Stolen Innocence: The True-life Terror I Experienced as a Child

Elaine Carole
Infinity Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780741439178
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/07)


Elaine Carole was only seven-years old when her adopted father, Paul Carole, the man she trusted, the man that should have been her protector, raped her for the first time.  The abuse continued for ten years.  Her mother never suspected the life of terror her daughter lived each day.  As with many victims, Elaine Carole blamed herself.  She felt guilty and feared for her brother and mother.  Courageously Elaine relives the nightmare of molestation, rape, and cruelty in hopes of saving others.  Even as an adult she kept the sexual molestation a secret from everyone until Sergeant Chris Long asked to interview her concerning charges against her stepfather stemming from accusations of a child in his neighborhood.  After soul-searching, she knew she had to tell the horror of her childhood so that Paul Carole could be prevented from harming another child. 

This book had to be written.  Elaine Carole pluckily tells her story of sexual mistreatment at the hands of her father.  She hopes to educate and help others.  This was not an easy story to examine; I am sure it was even more painful to write.  Elaine’s story brings out the reader’s emotions.  I found myself in tears several times, as I hurt for the child that was a victim.  I found myself cheering as Elaine triumphed over her past.  I respect her bravery in reliving her painful memories, to help others.  I rejoiced to read how Elaine grew from prey to a conquering advocate for victims.  I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting.  Ms. Carole is a talented author adept at sharing her passion and memories.  I highly recommend “Stolen Innocence,” by Elaine Carole, to parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  I recommend this book to everyone, for we should all be aware of the reality of sexual abuse.  Thank you, Elaine Carole, for your courageous story.

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