My Sister Milly

Shameful Investigation Added to This Family's Pain

This book shook me to the core. I was interested in the British justice system and it let this family down in a huge way.
I believe the Dowler family experienced the most horrific tragedy imaginable but that was only the beginning of their ordeal.
Without giving too much away I was floored at their treatment in the aftermath of losing their precious daughter and sister.
I feel that sweet Milly found peace the moment her life ended. Not even close for the people who loved her.
It angers me how the person who did this, a non-human in my mind was afforded so many rights while the family had NONE.
The person who is upmost in my admiration is Michelle, the therapist who literally brought Sally and Gemma back to life.
Gemma Fowler managed to write an incredibly beautiful tribute to her cherished sister and I loved hearing about her short but wonderful life.
They are such a strong family! I was continually amazed at how they kept it together for Milly.
This is a book I will never forget and Gemma, Milly,, their parents and Lovely Granny have made a lasting impact on my heart.
Gemma, I am so sorry for all you went through. Thank you for writing this. The power of love, as you said is greater than anything else. I wish you all the very best.
Narrator was great.

5 stars - should be more

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

This account left me breathless - I hope it results in many positive ripples

I will be thinking about this hugely inspiring story of one family's long road back from their man made hell. And with such grace and courage. Well done, Gemma.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Sad Story

This is the harrowing account of the abduction and murder of a young girl who was snatched from the street in broad daylight. The appallingly incompetent police investigation was hampered from the outset by a preposterous tunnel vision that focused solely on the Dowler family, while unethical news hounds went to unthinkable lengths in pursuit of a scoop. It was this unsavoury press activity that propelled the story onto the international stage.

This book could have used some serious editing. The endless repetition of key events actually becomes tiresome, as does the constant examination of personal thoughts and family dynamics.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

A worthwhile, yet excruciating listen

Well written. Perfectly narrated. Excruciating to listen to. There was one part that really upset me and I made myself keep listening. The author gives every single detail of the horrible experience she and her family dealt with following her sister's murder. If you are interested in the subject matter, this book will not disappoint you (I hesitate to use the term "enjoy"). A worthwhile, important book. Hard to listen to, but well done.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

The best memoir I have ever read.

Gemma did a beautiful job on telling her family’s story. I feel I know Milly and the Dowler family. What this family went through is unthinkable. If you like memoirs you won’t be disappointed.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Thank you to the author

I can’t imagine how difficult it is to lose a daughter, sister, grandchild, and niece. I can tell you that through this book I felt so emotional. This family is so loving and true. Thank you for giving of yourself to honor your family. I pray you are all well.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Brought Me To Tears, and Rage, Many Times.

Exceedingly well-written book. For once, the whole impact of the survivors, family, friends is laid bare by a sister who truly loved/loves her murdered little sister, her mother, father, grandmother, extended family.

Truly, the Surrey police should be deeply ashamed of their very poor police work, their bullying, their lies,selling out to Rupert Murdoch with little or no regard for the family. In fact, they should be flayed in public, as should Murdoch and the murderer. I'd be happy to participate. It wasn't until the Surrey police were commanded by a new female commander that anything at all was done. The fact that the PM was cozy with the CEO of the offending Murdoch publications, neighbors, in fact made the hacking of phones including the murdered Milly's phone...as well as many other innocent victims..a whole lot easier as they had inside info from the police.

If I ruled the world (happily for them I do not), each of them would have a very slow, painful, public death. But before that I'd have QUALIFIED CSI go through their homes, phones, computers, the phones of their children parents, girl and boyfriends, everyone they were in contact with...and plaster everything in the newspapers, on YouTube, Vimeo, in fact I'd put up websites showing their dirty laundry. THAT is the impact the book had on me. Oh, and the murderer? I'd hire Stephen King to come up with a unique, horrible death for that turd.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Very moving, touching story

One of most moving narratives I have ever read. Gemma puts us right inside her home with her and her family. A family that has endured and survived the very worst.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A Story of Strength, Resilience, Courage, and Love

Make no mistake: Gemma Dowler's tale of what she and her parents went through after the abduction and murder of her sister Milly is a story that is hard to take at times. But despite its grim subject matter, this book is also uplifting. Although it is full of horror and heartache, it is also a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Gemma does a wonderful job of painting a picture of her free-spirited, humorous, fashion-obsessed sister Milly, and describes the fear and confusion she and her parents felt when Milly failed to return home from school one afternoon in 2002. What Gemma, Sally, and Bob Dowler (and the rest of their extended family) endured from that day forward is nothing short of horrific. Their treatment at the hands of the Surrey Police and the British Press will make you cringe in disbelief. But somehow, they managed to survive it all and then some.

Gemma's story reminds us all that life can change in a heartbeat, and that you never really know what fate has in store. The narration by Ruby Thomas is also terrific. Fans of true crime will enjoy this one, but so will those who are interested in how living victims of crime handle themselves in the aftermath, and how the trauma affects them, not just in the moment, but for years and decades to come.

Such a great book that I listened more than once. I came away with nothing but admiration for the Dowlers - and a lot of disgust for police procedure.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Love, evil, loss, grief, strength, memories.

What made the experience of listening to My Sister Milly the most enjoyable?

Listening to Gemma describe every memory she has of Milly. The good, the bad, the sad, the horrific, the hilarious. You will KNOW Milly as a friend by the time you are through reading this book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Sister Milly?

When Gemma made the decision to honor Milly's memory by sharing her story with others. She has decided to relive the most tragic memories, her feelings, her fears, while at the same time gathering strength, determination, and courage from so many endearing moments shared with her beautiful sister.

What does Ruby Thomas bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice is clear, calm, soothing. Surprisingly, there are a few lighthearted moments in this story. Ruby conveys the appropriate level of humor, without being irreverent or disrespectful. Her voice conveys emotion, without being overly dramatic or sappy.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The anguish Gemma felt, not knowing where Milly was, or what might be happening to her. The paralyzing fear that she might be taken by the same, unknown entity that had taken Milly. The feelings of guilt, shame, helplessness, hopelessness, brokenness. Feelings that overwhelmed her even before Milly was discovered.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful