Coming Home to Dad

Amanda Pilz, MA 1987

Separated from her mum at the age of six and forced to live with a harsh stepmother, Amanda learnt at a young age to rely on herself and depend on no one. Although living under the same roof, her father was distant and uninvolved - his was a house but not a home. Eventually, sent back to live with her mum on a tough council estate, she became increasingly estranged from her dad until finally, in her eighteenth year, he disowned her.

Driven by questions about the meaning and value of her life, and coming to terms with her brother's schizophrenia, Amanda began asking searching questions about identity that led her on a life-changing journey.

Amanda's story also raises issues of justice surrounding family breakdown and mental health. It is relevant not just to those personally caught up in family breakdown but to those who seek to help them.

Amanda says, 'I hope this book will give insight into the impact which the fracturing of families can have on all concerned. The effects on children are often downplayed as they might not be immediately obvious, but are none the less real and begin to be played out in children's lives into adulthood and can last a lifetime. As a result of my experiences I am committed to doing all I can to ensure my sons are raised in a safe, happy environment. I hope Coming Home to Dad will comfort the fatherless and give them hope.'

ISBN: 978-1-909728-55-4