Summary:
The memoir recounts the harrowing childhood of a boy who suffered severe abuse and neglect at the hands of his mother and stepfather. It details his resilience and survival, enduring extreme deprivation and isolation in a cellar for years before finally escaping his tormentors.
Key points:
1. Child Abuse: The book details Stephen Smith's physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by his parents, emphasizing the long-term effects and the need to address child abuse.