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My Mother's Eyes
- Narrated by: Shanelle Dawson, Alley Pascoe
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
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My Mother's Eyes
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Publisher's Summary
Imagine living with the knowledge that your father had murdered your mother and lied to you your whole life, telling you she left because she didn't love you anymore.
How could a father do this to his children? How could a husband do this to a woman he at one time loved?
When she was four years old, Shanelle Dawson's mother, Lynette, disappeared. On 8 January 1982, the woman who had been a loving, constant presence vanished without a trace. Four year old's might not be able to articulate questions or understand a lot, but the ache of absence is very real. Year after year that ache persisted.
Shanelle's father, Chris Dawson, claimed that his wife just needed to get away. This is what he told Lyn's parents and siblings. This is what he told his daughters. But Lyn never returned home. Her side of the bed was immediately filled by Shanelle's teenage babysitter, a former student of her father's.
After thirty-six years of her father's lies, a podcast called The Teacher's Pet investigated her mother's case. Sordid details about the father she loved became public. Whispers that he had murdered Lynette grew louder. The police refocused on the cold case. Then, Chris Dawson faced court. Forty years after she went missing, he was sentenced to twenty-four years in prison for the murder of Lynette.
Now, in this brave, emotionally powerful memoir, Shanelle reclaims her mother's story and finds a channel for her own voice. It is an unforgettable insight into the ripples of trauma and loss that family violence brings and shows how Shanelle found the strength to confront her father and can now create a new life after unimaginable deception.
This is Shanelle's story.
What listeners say about My Mother's Eyes
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sarah
- 13-10-2023
Story of the life of a quiet and kind soul
Thank you Shanelle for sharing your story.
I don’t think you owe society anything - society allowed this damage to happen to you and seems society owes you in my opinion. You have had a lot of bad luck (your father, stepmothers and many of your extended family, the police, education authorities etc have certainly let you down). I think a lot of people are also wanting the best for you though.
Thank you for highlighting that the value women (and all of us) is not based in looks - so much modern media and just general conversation would have us think so and it’s just not right. I don’t want my daughter to waste any time thinking how she looks is at all important- she has much more to offer the world as do all women. I think your mother really was beautiful though having said that (and she was a nurse and mother and many more things more importantly!!). She didn’t lose her beauty or value by putting on weight while she had a baby/toddler?!. I’m sorry your dad couldn’t see how lucky he was.
I don’t have much in common with you personally, but I’ve loved to hear about your travels and spirituality - never would be brave enough to do all that myself!
I hope sharing your story brings you peace and allows you to move on because you deserve to feel happy and enjoy your life and child.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 11-12-2023
Beautifully written legacy to a loved mother xx
A loving recount told by a brave, kind and loving daughter. Showing the personal human account of the case that gripped Australia x
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 27-10-2023
Insightful but frustrating
Many tremendous insights into the mind & behaviours of a killer. But so much of this book is dreams that seem to be presented as truths, it’s very frustrating hearing the description of an interaction only to realise it’s just a dream she had!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Shelley Flett
- 23-11-2023
Strength, courage and healing
Such a raw and vulnerable story to share. I can’t imagine the courage it has taken for you to sacrifice your connection with your family to honour your mum and bring justice to what happened to her. I hope you can fully heal in time and enjoy the beauty of life. Thanks for a wonderful book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kaz Ryberg
- 04-11-2023
Your Mum would be so proud
Shanelle, thank you for such an honest view into your life following the loss of your beloved mother, Lyn. You are obviously a deeply spiritual person, and I love that you are able to find some peace in your belief. May you and your daughter continue to make your Mum proud. Much love to you both.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lisa
- 08-12-2023
Refreshingly honest
I enjoyed how honest the author was through this recount, which was quite interesting to listen to.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 13-12-2023
Touching Self-Told Story
A true and courageous account of the rippling effect crime leaves behind. Told reflectively and honestly, it was wonderful to hear Shanelle's story from her unique perspective.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 24-01-2024
Love and courage
Such an inspirational read. Shanelle's book is beautiful and heartfelt and so courageous bringing to attention the innocent victims to domestic violence.
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- D3009
- 13-10-2023
Using your voice
Shanelle, thank you for taking the courage needed to use your voice and share your story.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Tam Quinn
- 26-11-2023
A beautiful and honest book
Thank you (and Alley) so much for sharing your beautiful voice, wisdom, strength and spirit. I hope you do write that other book about all your adventures and that your next chapter brings you all the blessings you deserve.
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