Because of Jane

Because of Jane

What emotional and inspiring tales of recovery are out there? This conversation between host Jim Hirtle and author Shannon Brown brings one to life through the button eyes of a much‑loved doll. Shannon talks about her memoir *Because of Jane*, which looks at growing up with domestic violence and childhood abuse, all told through the voice of her childhood doll, Jane.

Rather than writing a graphic account, she chose to let Jane “kind of become my childhood diary” and an observer of both the harm and the happy moments. That creative choice softens the sharpest edges of the story, making it accessible even for younger teens while still honouring the truth of what happened. Shannon explains how the book began as a therapy exercise, simply writing down memories as she worked through trauma.

Re‑encountering Jane in a memory box sparked the idea of a survival story told by an object, giving her some emotional distance and giving readers space to feel their own feelings. She shares how hard it was to relive repressed memories, to tell her mum the full story, and to shake off the guilt and shame that so many abused children carry.

You’ll also hear about the bright spots that kept her going: Christmas trips, sledding days, mixtapes in the car, and the deep comfort of her grandfather, “the real world Jane”, whose gift of the doll became an extension of his protection.

Shannon reflects on what she’s learned about resilience, saying, “storytelling can be extremely powerful, especially in a survivor community, because it helps people feel less alone.” If you’re a survivor, love someone who is, or care about the quiet kids who hold the family secrets, this gentle yet honest chat might give you another way to think about pain, safety, and the stories that help you heal. Who or what was *your* Jane?