Hope

A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland

By: Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, Mary Jordan, Kevin Sullivan

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie, Marisol Ramirez, Arthur Morey

Two victims of the infamous Cleveland kidnapper share the story of their abductions, their decade in captivity, and their final, dramatic rescue

On May 6, 2013, Amanda Berry made headlines around the world when she fled a Cleveland area home and called 911, saying: “Help me, I’m Amanda Berry. . . . I’ve been kidnapped, and I’ve been missing for ten years.”

A horrifying story rapidly unfolded. Ariel Castro, a local school bus driver, had separately lured Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight to his home, where he kept them chained in the basement. In the decade that followed, the three were raped, psychologically abused, and threatened with death. Berry bore a child—Jocelyn—by their captor.

Drawing upon their recollections and the diaries they kept, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus describe a tale of unimaginable torment, and Pulitzer Prize–winning Washington Post reporters Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan interweave the events within Castro’s house with the ongoing efforts to find the missing girls.

The full story behind the headlines—including shocking information never previously released—Hope is a harrowing yet inspiring chronicle of three women whose courage, ingenuity, and resourcefulness ultimately delivered them back to their lives and families.

Read by Jorjeana Marie, Marisol Ramirez and Arthur Morey.

Critic reviews

Praise for Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland

“[C]ompulsively readable. . . . Berry and DeJesus’s memoir sections are startlingly illuminating—and genuinely inspiring. It’s astounding to read how the young women kept up their spirits and their hopes even while being held captive by a monstrously cold, self-pitying brute.”
—The Washington Post

“[A] breathtaking accomplishment. What could have been a record of two victims who endure the unendurable at the hands of a monster, is, instead, the story of two young and frightened girls as they come of age and, against all odds, come to an understanding of themselves and their tormenter. They emerge from the house on Seymour Avenue with an insight and compassion that many adults never grasp.”
—The Cleveland Plain Dealer

“Hope is riveting, chilling, powerful and unforgettable. From raw emotion to quiet determination, Berry and DeJesus show the world the strength of hope.”
—Deseret News

“The bravery and resolve that Berry and DeJesus convey in this well-crafted memoir is both astonishing and inspiring”
—Publishers Weekly

“[A] compelling chronicle of Berry and DeJesus' harrowing experiences in captivity, told in their own words and in a journal that Berry kept on scraps of paper . . . . A nuanced testament to the complexity of the human spirit.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Just Wow.

I remember watching their rescue on t.v. I remember thinking, "how sick does one person have to be to lock away 3 women for over a decade?" This book answers that question and more but puts into perspective the real horror experienced within that little house. Listening to how much abuse, rape, mental anguish and mind games really showed me the power of faith and fortitude. If these amazing women can do it, so can I. These women endured unspeakable treatment by a very mentally unstable man who desperately just wanted to be loved....but because his mind was so broken the only kind of love he knew was control, egotism and maltreatment speckled with sex addiction and pure slob. It is fascinating to hear the struggle Amanda faced with having a child with this broken man and loving him for giving her a beautiful child but hating him for everything he did. The jealousy when he raped the other girls was evident and I completely understand.

My only gripe is the downplay of Michelle. It felt like this book was written trying to erase Michelle entirely from the kidnapping. So much complaining about Michelle, hey she was a victim too. I don't know why the animosity towards Michelle but it was really tacky. She experienced everything Amanda and Gina did. She wanted to tell her story separate from Amanda and Gina. And the problem with that is? Don't passively bully her for her decision.

Much Respect

Thank you for sharing this unbelievable story of courage and hope. Mad respect for these 3 ladies. Narrators were excellent and helped me continue listening because of their calming voice in the wake of horrendous events. Otherwise, I don’t think I could have gotten through it!

Comprehensive story of a horrendous experience.

Told with grace and as much dignity as was possible. Continued blessings on the victims of this unforgettable story as the continue to live with “Hope”.

Amazing!

I absolutely loved this book. I was glued to my headphones the whole time. It is truly a story of horrific events ending in the best outcome possible.

Sad and Inspiring

These three young ladies are incredible. Their courage is inspiring and is a reminder to never give up on life. I do not know how they continued for so many long years, but I’m thankful that that did. They kept both their hope and their faith. May God bless them all.