The Girl Behind the Gates: The gripping, heart-breaking historical bestseller based on a true story

Brenda Davies

May 2020 · Sold by Hodder & Stoughton

About this ebook

'Wow! What a heartbreaking, breathtaking true story... oh my heart... Read it with tissues but an open heart' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I'm not sure how many times I had to set this book down because my crying eyes were useless for reading, but it was a lot... Ten very emotional stars! All the stars!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'There are no words! I had a hard time putting this book down. I am blown away by this true story... Soooooooo wonderful!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

1939. Seventeen-year-old Nora Jennings has spent her life secure in the certainty of a bright, happy future - until one night of passion has more catastrophic consequences than she ever could have anticipated. Labelled a moral defective and sectioned under the Mental Deficiency Act, she is forced to endure years of unspeakable cruelty at the hands of those who are supposed to care for her.

1981. When psychiatrist Janet Humphreys comes across Nora, heavily institutionalised and still living in the hospital more than forty years after her incarceration, she knows that she must be the one to help Nora rediscover what it is to live. But as she works to help Nora overcome her past, Janet realises she must finally face her own.

Based on a true story, this is a powerful novel of the strength of the human spirit, that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Perfect for fans of The Girl in the Letter and Philomena.

Readers love The Girl Behind The Gates:

'I have never been so emotionally touched by a book before and Nora you will stay in my heart long after finishing this story' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Wow is all I can say. This book is a tearjerker for sure. To know that it is based on a true story is even more heartbreaking... This is a beautiful story of healing... The characters are wonderful' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'It's been a very long time since I read a book that I couldn't put down. This was that book... I was hooked from the off... Would I recommend this book? A hundred times over' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A heartbreakingly emotional story with characters that grip you all through this book. I really felt for Nora and her life... Brilliant' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Beautifully and emotionally written it engages you from beginning to end. This is one if the best books I have read... The book everyone must read. It will stay with you forever' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book was SO good... This was a beautiful, heartwarming story of a woman who was once lost, but found again' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'What an amazing story based in truth. I can't believe things like this actually happened. This is the incredible story of how a woman overcame the most astonishing obstacles' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Praise for The Girl Behind The Gates:

'Compelling. Poignant... Heart wrenching. Just beautiful. Everyone needs to read this wonderful book' Renita D'Silva

'A haunting, heart-wrenching but ultimately heart-warming novel' Gill Thompson

'A powerful, emotional novel. I was moved to tears by the ending and will certainly not hesitate to recommend it' Jill Childs

'A powerful story of trust, compassion, healing - and the transforming power of love, that can give new life to a broken spirit' Sharon Maas

Ratings and reviews

It's an amazing book. Inspiring, uplifting and absolutely beautifully written. For Nora to overcome everything she endured is awe inspiring. I'm grateful and proud to of read her story. Every single person in it touches you in so many ways but leaves lasting strength love and joy. I absolutely recommend this book to everyone who likes a book that completely draws you in you won't be disappointed..

A promising future crashes into despair and cruelty when a young girl reaps the fury of the puritanical laws of her time. How she survives, then thrives, in the face of daunting circumstances is a story that will haunt the mind of every young woman, and mother. I dreaded coming to the last page, so engrossed i was in Nora's life.

a beautiful story of courage and the strength of the human spirit. Through love and compassion of others we can heal together

About the author

Dr Brenda Davies is Consultant Psychiatrist. She holds regular workshops around the world and includes many celebrities among her clients. Having been born and raised in County Durham, England, Brenda Davies now lives very happily in Wales. She spent many years living and working abroad, in Zambia, the USA, Germany and Rome. The Girl Behind the Gates is her first novel.