Scarred: She was a slave to her father. Pain was her only escape.

· Sold by Hodder & Stoughton
84 reviews
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336
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About this ebook

The shocking story of how exceptionally violent abuse turned one girl to desperate self-harm before turning her life around.

Growing up, Sophie carried a terrible secret. She was her father's slave, in the most horrific ways imaginable. At just a few months old she was adopted by a couple that seemed comfortably well off and perfectly respectable to the outside world. But behind closed doors, Sophie's childhood was a living hell.

Her father spent the next decade grooming her for abuse and when Sophie's mother left for good, that very night, he told Sophie that from now on she would sleep in his bed. Unable to cope, Sophie spiralled into suicidal misery. She began to self-harm to try and escape the agony. But one day she went too far and at 16, ended up in a psychiatric unit. It was here that she finally confronted the horrors of home and began the painful journey of rebuilding her life. A phenomenally courageous woman, Sophie now works for the Samaritans and helps other young people in need.

Harrowing yet compelling, this is a searing and truly inspirational account of overcoming the worst abuse and self-harm.

The shocking story of how exceptionally violent abuse turned one girl to desperate self-harm before turning her life around. Growing up, Sophie carried a terrible secret. She was her father's slave, in the most horrific ways imaginable. At just a few months old she was adopted by a couple that se...

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Ratings and reviews

84 reviews
Brenna Phillips
April 21, 2026
This is a really good and beautiful book. I am so sorry that this happened to you but your not alone in this world 🌎. I was a victim of Child Abuse and I am struggling to be better. But you fought and won. Congratulations to moving on.
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Wanda Wildrick
November 15, 2025
This truly brings to life the stories of those suffering mental health issues from early life experiences. Some are born with conditions, but others acquire them from life. Many live their lives never being aware that these horrid experiences do happen. As one who experienced situations, and lost others to suicide, drug overdose, mental illness related issues, I felt so good reading the true story of doom as she fought for her being and to be worth love, and then watching her climb slowly out of the pits to the heights of helping others. This is a must read.
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Neelum Purba
February 21, 2016
A very hard read..I had to put it down a couple of times.. and this was my second time reading it.. hard to imagine the abuse some children have to endure...yet overcome. SOPHIE.. I have two adopted children that i love more than life.. I have had both from newborn.. I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers..
2 people found this review helpful
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About the author

Sophie Andrews now lives happily in London and is the Chief Executive of The Silver Line, a 24-hour helpline for senior citizens in the UK. Sophie served as National Chair of Samaritans between 2008-2011 and was subsequently recognised as Voluntary Sector Achiever of the Year in the Women in Public Life Awards.
Sophie Andrews now lives happily in London and is the Chief Executive of The Silver Line, a 24-hour helpline for senior citizens in the UK. Sophie served as National Chair of Samaritans between 2008-2011 and was subsequently recognised as Voluntary Sector Achiever of the Year in the Women in Publ...

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