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Not a Proper Child

By: Elizabeth Sheppard, Nicky Nicholls
Narrated by: Julia Franklin
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Summary

The dark true story about the exceptional Nicky Nicholls and her struggle to survive a bleak and abusive young life.

Left as a newborn in a box outside Stoke City Football ground, her grandparents took her into their home. But instead of finding a sanctuary, Nicky was subjected to horrific sexual abuse throughout her childhood.

In 1951, when Nicky was six years old, her glamorous-looking estranged mother arrived on the doorstep to 'rescue' her. But Nicky's hopes of a safe and loving family were very soon smashed, and her world became darker still.

Now an internationally renowned London artist, hers is a compelling story, carried along by her rare spirit of survival against the odds. This audiobook details an extraordinary woman's rise from the horror of a deeply damaging childhood to a new, creative and independent life. Her story is one of hope, for herself and for other abused children.

©2018 Nicky Nicholls and Elizabeth Sheppard (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd
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What listeners say about Not a Proper Child

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Heartbreakingly Hard listen

So much trauma and cruelty broke my heart I cried my way through this book, I applaud the person who courageously spoke up & allowed this to be written so those people who have lived similar, know they are not alone.

I can’t really write anything because I don’t want to put spoilers out for people, who have yet to read it.

To the person whose life this was my heart is with you 💕

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Harrowing yet inspirational

Hard to hear a lot of the time. A system that is flawed but with some really good people trying their best. I think Nicky is an inspiration to survivors of abuse x

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2 people found this helpful

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A good read!

A bit disjointed in sections but a good read! Audible version is good to listen to.

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Amazingly written & narrated

An extremely harrowing story of abuse, trauma induced mental health difficulties & alcoholism. Brilliantly written and told. The narration really bought the people alive. I could not put this book down.

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wonderful

an amazing story i loved it from start to finish .and it was beautifully narrated .thank you for this amazing book .

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Honest

The narrator took some getting used to. I glad I didn't give up. This book moved me to tears. Thank you to the author for sharing and being so honest.

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Brutal story of survival

Difficult listening thinking how on earth a human can survive so much abuse and so sad that drink was her only release and means of survival. Thank god for kind people in this world who dedicate their lives to helping people like Nicky.

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1 person found this helpful

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Amazing story

What a tragic life and so many failings on care services. So pleased with the ending but sad that it came so late in life.

Extremely well narrated.

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Wonderful!

Powerful, sad & uplifting. Dog was a true hero! Incredible strength within these pages.

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heartbreaking story

this is a very heartbreaking story children should never have to deal with this abuse 😢

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1 person found this helpful