Because of JaneBecause of Jane
J Hirtle The Last Storyteller
Author Shannon Brown talks about her memoir *Because of Jane*, telling her story of childhood abuse and survival through the voice of a beloved doll. The conversation touches on trauma, healing, indie publishing and how storytelling helps survivors feel less alone.
29:08•24 Apr 2026
Because of Jane: A Childhood Doll, Dark Secrets and the Strength to Survive
Episode Overview
- Writing about trauma started as a therapeutic exercise and grew into a full memoir told through the perspective of a childhood doll.
- Using Jane as narrator adds emotional distance, making a hard subject readable while still honouring the pain and reality of abuse.
- Shannon highlights that many abused children feel guilt and shame, and that unlearning this is one of the toughest parts of healing.
- Positive memories—like Christmas, sledding and singing in the car—coexist with trauma and can become anchors of hope.
- The Jane Project invites survivors to share their own “Jane”, building a sense of community so people feel less alone in their stories.
“"Storytelling can be extremely powerful, especially in a survivor community, because it helps people feel less alone."”
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? "Because of Jane" gives an unusual answer: a stitched childhood doll who quietly watches a little girl survive domestic violence. Host Jim Hirtle chats with author Shannon Brown about her memoir, *Because of Jane*, a story of childhood abuse told through the eyes of her doll, Jane.
Rather than dragging readers through graphic scenes, Shannon lets this tiny fabric witness speak, turning an incredibly heavy subject into something readers can face without feeling crushed. As she puts it, Jane became her “childhood diary” and a safe place where imagination offered protection. Shannon explains how the book began as a therapist’s suggestion to write down memories while working through trauma.
That simple exercise became multiple drafts as she wrestled with repressed memories, her body reacting as though the abuse were happening all over again. Using Jane as narrator gave her just enough distance to keep writing and makes it easier for others to connect with the story without being overwhelmed.
You’ll hear about her loving grandfather “Papa”, whose Christmas gift of Jane became an extension of his protection when he couldn’t be there, and how small bright moments—sledding in fresh snow, family road trips singing along to her mum’s mixtapes—sit beside the hard memories. Shannon shares the emotional challenge of finally telling her mum the full truth, and how readers reaching out with “I’ve gone through similar things” has made her feel less alone.
The conversation also touches on indie publishing, editing with friends, choosing an English-accented narrator for the audiobook, and Shannon’s Jane Project, where survivors share the object, song or story that helped them through. Anyone dealing with childhood trauma, supporting survivors, or rebuilding life after abuse will find hope, strength and a reminder that storytelling can help turn pain into purpose. If you had a “Jane” growing up, what might it say about how far you’ve come?
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