Out of the Shadows by Anne Marie West Book Review

Out of the Shadows is a powerful and inspiring memoir by Anne Marie West. The book recounts West’s difficult journey as she confronts her past, heal from her trauma, and ultimately find love and hope in a new life. It is an incredible story of resilience and courage that everyone should read.

Click me to go to my Review

Synopsis

The poignant and horrifying life story of Anne Marie West, Fred West’s eldest daughter, brought up by Fred and Rose West until the age of 15, when she ran away from home. Anne’s mother and two sisters were murdered, but her story unfolds as one of hope and survival.

About The Author

Anne Marie West is the daughter of Fred West, the notorious serial killer involved with the ‘House of Horrors’ in Gloucester, alongside her step-mother, Rose West. She has written this book as a memoir and is working hard to move on from her tragic past and provide a good life for her children.

My Review

Anne Marie West is the eldest daughter of Fred West, daughter of his third victim, Rena Costello and half-sister of his or Rose West’s youngest victim, Charmaine West. She grew up in the house of horrors in Gloucester and was abused terrible by the pair.

The first part of the book is particularly gripping, as Anne Marie West lays out the details of her horrific childhood experience. She writes with raw honesty about how she was taken away from her mother, abused by multiple people throughout her childhood, and eventually escaped at fifteen. Despite all this trauma, Anne Marie somehow finds it in herself to retain hope and love for those around her.

The second half of Out of the Shadows follows Anne Marie’s transition into adulthood as she confronts her abusers, learns to trust again, and eventually finds happiness in a new life. This section of the book is particularly inspiring as we see Anne Marie reclaim control over her own story and build a better future for herself. It’s an incredible demonstration of strength and courage that will leave readers feeling motivated to conquer their own struggles.

Anne Marie’s writing style is simple yet effective; it does not attempt to be flashy or overly poetic but rather captures the reader’s attention with its straightforwardness and sincerity. There are some points where the pacing feels slightly rushed – especially during the initial recounting of events – but overall, this serves to make the narrative even more powerful as we feel swept up in Anna Marie’s intense emotions during these moments. It also must have been terribly difficult to put down on paper having had to relive her horrors.

I felt the writing improved in the second half of the book, Anne Marie West appears to have calmed herself and seems more confident and surer of herself as she expresses how her life has been since leaving home and her first husband. She is now building a new life with her best friend (her partner) and her two children.

As this book is now getting older (and more difficult to find a copy of that doesn’t cost a fortune!) I wonder how Anne Marie West is getting on with things now and how her life continues to improve.

All in all, Out of the Shadows by Anne Marie West is an incredibly thought-provoking read that will leave you inspired and motivated by its message of resilience and courage in spite of overwhelming odds. The honest yet hopeful tone creates an intimate connection between writer and reader that makes this book impossible to put down until you reach its final page. If you’re looking for a powerful read full of grit, determination, love, and hope then look no further than Out Of The Shadows!

Rated