The Convent

The Shocking True Story of Surviving and Evil Nun's Care Home from Hell

By: Marie Hargreaves

Narrated by: Dorothy Lawrence

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

The Convent is the shocking true story of Marie Hargreaves, the girl who survived an evil nun’s care home from hell.

When a fancy car pulls up outside six-year-old Marie's home in 1959, her dad tells her she is going on holiday. But little does she know she will not see her home again for four long years. Her family cannot afford to keep her at home. Marie tells the story of how she was taken away from a poor but happy and loving home life to live in a convent - away from everyone and everything she holds dear. Her hair is bluntly chopped, her clothes are taken away and her name is changed. Then a horrific ritual of physical, sexual and mental abuse begins. Even after the convent closes, Marie is unable to share details of her suffering with anyone. But when a police investigation is launched, Marie realises that the time has come to tell the truth....

©2020 Marie Hargreaves (P)2020 W F Howes

Felt like I was there

I felt like I was there with Marie, I felt like I experienced everything and did. The writing was phenomenal and well thought out. I feel like at the end the writer gained closure with her life at the convent. Thank you Marie for writing this book and opening peoples eyes to what happens behind closed doors.

Heartache Forgiveness Surviving Thriving

First, the narration is fabulous! It felt like it was the author reading her own book and I didn’t realize it wasn’t until it ended and I checked. Second, few of us will experience or understand much of the horror, abuse, sorrow and heartache this woman experienced at numerous points over many years. She could and maybe should have been a bitter, angry, broken person. Yet, that’s not the path she chose. Third, and perhaps most important and impressive, she forgave all of her tormentors and others who badly let her down, which allowed her to move through, move on, and thrive, even in the face of more heartache in later years. That’s the takeaway. Her choices drastically affected her life and let her find the good that is always there somewhere. She should have become a bitter old woman. Instead, she chose love and forgiveness. Even though her worst tormentor never experienced earthly consequences for her horrific abuse of many young girls, nor knew she’d been graced with forgiveness though she never asked nor repented of her evil ways, that very choice by the author gave her the power over her life she lacked throughout her childhood. What must have been her most difficult choice, that of forgiveness, saved her from a life of hatred and bitterness, allowing her to find love and contentment. That’s a message that will resonate for many.

Powerful story of survival and courage

A story almost too sad to be entertaining but it’s so compelling it’s impossible to stop listening. The narrator is perfect and the courage in the main character is inspiring. Bravo to all survivors and especially to those like this one who has the ability to push thru the horror of abuse and to inspire others to forgive.

The Convent

A heartrending true story of rejection and pain without being overly sexually detailed. The clueless mother is who I hated most out of all the heinous characters in this story. Strength and the hope only a child can have, fuel survival in spite of the darkness found in a room without a window.

Great Book

So well told. Tragic and uplifting at the same time. Would definitely recommend for those who like memoirs.

Heartbreaking & Triumphant

What a story of trials and tribulations. I was screaming, angered and saddened at times and wanting to help that poor little girl. It was frustrating to see the lack of awareness of those around her on the outside. Then the ending was a reminder about how this life happens and how God can still bring us comfort within/outside of the storm and we can heal from our experiences.

Heart wrenching and engaging

trying to write this review with tears clouding my vision. The tragedy is so well written and engaging. I'm glad the author decided to share her story.

Loved it from beginning to end!

Loved the book and the narration.

Difficult story to listen to but so glad I did. I feel obliged to listen when people want to share their grief. So glad I did.

Heartbreaking

Great writing. Traumatic story. So much abuse in the Catholic Church and so many children traumatized. It makes me angry to think about and being raised Catholic I no longer see nuns and priests as elevated people. They must earn trust and respect like everyone else. Thank you to the author fur sharing her story. What a strong woman!

Sad story of Catholic Church abuse

I’m a recovering Catholic, my uncle, who raised me and my siblings was a bishop in the Catholic Church before his passing. I am furious and disgusted that so many children have suffered under the Catholic Church and it’s always covered up!