‘In all of the madness stood two addicts: one severely addicted to alcohol and drugs, and the other just as addicted to the addict…

In my sickness — the sickness of this toxic love addiction — his threats were the only words I wanted and needed to hear.’

Because I Love Him by Ashlee Donohue is a memoir of privileged insight into strong family ties, the intricacies of relationships and the unspoken expectations within urban Aboriginal communities. This is a very personal account of love, loss, addiction, motherhood and domestic violence. Ashlee chronicles the profound impact of life on the margins on herself, her family and her community.

A proud Dunghutti woman, born and raised in Kempsey NSW, Ashlee was determined to keep her family together, despite the unforgivable acts and inevitable fallout, to gift her children what she never had — the presence of their father.

This deeply engaging and inspiring memoir gives the reader a privileged look into a life unravelling and the journey from addict to empowerment. A riveting story told with compassion and sensitivity.