“This real-life tale, as dramatic as any movie, of Stacey Lannert and her struggle to survive violent sexual assault and the devastating aftermath raises intense issues of crime, culpability and the nature of violence and families. It’s a devastating and important subject, beautifully told.”–Naomi WolfOn July 4, 1990, eighteen-year-old Stacey Lannert shot and killed her father, who had been … father, who had been sexually abusing her since she was eight. Missouri state law, a disbelieving prosecutor, and Stacey’s own fragile psyche conspired against her: She was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.
Redemption is Stacey’s candid memoir of her harrowing childhood and the pain and protective love of her sister that led her to that horrifying night. It is also an extraordinary portrait of what happened after she found herself in prison and how she grew determined to live positively, even triumphantly, despite her circumstances. Ultimately, and most profoundly, she learned the healing power of forgiveness.
After spending as many years in prison as she had out of it, on January 10, 2009, outgoing Missouri governor Matt Blunt commuted Stacey’s life sentence. Six days later she walked out of the gates a free woman. Redemption is the story of how Stacey learned to be free while living behind bars. It is a coming-of-age story set in a parallel universe of a maximum-security prison. And, it is a story of sisterhood, courage, and justice finally served.
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As I read, I found it hard to believe and even knowing it is a true story, it is painful to know that she is not the only one. And then the justice system did it all to her over again. I haven’t finished the book yet but it looks like she has finally found sunshine. She has the strength to do anything she wants and do it well.
This story will remain with me until I die. So powerful and such a powerful validation of women’s never ending persecution at the hands of those men who claim to love us.
This is not an easy book to read in terms of content, but it is a book that everyone should read because these secrets exist in families and have far-reaching ramifications that could impact all of us directly or indirectly. Don’t ignore topics that are difficult when they are someone’s reality. The author is an amazing woman.
Very good true story. I highly recommend that you read it.
It was so sad – how we as a society fail children. But kudos to her for coming out on the other side without the bitterness and anger that could’ve consumed her.
A sad situation for a child that overcame and became a successful woman in spite of the abuse. Would be a great book for anyone in the same situation.
I was inspired at how she overcame the life that was dealt to her.
It is a very good book and true story. Not for the faint of heart.
This book should be required reading for who cares about helping others. What an eye opener!
This book was hard to put down. So many emotions, so much pain for Stacey. But, surprisingly, Stacey grew to be such an incredible women. Through it all, she persevered and came through being able to forgive her offenders. She’s a better women than me, that’s for sure!
Eel written True story.
Redemption, the story of child abuse at the lowest level, was told truthfully but very graphic. It made me cringe but also helped me understand what physical abuse looks like. It also showed me how unfair our justice system is. I could not quit thinking about this story and all the injustices in one woman’s life. She becomes victorious over …
Sobering look of a mostly hidden problem in society.
My heart went out to the author! What a terrible childhood. She is an inspiration in how she coped with her own actions and those of her parents. This book provided an extremely insightful look at the compound complex emotions felt by someone abused by a loved one.
Eye opening
This book hit a false note with me. I don’t know why and others may find it more sympathetic than I did.
What a horrifying thing to happen to a little girl. I totally understood why she ended up doing what she did. My heart broke for her.
The reality of her life is heartbreaking, I hope it helps others in her situation
Story that needs to be told. You will cheer for her!
A very interesting perspective on the Church of Scientology from someone who was brought into it as a small child and , worse yet, related to the man who became the head of it after L. Ron Hubbard’s death.