Lost in the Void

Author:  L.M. Walker

ISBN: 1420855883

The following review was contributed by: Paul Lappen: CLICK TO VIEW Paul Lappen's Reviews

This is the true story of Lana, an American living and
working in Germany. Her marriage to Sean had not been
going well, and they were trying to reconcile. After
being told that she could not get pregnant, she found
herself pregnant with twins. She felt that she
couldn't ask Sean to become their father, even though
he was very willing to do so, and had been there for
Lana throughout the pregnancy. Her only alternative
was to move to England with Tom, her boss, who seemed
willing to provide for twin girls Nya and Keara. It
turned out to be a huge mistake.

For months, they lived in an unheated, unfinished
cottage paid for by Tom that used to be stables. He
suddenly became demanding and inconsiderate, spending
as little time with the girls as possible. He was away
at work all day, and when he was home, he spent most
of his time on his laptop computer. Later, after they
moved to a real apartment, the two separated, Lana
keeping custody of the girls. Lana's family, in
America, begged her to take the girls and return to
America. That window was closed when Tom asserted his
visitation rights in court, even though he wasn't the
birth father, mandating that the court confiscate
Lana's passport.

After one overnight visit with Tom, both girls came
home showing strong evidence of sexual abuse. Lana
couldn't understand why Tom isn't thrown in jail. Many
trips to the local doctor later, the injuries haven't
healed. After a considerable period away from Tom, and
the injuries still haven't healed, the only "logical"
answer is that Lana, their mother, has been sexually
abusing her children (a charge she strongly denies).

There are many court appearances at which Tom asserts
that Lana has deliberately turned the girls against
their father. Custody of the children is taken away
from Lana, and they are placed in foster care. Lana
falls into a deep pit of depression, taking to alcohol
and pills. Suicide is suddenly very tempting. Her
visits with the children are strictly controlled and
take place at the local social worker's office. They
are monitored for any "evidence" that Lana is
controlling or manipulating the girls. Throughout this
whole process, both girls make it as clear as possible
that daddy hurts them and that they want to live with
Mommy. Part of the reason why Tom wins every battle in
the courts is that he is a fellow British citizen and
Lana is, as one social worker put it, a "rude and
obnoxious American."

To anyone who is moving overseas to live with a new
spouse, especially if children are involved, be
prepared. Know the laws of the other country ahead of
time. Don't assume that Mr. or Ms. Right "would never
do something like that." Also, don't assume that the
US Embassy will be there to help. Then, read this
book. It's rather unpleasant reading, but recommended.