh
this is a very sad story but it needs to be told. We need to be aware of what some people have experienced, and i believe education is the key... the author just tells the facts. He doesn't waffle to irrelevant points like the sky was blue, etc which keeps the book interesting. (read more)
“A truly remarkable and eye-opening account; I was...”
Written on: 09/01/2008
A truly remarkable and eye-opening account; I was drawn in entirely to Peter's early life and could not put the book down. It is tragic what people take for granted, when there is so much unnecessary suffering in this world and hard to believe how cruel people of responsibility can be. Thank you for sharing your experience. Great luck in the future. (read more)
“I would very much like to meet Peter, it is very sad...”
Written on: 05/01/2008 by daralyn
I would very much like to meet Peter, it is very sad to think that parents could treat a child like they did, I couldn't put the book down. (read more)
“I could fully relate to Peter's story, we are the same...”
Written on: 31/12/2007
I could fully relate to Peter's story, we are the same age and I too was an unloved child but was taken into care by the time I was 6 years of age due to the same neglect as Peter. I could not stop crying when I had read this book. Like Peter I have had to go back to the beginining of my childhood to understand my confused feelings and repressed emotions, not being loved and unable to love anyone back. I wish Peter all the peace that he so much derserves and hope that he can now move... (read more)
“When i read the first part of the book and found out...”
Written on: 27/12/2007 by 3ley
When i read the first part of the book and found out that the boy on the cover was really peter i felt like crying,its so sad to see someone so helpless and the look of sorrow in that toddlers eyes..i wanted to pick him up so badly.I admire peter Roche for having survived a childhood like his and i really really hope that he is living a happy life now. This is a wonderful book if u want to know how badly some people suffer in this world. (read more)
“A very very moving story. I also had to keep looking...”
Written on: 11/12/2007
A very very moving story. I also had to keep looking at the photo to remind myself that it was really him and not a made up photo. I also had to remind myself that it ws all so recent not some victorian tale. It is a book I will never forget and I keep looking at my 4 young sons and trying to imagine some of Peter's physical and emotional pain. I know that is impossible but Peter wherever you are you are amazing and I cant believe you survived. Hope life continues to treat you well from now... (read more)
“I loved this book from start to finish. Every so often...”
Written on: 29/11/2007 by zara198522 (1 review written)
I loved this book from start to finish. Every so often I couldn't help but look at the photograph on the cover. It's true what they say "a picture speaks a thousand words". (read more)
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Megerjam's Comment
Written on: 13/11/2008
I totally disagree with your review. Moreover, the book has never been published as a hardcover... makes me wonder....