AustLit

'A heartwarming story of triumph for every parent... In 'Once I was Princess' Jacqueline Pascarl told how her marriage to a Malaysian prince from the Islamic state of Terengganu went horribly wrong, descending from fairy tale into a cycle of abuse, deception and virtual imprisonment. When she decided to leave him and return to Australia with their two children, her former husband exacted a terrible revenge, kidnapping the children. It was a story which made international headlines. But what happened next? Here, in a long awaited sequel, Jacqueline reveals how she channelled her grief and loss into a positive force, helping other parents whose children had been abducted. Marrying again, she began another family, and worked as a CARE ambassador in refugee camps. But all the time she hoped to hear something of her two young children - and of their lives in Malaysia. Finally, after 14 years, she received an email which became the first step in the highly anticipated and emotional reunion with her daughter Shahirah, and son, Iddin, earlier this year. For the first time she tells the full story of the torment of 14 years of waiting, hoping and secretly negotiating - and of the triumphant, happy reunion which brought the family back together A gripping true story, Since I was a Princess is a deeply affecting memoir of love and faith rewarded.' (Publisher's website)