It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
They Stole My Innocence

They Stole My Innocence

The shocking true story of a young girl abused in a Jersey care home

Summary

'Lying in the prison of my bed, his dark silhouette closes in, a pillow in his hands. My throat tightens in fear…’

At the tender age of five, Madeleine was living a daily nightmare. In a dark, grey building on Jersey, she was just another orphan, defenceless and alone. She was also an easy target.

Unbeknownst to the outside world, the care home manager was abusing her, using her like she was his toy. “Say nothing, no one will believe a nasty little kid like you,” he’d whisper. Terrified, Madeleine would keep quiet. And, worse still, the home was selling the children to men who would inflict on them the worst possible abuse. No one cared.

This is Madeleine’s heart-breaking story and her fight to survive.

About the authors

Madeleine Vibert

Madeleine Vibert was taken into care when she was just a baby. She spent her early years in a crèche and her memories from that time are good ones. But that soon changed. At the tender age of five, Madeleine was transferred to Haut de La Garenne, the institution that made headlines just a few years ago. Madeleine was regularly abused under the home's care. When she was finally able to escape, she overcame her demons and married the love of her life and had two children.
Learn More

Toni Maguire

Toni Maguire has published four bestselling books, including two which covered her own story, Don't Tell Mummy and When Daddy Comes Home. Her success encouraged others who had kept their childhood secrets hidden to approach her and she has so far co-written seven memoirs. Toni lives in the UK and has lived in Ireland.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more