The true story of Donna Ford, who between the ages of five and eleven was abused by her stepmother Helen. Labelled 'the bastard', the 'little witch' and 'the evil one'; beaten , isolated and afraid to even look at her own reflection, this beautiful little child was told she was lucky to be the victim of abuse - abuse which began as physical and mental, but progressed to the most appalling sexual attacks. Despite an horrendous early life, Donna is now a successful artist and mother of three with an enormous enthusiasm and an optimism which completely belies her experiences. In 2003, Donna watched as her stepmother was found guilty of 'procuring a minor' for sexual abuse and sentenced to two years in prison. Beautifully written and savagely honest, "The Step Child" is Donna's story. It is an inspiring tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.

About the Author

Shortly after her birth in 1959, Donna Ford's mother left the family home for good. Despite the best efforts of her father he could not cope alone, and was forced to place her and her siblings in a Barnardo's home until he met Helen, who was to become Donna's stepmother. Today Donna Ford is a successful artist and mother of three. Linda Watson-Brown is an award-winning Scottish journalist.

Prizes

A Sunday Times bestseller in hardback: a savagely honest memoir of one girl's abuse at the hands of her stepmother