AustLit

'So I Hit Him is an extremely powerful memoir that will shock many people, yet is intensely inspirational. Born in a former workhouse hospital in Manchester, England with multiple disabilities and not expected to survive, Michael was placed in care almost from birth. By the time he was 17, he had been placed in over 30 institutions and had suffered every manner of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect. His Asperger’s became the key to his survival in a hostile world, enabling him to endure punishment, deprivation and emotional conflict. His rage and frustration had created a man who used violence to deal with most situations in life. Readers: be prepared to suspend judgment as you read an inspirational story.

'Michael’s strong will to live and learn enabled him to survive not only his time in care, but also his forced migration, as a child, to Australia, and his later alcohol addiction. It also enabled him to finally succeed in his ultimate goals of getting an education and helping youth in trouble.' (Publication summary)