Mikela Fenech Pace,
Stolen Childhood
Jacqueline’s True Story
Kite Group, 2015.

Stolen Childhood is one of the most gripping and captivating books I have ever read. Spanning a 35-year period, it tells the harrowing true story of Jacky, a Welsh woman who fell in love with and married  Khairi, a Libyan. It vividly portrays the horrific events that unfolded during this time.

The book has a clear, well-developed plot and is divided into four sections. The first tells us of the daily struggles that Jacky faces to keep her marriage and four children together, while dealing with Khairi’s increasingly domineering character.  In the second part, Khairi paves the way for his children’s immersion into Libyan culture and suggests a trip to Libya. This changes Jacky’s life forever.

The third section reveals the torments and abuse that Jacky is put through in Libya, where Khairi’s behaviour has him take the children away from her.  “They are Libyan children and will never be yours again”. It is at this stage that Jacky’s relationship with Malta develops. The final part is all about Jacky’s long, agonising battle to be reunited with her children.

The book is written in the first person, from the perspective of Jacky, the main protagonist. Jacky’s voice, through the author, rings so clear and true, I feel I can relate to her and empathise with her as she regresses into a powerless mother, almost destroyed by her tyrannical husband.  “You are nothing. I decide everything.”

Fenech Pace uses many short, tight sentences with the right amount of dialogue, both of which add to the tension and anticipation of the story, as well as help bring Jacky’s emotions to life. Her descriptions are vivid and clear, immersing the reader into the thick of it. I could almost feel the intense, scorching heat and smell the terrible stench that emanated from the ship as the family survived the dreadful crossing to Libya.

Reference to Libyan culture and the political situation is accurate and authentic, which reflects the author’s deep insight into the topic

Reference to Libyan culture and the political situation is accurate and authentic, which reflects the author’s deep insight into the topic.  She also clearly highlights the cultural transformation in the children.

Jacky’s unsurmountable love for her children predominates throughout the book. Fenech Pace, through her writing style, clearly portrays the mixed emotions of love, hope and despair, as well as the infinite bond between mother and children. She particularly draws the reader into experiencing the intense emotions they shared, especially during Jacky’s visits to them in Libya, where they momentarily feel safely cocooned in their own world, oblivious to the harsh realities.

My favourite part of the book is definitely the final one – the heart-pounding, emotional journey where Jacky fights to reunite with her children. It is the main reason you would want to keep reading to find out the eventual outcome. This book is extremely absorbing, a definite page-turner.