Virginia Roberts Giuffre was one of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims and survivors. She was approached by Ghislaine Maxwell while working at Mar-a-Lago and was only 16-years old at the time. Maxwell groomed her to become enslaved and sexually abused by Epstein. Giuffre took her own life in April 2025 after completing this memoir and approving it for publication. This is her story, posthumously published.
I knew this would be hard but I felt I owed it to this brave woman to read her story, delivered without censure or editing by third party news outlets. It’s so much worse than I’d imagined as her abuse started in her own home and she only experienced a short time of liberation before being drawn into Epstein’s orbit. But hers is also a story of incredible bravery and triumph and that is what I choose to hold in memory.
I would much prefer to have listened to Giuffre give voice to her own story but Thérèse Plummer was outstanding in her stead. It didn’t take long for me to believe she was the author. Thanks to Gabra Zackman who narrates the opening note.
As I watch the Department of Justice continue to protect the truths about Epstein, Maxwell and their wide circle of participating powerful men, Giuffre’s story has made me even more vigilant to support those fighting to have them exposed. And Maxwell’s transfer to a less secure prison is beyond shameful. Her crimes were even worse than Epstein’s. Shame on all who are or have been complicit.
Book Info
- Release Date: October 21, 2025
- Narrators: Thérèse Plummet & Gabra Zackman
- Audio Length: 13 hours, 39 minutes
- Publisher: Random House Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Blue Mood Café 
I do plan to read this, it’s an important book and her voice must be heard. The fact only Maxwell has ever been convicted is an appalling failure of multiple justice systems. Thanks for sharing your thoughts x
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Thank you, Sarah💜 It will also make you angry.
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I hope to read this someday but things are too much right now already.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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It will make you angrier. But, I learned a LOT that has to do with the Epstein files. They know who all those men are. Shameful.
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I’m another who plans to read this at some point. It’s disgusting and as you say, shameful that after all this time those who participated in these atrocities are still at large.
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I wholeheartedly agree, Cathy💜 She named names in her depositions for Epstein’s trial so you know they have them. I’m wondering if we will ever recover from this period in history.
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I really feel for you with everything that’s going on, Jonetta.
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Thank you, Cathy. Pray for our country. It is beyond awful here.
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I do, it’s beyond belief. The world could do with a few more leaders like Mark Carney…
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Will you do a swap, please?😏
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That might just be a step too far 😆
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Wonderful review, Jo.
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Thank you, Nicki💜 I just wanted to do her story justice.
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You definitely did that!
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Thank you for sharing. I’ve held off on reading this book because of the painful subject matter, but I know it’s important and I appreciate your thoughtful review.
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Thank you, Lisa💜 I knew I wasn’t alone in putting this off for those reasons. I’m glad I read it and it will haunt me for a long, long time.
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Fab review! It sounds like a heartbreaking but very powerful read.
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Thank you, Yvo💜 My heart still aches.
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Excellent review, Jo. I also found this a tough one to read, and at times, it was hard to continue. That poor girl suffered so much in her life, but I agree, she was so brave. I’m happy to see other countries are prosecuting the Epstein class, hopefully someday, the US will as well.
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Thank you, Carla💜 There won’t be justice with this administration but I’m confident there will be once this guy is gone.
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Fingers crossed.
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