The Girl Behind the Gates

By: Brenda Davies

Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens

Publisher's summary

A raw, heart-breaking yet ultimately uplifting novel about a young woman cut down in her prime, and of the woman who brings her back to life.

Top 10 Kindle best seller

1939. Seventeen-year-old Nora Jennings has spent her life secure in the certainty of a bright, happy future - until one night of passion has more catastrophic consequences than she ever could have anticipated. Labelled a moral defective and sectioned under the Mental Deficiency Act, she is forced to endure years of unspeakable cruelty at the hands of those who are supposed to care for her.

1981. When psychiatrist Janet Humphreys comes across Nora, heavily institutionalised and still living in the hospital more than 40 years after her incarceration, she knows that she must be the one to help Nora rediscover what it is to live. But as she works to help Nora overcome her past, Janet realises she must finally face her own.

Based on a true story, The Girl Behind the Gates is the raw, heart-breaking yet ultimately uplifting tale of a young woman cut down in her prime, and of the woman who finally brings her back to life, perfect for fans of The Girl in the Letter and Philomena.

©2020 Brenda Davies (P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

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Critic reviews

"Compelling. Poignant. Haunting. Heart wrenching. Just beautiful. Everyone needs to read this wonderful book." (Renita D'Silva, best-selling author of The Forgotten Daughter)

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5 out of 5 stars

By Linda Mazzeo on 06-19-22

Wonderful Story, I am so glad I read the reviews and downloaded it

A moving story telling the horrible beliefs and the actions of our forefathers, how tragic.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Kindle Customer on 09-01-22

Absolutely one of my best books .

Absolutely the best book I had the pleasure of listing to. It was so well read that I did not want it to be over. Thank you

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5 out of 5 stars

By Francesca on 08-22-23

Definitely a 5 Star Book

This story brought me to tears more than once. Painful to think of how so much was truthful. Narrator was excellent and brought this brilliantly written book to light life. Highly recommend 😊

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5 out of 5 stars

By Laura A. McGary on 04-06-21

Wow

What an amazing story of perseverance and strength. I enjoyed every bit of this book and the parallels between the two main characters. Truly inspiring!

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5 out of 5 stars

By teresa dattoli on 09-24-22

I don’t want you

I don’t want you to have to do that but I’m not going anywhere I just

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4 out of 5 stars

By Lambeaux on 02-02-23

Tough subject but well written

This book will tear your heart out. The characters were written with great depth. Although very sad, I enjoyed it.

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4 out of 5 stars

By Wendi on 07-21-21

Good story, but a little slow and boring

It wasn't too long ago when unwed pregnant teens were sent away to have their babies in unwed homes for mothers. This is the story of one such young girl who went to have her baby in the 30s but stayed in the home for over forty years. The story tells about her journey from life in captivity to going out into the real world.

The story is pretty heart wrenching at times but it's also long winded and gets rather repetitive and boring. It's worth the listen though, despite it's shortcomings.

-Wendi

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5 out of 5 stars

By Barbara Miercke on 03-04-22

Bravo

Very difficult subject matter. Written and performed brilliantly. Explores the depths of human cruelty and human resilience.

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5 out of 5 stars

By C.agüero on 06-04-23

Heartbreaking and heartwarming

Incredible true story. It shows human kind in all it’s colors. I adored this book.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Jswift on 11-17-22

Must read story with a tissue

Beautiful,sad , twisted story with victorious ending.I hung on to every chapter.. cried some tears of what she indured.

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