Love as Always, Mum xxx: The true and terrible story of surviving a childhood with Fred and Rose West

I was very interested to read the other side of the story.The story of one of the West's victims, their own daughter , and what it was like to live in such a debauch and strange family setting .The book is very well written, and the victim's experience of their childhood and adult "relationship" with their mother is conveyed in an extremely honest and personal way.On reading the book it gives you a clear insight to the West household, and the stresses and strains of living within this dysfunctional family, as well as an insight into Rose and Fred West.These are not by any means normal parents. A great insight into the unhealthy mental, and manipulating personalities of these psychotic monsters .You can only have warmth , care and love , for the amazing children who have survived at the hands of these despicable "parents ".

I have read many books on Fred and Rose West, and this one was a quick and interesting read by their daughter, Mae West.Mae writes about her childhood at the West house and her struggles to detangle herself from the past. Told partly through a series of letters to Mae from her mother, Rose. They arrive from prison before and during her trial for multiple murders.This was an admirable read. Mae owes us nothing but is brave and inspiring in sharing her struggles. In addition, it is fascinating to read what the West's childhoods were like, though I understand that they differed for each child.It was lovely and enlightening to hear that, like all experiences, it was not all bad and that there were some happy memories and laughter at times.I found Mae's perceptions of her mother had changed a lot over time. Initially, she was supportive, realising how manipulative she actually is towards the end of her trial.I was heartbroken to hear that Mae had learnt of her father's death on the radio while driving instead of being told separately to the rest of the world. Despite what he had done and who he was, she deserved more than to hear it in that way.I really admire Mae for writing this candid story and being so brave. It's lovely to see her trying to overcome her past and give her children a good and happy life. She is trying to break destructive cycles, which is never easy.

Good read but a little repetitive

This sensitive book is clearly the result of decades of reflection. Vivid without being lurid, it shows what happens “afterwards” to the people who aren’t in the dock themselves, but are direct victims of the accused, stigmatised by their relationship with the accused and homeless as a result of the investigation and trial. It would never occur to most of us to blame Ms West and her siblings for anything, including their keeping in contact with their parents, but we might well wonder what has gone wrong with them as a result of their suffering. The answer, from this book, is impressively little. All of the children come across as normal, decent, healthy, hardworking, intelligent people dealing with a totally abnormal situation all their lives. It is sad, though not surprising, that the siblings’ relationships have been strained or lost for long periods in some cases. They must be the only people who can properly understand what each other has gone through by way of bereavement, shame, abuse and ambivalence and one senses a deep underlying connection. When their parents treated family relationships as disposable- not only by murder, but by refusal to engage with social services in relation to the younger children, by keeping those who had left the house separate from the children who were still there- it is deeply sad, although entirely understandable, to read of rifts and detachment among the survivors. The way in which all of them seem to have coped with their souls intact arouses deep respect.

Very insightful. You always think of F & R West. Never think of the children they had/have. This makes you think about it from another point of view. I wish Mae. Her siblings and Family all the best for the future. May you have lots of fun and laughter

Yeah it was an alright book. I wouldn’t read it again because to me it’s a one hit wonder but it was good enough to give it 3 stars.The book was overall alright but you don’t need to read this if you have watched a true crime documentary on Fred and Rose West.

Unimaginable what Mae West and her siblings went through. The unimaginable cruelty that her monster parents inflicted, couldn't wrap my head around it. The book I could not put down. Intense and sad but l luckily Mae got out of her horror. I'm happy she found peace with her family. Worth reading!

Gut geschrieben und interessant, die Vorkommnisse aus dieser Perspektive zu erleben. Der Autorin gelingt es durchaus den Leser zu fesseln und zumindest mich hat das Buch sehr zum grübeln gebracht.

Good book, very interesting to have the daughters story, the apparent stockholm syndrome, the borderline/sociopath behavior of the mother, etc. What resilience on the part of the children. Truly a horrifying case.

Muy bien escrita . Temática dura e intensa . Buen uso del lenguaje . Lo recomiendo . Útil para practicar mi reading

Mae, you and your co-authors have done a great job in telling a mostly bad story, very well. You should be proud of having the courage to tell your story and for getting on with the job of being your best self, despite the atrocious suffering you and your siblings experienced. Society is lucky to have people like you. You have a good heart, Mae. Bless you.