Abused children and battered women are not subjects about which we read for enjoyment. In fact, the less we know about such matters the easier it is to deny they exist. But they do exist and often our response is why? Why do intelligent women stay in relationships after they've been abused? Why don't they just leave? Why do they fall for controlling men in the first place? What prompts men to beat their wives? Are they crazy? Are they monsters? The Dark Room is a gripping story tackling the complex issues of child abuse and Battered Woman Syndrome. From the age of three--when her young mother, Amy Leonard, is arrested on drug charges--Jodie, her illegitimate child, is chained to the bed in a small dark room with barely enough food to keep her alive Will Stella and Jodie escape from Hank's abuse? Will Jodie finally enjoy a normal, healthy childhood? Will Amy be reunited with her mother and daughter?