The Girl Behind the Gates

By: Brenda Davies

Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens

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

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)

Story of resilience

A horrific and moving story that I can’t forget. It took me back to my earlier years as a therapist working in the ward. We’ve certainly come a long way, thank God.

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.

Good and sad in every way

Like no other book I have ever read. Kept me intrigued the whole entire time.

Heartbreaking and rejoicing all in the same book

Excellent book. If you can get through the first part which is so difficult to hear because of it’s content the second half is a great reward.

excellent writing

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. it was very revealing and the pros was delightful. I will miss the book now that I'm finished.