Unloved [Paperback]

Somehow, amazingly, despite terrible abuse in his own home, against all odds, a little child manages to grow up. And we get to read his or her story, because of an incredible survival.

Somehow, amazingly, when that person was still a little, defenseless child, a school teacher or someone belonging to institutions aimed to protect the weak, turned a blind eye (to say the least).

Somehow, amazingly, the particular child in this autobiography was even part of a "study" about the poor in London at the time (1960s). The NSPCC got involved. Pictures were taken by one of the most famous photographers in the world and his entourage for fund-raising purposes. A noble and respectable intent, aimed to help other children like him.

But. Somehow, amazingly, nothing changed for this particular baby, Peter Roche, nor for his siblings. Nothing. Granted that his image was utilized to help others, how could he himself (or his siblings) be forgotten?

This book will make you swallow twice and stare into space reading the atrocities Peter had to go through, along with his numerous siblings, at the hands of their parents. And not only.

The photograph on the book cover speaks for itself. The book begins and ends with it. As hard as I try to take into consideration certain aspects of this story, which could "explain", marginally, the lack of action by the authorities or institutions aware of the Roche family (such as the historic frame at the time -1960s- things have certainly changed for the better these days), I still think there are no valid excuses. It is incredible that not even an attempt was made to help out. The "explanations" Peter was given as he discovered this picture of himself decades later sound lame to say the least.

Still. Peter was able to tell his side of the story and to come to terms with his past. I truly hope that the photograph of himself, which has helped many others in the past and moved the public, is now deservingly serving its purpose to Peter himself and hopefully to other neglected, abused children.

This is a very well written book! I couldn't put it down, I found myself reading until the wee hours of the morning. It is a very detailed and graphic description of severe child abuse and how this family (like many others) fell through the cracks of "the system" My family used to take in foster children and even though I know that most of the children we looked after were not from nearly as dire a situation as this child, it makes me grateful that we were able to help out a few of these children. It is just very unsettling to know that so many children in such horrible situations never get any help at all. Also, completely shocking and miraculous is that this child survived to adulthood and was able to share his unbelievable, heartwrenching story! Highly recommended! (but have a box of Kleenex near by)

My heart goes out to Peter, a very brave man to write this book. It was a hard read but I'm glad I did. The photo of him as a little toddler breaks my heart, i wish I could pick him up and take care of him. What his parents and other adults did to him was so horrible. The agency just used him and left him behind. So we should all read this book and look out for all the little Peters in the world, make sure no child is left behind and forgotten.