I heard the author of this book speak on Radio 2 this afternoon. When she was 17 she accidently killed a pedestrian of 77 who was crossing the road. It had a devestating effect on her life and she ended up trying to commit suicide as she didn't feel she had a right to live and was also sectioned. She never spoke of what happened for 25 years but has now gone on to write this book about her experience
See here as she believes it is a hugely under researched area. The sons of the woman who was killed said they didnt want it to destroy Kellys life and they knew their mother would not want that either however for many many years Kelly has struggled with mental health issuses as a result of this. It looks to be a very interesting read. I intend to get hold of a copy when I can. Something all of us hope to never be affected by but listening to her on the radio today it made me slow down
Quote:
''Thirty-three years ago Kelly Connor was a carefree 17-year-old with her life ahead of her. One sunny morning in Perth, Australia, she borrowed her father’s car to travel to work, having recently passed her driving test. But this very ordinary trip was soon to be marred by horror. Driving on a clear road, Kelly knocked down and killed an elderly pedestrian. Although she avoided convictions of manslaughter and reckless driving, the incident was to have a powerful impact on her life. Kelly soon discovered that family and friends did not want to talk about what had happened, while she, in contrast, began to be haunted by the event. So began a cycle of profound inner experiences, and outer life changes.
Kelly Connor, aged 17
To Cause a Death is the remarkable true story of the aftermath of an accidental killing, written from the point of view of the person who caused the accident. It traces Kelly Connor’s life from the depths of despair, sojourns in mental hospitals and a failed suicide attempt, to a path of personal and spiritual development. It shows how the passage of the author’s life has allowed her to come to some comprehension of the tragic accident of her youth.
While much has been written by relatives and friends of victims, little material exists on the impact on the perpetrators. This book is essential reading for anybody concerned with the challenge of inner growth and the trials of life.''
