I have a vague notion of reading this book a long time ago, but it could be familiar because of the documentaries I have seen about the West family. With details of the ordeal the two of them went through throughout and after the time living with their parents, it can be rather harrowing in places. Together the two parents showed absolutely no self-control, but dominated the household through fear and severe punishment.

Inside 25 Cromwell Street reads initially as excerpts from interviews of two of Fred and Rose West's children, later shifting into what seems to be journal entries during the trial of Rose West, followed by a comprehensive timeline of events and examples of letters written to the authors from their parents in jail. Although the children were unaware of the murders going on, life at 25 Cromwell Street was certainly not wholesome or typical in any way. The authors also describe how the police investigation unfolded and how the Wests were eventually caught. It’s an emotionally-devastating section, with both kids feeling torn by their love for their mother and their deep-knowledge that she must be punished for what she did.Seller has stated it will dispatch the item within 1 working day upon receipt of cleared payment - opens in a new window or tab . In conclusion, Inside 25 Cromwell Street is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. Mae is very loyal to her mum but admits her childhood was unusual , very strict and she had to put up with her fathers talk of sex. One heartbreaking comment from Stephen (among many) seems to sum up the tragedy of these kids - when normal kids were being tucked up in bed by their parents, they were being "tied" to their beds. Based on the horrific crimes committed by Fred and Rosemary West in Gloucester, England, this book is a chilling and unforgettable account of what happened inside the notorious house on Cromwell Street.

By the time the reader has gone through these painful memories of escalating torment, it’s around the halfway mark of the book, and from the bitterness of the latter chapters in the first section, the second section of the book commences; detailing the time after discovering Heather’s body, during Fred West’s arrest and his subsequent suicide. Their sister, Heather, was 16 when her parents murdered her after she tried to escape – then buried her in the garden. Fred had told Mae that it was his father who had taught him that it was a father’s duty to ‘break in’ his daughters.

The authors describe in harrowing detail how Fred and Rose lured young women to their home, subjected them to unimaginable torture and abuse, and then killed them. The book then concludes with a second Appendix publishing many of the letters that Fred and Rosemary West sent Stephen and Mae from prison (which makes for some surreal reading to say the least). Since the book was written in 1995, it follows the investigation up until then, which was when Fred and Rose West had both been charged, through Fred’s suicide and Rose’s trial. Written by their children, who were no doubt in the house during some of their more hideous crimes, adds a personal touch which adds more depth to the book and makes a more engaging read. Because the book is largely interviews from the perspective of Mae and Stephen West, it gives a fascinating insight into life with Fred and Rose West.

What about feeling sympathy for the numerous girls murdered by their hands and abused for their sexual gratification, or their sister Heather cut up and stashed under the floor in the basement? It’s a chilling account of the crimes committed by Fred and Rosemary West, and a stark reminder of the cruelty that some people are capable of. But ultimately it’s the reaction of Fred West to his arrest and subsequent trial that leaves the coldest impression on the reader. The book begins with a three-page Editor’s Preface in which the two editors (referenced as TG and PG) detail the reasons for putting together the book, how the source material (i.

But I think Fred and Rose did a lot of killings and torture when Mae and Stephen were ASLEEP so they dont actually know the extent of it all as they didn't see it.

Everything was new and shocking to them as they started to come to terms with the crimes of their parents and their own childhoods. They are both vile excuses for human beings, and anyone trying to justify what they did will not get a lot of sympathy in my book. Stephen was close at times to his father but had to grow up so fast neither realished the horror under there feet and both seem really upset about there fathers actions. I don’t think this was ever meant to be a work of literary genius, but merely a life lived in the home of some of Britain’s worst serial killers.The book starts with a detailed description of Fred West’s background and upbringing, which undeniably played a role in the twisted person he became. However having read books which were obviously published after I had some knowledge of the goings on already, what was nice to hear was Stephens view point in his own words. Certainly a revealing look into life at the West home, from their bizarre decorating tastes, to Fred's various obsessions, and Rose's prostitution. Their unpredictable world of brutality, sexual abuse and violence finally came apart with the most shattering series of discoveries any child could be asked to face.