The Lasting Harm: Witnessing the Trial of Ghislaine Maxwell

by Lucia Osborne-Crowley

The explosive, behind-the-scenes account of the criminal trial of Ghislaine Maxwell.

'Lucia Osborne-Crowley is a lighthouse of a steadfast, illuminating and patiently cutting through darkness and horror to lead us to safety.' - Benjamin Law

'Lucia Osborne-Crowley is a writer of depth, determination and uncommon insight.' - Julia Baird

'I understand – and sympathise with – the feeling you might have that you already know the Jeffrey Epstein story. But I am not here to tell you a story about Jeffrey Epstein, or even Ghislaine Maxwell. I am here to tell you the stories of ten women, many of whom have never spoken at length before, about the real impact of sexual trauma on their lives.'

In November 2021, Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of five counts of sex-trafficking of minors, and now faces 20 years in prison for the role she played in Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of four girls. The trial was meticulously covered by journalist and legal reporter Lucia Osborne-Crowley, one of only four reporters allowed into the courtroom every day.

The Lasting Harm is her account of that trial, a gripping true crime drama and a blistering critique of a criminal justice system ill-equipped to deliver justice for abuse survivors, no matter the outcome.

Centring the stories of four women and their testimonies, and supplemented by extra material to which Osborne-Crowley has exclusive access, The Lasting Harm brings this incendiary trial to life, questions our age-old appetite for crime and punishment and offers a new blueprint for meaningful reparative justice.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Memoir, Audiobook, Crime, Psychology, Journalism

Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2024

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucia.. 💛
Heart and soul into this.

I picked up this book unexpectedly, and proceeded to start reading while waiting for an appointment. I was immediately drawn in, thus skipping the enormous queue that usually awaits me. Lucia tells so many differing points in this extraordinary book. She is amply equipped to cover the gamut of issues here. She’s a legal journalist, has studied law and is an impeccably well spoken young woman with lived experience who will gun for the truth at no matter the cost. This is evidenced by the fact her physical and mental health crashed toward the end. Requiring serous treatment, this did not stop her from continually pushing forward in attempting to improve seriously flawed legal systems existing worldwide (at least over numerous companies).

The book wasn’t written to explain/expose why a man such as Epstein did what he did, it was to put forward the women who suffered, to highlight their extraordinary strength in being treated appallingly while Ghislaine Maxwell was on trial for HER crimes. Sex trafficking.

The author attended EVERY day of the trial, arriving anywhere from 1am in the freezing American winter to claim a seat.

This book is thoroughly researched, passionately conveyed and lovingly crafted. Interviewing victims whom she will eventually form deep love, I could not help but create a DEEP affection for this bright young woman who doggedly strove to present the life long lasting harm that not only herself, the women she encountered as victims of this horrific event, but also the still occurring failings of MANY legal failings. Defamation to allow abuser to cover their sins, juries devoid of sexual abuse sufferers (who else would better understand), the lack of specialist medical professionals to inform juries.

The author brings up countless factual matters that MATTER. This woman is brilliant, I learned so much. In this review, I’ve focused on the author, not the crimes and perpetrators, unfortunately the victims and she herself cannot afford that luxury. Absorbing at every moment, heartbreaking ending where the idea of hope is very unsure.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harrowing, yet illuminating and insightful exploration into the complexities of the criminal justice system, and a critique of the often re-traumatising impact of the legal process for survivors.

Lucia Osborne-Crowley utilises a trauma-informed lens to explore the stories of four women and their testimonies, in the criminal case of Ghislaine Maxwell. Her writing immersed me in the courtroom, amongst the legal proceedings, and highlights the frightening realities of grooming and sexual assault.

This book is clearly well-researched, and I appreciate how eloquently it explores complexities that allowed Epstein and Maxwell (and many unnamed perpetrators) to continue their abhorrent behaviour.

While this is by no means an easy read, it is beautifully crafted and a powerfully important read!

[Sheree | Keeping Up With The Penguins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In case it’s not obvious, The Lasting Harm warrants a serious trigger warning, for the crimes recorded in graphic detail, as well as for the ramifications for the survivors (including addiction and further abuse). Still, in the tradition of She Said and other literature of the #MeToo movement, reading The Lasting Harm is bearing witness to that which has been hidden from view for too long.

My full review of The Lasting Harm is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.

[Wendy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure how I came to read this but I am glad that I did. Normally I avoid anything even vaguely connected to a courtroom. I practised law for forty years and saw inside too many courts. Also writers tend to dramatise court proceedings,which are usually dull and to get legal principles not quite right. The author is a lawyer turned journalist who realistically portrays the trial and simply and accurately describes relevant legal concepts. The shocking facts are presented in an orderly but not overly journalistic fashion. The author skillfully weaves her own experiences at the hands of sexual predators into the story. What shines through is the depth of research and that the author has put her heart and soul into this. Read this book.We all need to be alive to this predatory behaviour and the its harmful effects on young lives"

[Tooter · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

[Gabby Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say this is the book of the summer or 2024, but that implies an expiry date. Instead, this book is a moment in history, covering the infamous Ghislaine Maxwell trial. And yes, this book is hugely heavy. Take it with slow pace and caution, but, I really do ask that you try to read it.

We’ve all seen the crushing statistics on sexual assault rates that feel ever growing - if you’ve not, where have you been? The same goes for publicity around Epstein and Maxwell also - abuse on an incomprehensibly large scale. You might be thinking “Why do I need to read more content on this trial? Can I just be a happy summer girlie?”. Good question, thanks for asking. Firstly, it’s raining, babe. And secondly, because this book isn’t on Maxwell. That’s why. Or, it is a little bit, but there’s no “thriller” build up, no schmoozing of content for views, and absolutely no repetitive reporting on the fact a female criminal is ageing (gasp). Instead, this is a book details the lives of the four women who stood testified on this trial - Carolyn, Jane, Annie, and Kate - plus, Lucia’s own experienced trauma.

This book was also really educational for me - someone who has never been in a courtroom. I know all the reasons why people will not testify in court - we’re all aware of how brutal it is, right? But The Lasting Harm really emphasises the extent of this brutally. It’s a tough read due to the discussion of sexual assault, but for me, more so due to the dogmatic nature of those defending Maxwell. The questioning of memory accuracy and due to addiction, poverty, health conditions, and literally everything else we *know* that trauma causes. That’ll haunt you. The lack of empathy these survivors faced in court is something I can’t put into lil insta caption words. But that’s real life, and that’s something we all need to be aware of.

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Lucia’s past work for the trauma-informed approach that she lives and breathes, her meticulously crafted and ridiculously precise words, and, well, for her phenomenal dedication to giving a voice to those with lived experience. The Lasting Harm continues exactly this work, with the same quality and values.

Mwah mwah mwah x

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A trauma-informed, victim-centred account of the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell. I followed Lucia’s contemporaneous reporting of the trial and wanted to hear her full account. Maxwell’s targeting and recruitment of vulnerable children into a sex-trafficking ring is monstrous. The strength of these women to be cross-examined in this way is nothing short of breathtaking. Osborne-Crowley puts you in the courtroom and explains the legal proceedings, the realities of grooming and disclosure, and how Maxwell and Epstein (and others we don’t yet know about) got away with it all for so long. It felt important to bear witness to it all, including Lucia’s own experiences of grooming and child sexual assault (about which she has written two wonderful books).

[Lucy Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s crimes that unapologetically centres the stories of the victims. Lucia is an incredible writer who has turned her own pain into power, which she uses to advocate for all women and survivors of grooming and sexual assault. A must read.

[Margaret Galbraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can I give 5 stars to a book on such an horrific story … because it’s true! Lucia the author was there at Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial. I’m just sad her partner Jeffrey Epstein did not spends many more years to rot in jail. He took the coward’s way out. Maxwell deserved much more than her 20 year sentence and at Lucia’s talk at Adelaide Writers week March 2025, Maxwell was appealing her sentence. And perhaps asking Trump to pardon her but we won’t go into why he may do so?!?

Never before have I read such gut wrenching accounts of what those young girls went through. Groomed by those two horrible people and the many men they were given to. It makes me sick but I’m glad I read it as it’s given me understanding as to why people don’t report such abuse until years later. I hope this person doesn’t win her appeal but she has many high flying men in her ‘little black book’ so to speak who will never be brought to justice for being part of this heinous act on young vulnerable girls.

It’s not an easy read and for Lucia herself a victim of child abuse it took its toll on her health. Thank you for telling the world this story.

[ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly fantastic book that everyone should read (if able, due to the triggering content). Tough to get through but the structure and storytelling were gripping and affecting.

[ValTheBookEater]

Don't want to describe this book and in any way limit it or define its paramaters but what a mammoth commitment by Lucia to attend the trial every day. She not only reported on the legal proceedings but put her own body and trauma on the line to platform the words of those who spoke at the trial but also those who didn't.

There were many details that I didn't know previously from other articles and documentaries, including statements and arguments made by the defence team (memory, money, manipulation), the ex-partners of the victim-survivors who testified and the discourse around the juror who did not disclose that they had experienced sexual abuse.

We still have a long way to go (seems like a redundant phrase by now) but the final few pages about landmark cases and the weaponisation of defamation in UK, US and Australian jurisdictions reaffirm this. We need consistent and strong trauma-informed processes everywhere.

Need to also make note of this quote from one of the victim-survivors: "It was a show trial. They just wanted everyone to think it was over, we could move on from this story. But it was a sham."

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking, powerful necessary read!

[AD product thanks to publisher 4th Estate]

What's it about?

This book isn't about the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell themselves. Instead, it focuses on the lasting impact those crimes had on the victims.

The trial is meticulously covered by journalist and legal reporter Lucia Osborne-Crowley, one of only four reporters allowed into the courtroom daily. Osborne-Crowley tells the stories of four women who were abused by Maxwell & Epstein. This is a gripping true crime drama and a blistering critique of a criminal justice system ill-equipped to deliver justice for abuse survivors, no matter the outcome.


What did I think?

- The author covers this story in such detail with the utmost care for the victims, that although this is a difficult read it gives a stark insight into how the victims were treated by the justice system - pretty abhorrently.

- This book is brutal and a heavy read but I say that whilst also imploring you to read it!

- Most of us know the case against Epstein and Maxwell but what is less known is how their victims were treated in court, specifically during the trial of Ghislaine. I shouldn't be but I was shocked.

- Not only is this a gripping and emotional read, but I also found it educational around the court system (in the US) and seeing the brutal attack of the defence on the victims testifying.

- The content is harrowing and how the victims were treated both in the courtroom and by the justice system is so anger-inducing that I went through a whole rollercoaster of emotions reading this.

- In saying that, I consumed this in less than 48hrs!

- I have not read this author before but her passion, diligence, research, analysis and dedication to giving a voice to the victims in this story is phenomenal and profound. I want to read more from this author!

- 5/5 star! READ THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY.

[Jillian Lightbown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn. This was an excellent book about a very tragic story.

This author is a lawyer and sexual assault survivor who is committed to telling the stories of the Epstein and Maxwell crimes from the victims perspective. She dives deep into their stories, the long term effects of child sexual assault, and the specific details of the Maxwell trial.

I think her background and motivations make her the absolute best person to write and share these women’s stories and we should all buy this book to support authors like her.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆

(please read trigger/content warnings before reading this book)

I imagine like most people, I had heard of the Jeffrey Epstein case; being from the UK, this was primarily framed around Prince Andrew and his involvement. I didn't really know the detail nor the involvement of Ghislaine Maxwell - whose trial is the focus of this book.

This is both hard and very easy to read - the subject matter is heartbreaking and depressing. Hearing witness testimony, victim's impact statements as well as the author, Lucia Osborne-Crowley's own experiences with sexual abuse and rape is a lot to take in. It's even worse when you remember that these are real people and real stories, and not a fiction book that you can close and leave behind. The title of this book is perfect, because the lasting harm of these horrific actions are so deep and traumatising that anyone who hasn't experienced it couldn't begin to fathom.

And yet, for a non-fiction book about a court case this is very easy to read. The language is fluid, conversational and very accessible. Osborne-Crowley takes the time to explain the legal importance of terms (e.g., hearsay evidence for use of impeachment) and to discuss the counts against the defendant and why these particular ones and what they would mean. She also discusses issues with the legal system in sexual assualt/rape cases - how memory is used to discredit witnesses without having experts in traumatic memory, about how jury members are asked if they have experienced a sexual assault themselves in case of "bias". Yet at the forefront, are the tales of the women, their voices and stories and how they have rebuilt their lives.

A very interesting and engaging story that I think is important for many to read.

Thank you to 4th Estate for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

cw// sexual assault and rape of minors/adults throughout, sex trafficking, mentions of suicide/suicidal ideation, drug use

[Jeannie Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary book - it weaves both a compelling narrative through the criminal trial of Ghislaine Maxwell and serves as an incisive analysis of everything that is wrong with the way our justice systems treat sexual abuse victims.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tough read, but a very validating one, as Osbourne-Crowley sets out to tell the stories of those who testified in the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, and in the process to explore the nature of trauma and explain why trauma victims defy social expectations of a "good" witness. It is tricky to tell a broader story through the specific stories of trauma survivors, without further shadowing those stories, but it is achieved here. Helped, I think, by Osbourne-Crowley's friendships with several of these women, willingness to weave her own story around the edges (never the centre) and sheer narrative skill. The scenes from the trial - the sense of this sisterhood forged in 2am queues and post-trial coffees - is fascinating. She also effectively balances giving space to those who testified and honouring their trauma, while also covering how much was excluded from view (and hinting at far, far more).
I have not followed the story in detail - long form is apparently how I like to digest hard stories - and was a little shocked by how little was dealt with at trial. None of the four women whom the prosecutors chose to take forward told stories of abuse beyond Maxwell and Epstein, despite many of the hundreds who have accessed the compensation fund having stories of being trafficked to others by the pair. Their is, in the end, a very limited sense of truth telling from the whole book, while remaining a clarion call for more.
It still shocks me that many people think that the fragmented memories of trauma survivors around details are somehow indicative of trauma not having occurred, instead of the opposite. One of the strengths of the book is how clearly Osbourne-Crowley explains that the memories around the edges are often shattered, but there is strong evidence - as admitted at trial - that people faithfully remember the core traumatic event, and other particular details will be burned deep.
It is also hard to wrap your head around what might motivate someone to do what Maxwell did. Wisely, Osbourne-Crowley doesn't try. She keeps her lens on the victims, and how the trial itself provides, even as it takes away, a sense of validation.

[dear3st · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Either they are all misremembering the same thing, or they’re outright lying, or they’re telling the truth. If you believe these women, that’s it. Ghislaine Maxwell is guilty.”

so moving and so powerful, just beautifully written!!

[Chloe Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking to listen to

Lucia did herself and the women great justice with this book.

[Zeynep · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to this book long before its publication was officially announced, and it is easily one of the best pieces of journalism I have ever read.

It not only brings us into the courtroom for Ghislaine Maxwell's trial, but introduces to us the brave women who came forward - some who were included in the trial and some who, inexplicably, were not.

I'm so glad to have read this story from Lucia Osborne-Crowley's confident and empathetic pen. She shows us perfectly why this trial was hopeful and why it is not enough, making suggestions as to further steps that need to be taken - both for this case and for others like it that never even made it to the courtroom.

[Shirran · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly honest, heartbreaking and powerful book about the victims of Epstein and Maxwell, but also the criminal justice system. I could not put it down.

[Hannah Beets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo well written! So sad.

[Wombat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad for rating this so low because of what the author and these victims went through but the writing just wasn’t engaging.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving book where the author, journalist and victim-survivor of child abuse herself, Lucia Osborne-Crowley, takes us through the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell from start to finish and the aftermath including victim impact and an vital chapter on the way victims are treated by the media, by rhe public and by the manipulation of the law by wealthy and influential people to silence victims if sexual crimes. In a similar vein to Jennifer Robinson's book How Many More Women? And Louise Milligan's book Witness. Important reading to understanding more about memory, abuse, grooming and the huge impacts on people's lives.

[Kate McElligott]

⚠️ A big fat trigger warning on this one ⚠️

Wow. Just, wow. Thank you Lucia for pouring your life and soul into this book and the work you do.

This one was a really hard read. I almost DNF around the 25-30% mark. It details in quite explicit detail some of the SA that these survivors experienced at the hands of Jeffery Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

In the following chapters, I really came to understand why Lucia included this in her writing. She’s incredibly insightful in regard to the legal system and reporting around these cases. She is a staunch supporter of SA survivors finding their voice and finding freedom.

An uncomfortable read. But an incredibly important read.

[Ellie Wright-Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can feel the amount of heart and soul poured into this empathetic retelling of a deeply traumatic and horrific story encompassing so many lives. I picked up this book with a surface level knowledge of the Epstein & Maxwell cases and left reeling from the unjust of it all and the pieces left to pick up by so many victims. Osbourne-Crowley is a phenomenal journalist with a courage to meticulously detail horrific acts from a unique perspective placing us in the position to question the failures of the legal system in delivering justice for victims of sexual abuse.

[ZG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book warrants a serious trigger warning as the crimes are discussed in graphic detail. Lucia’s trauma-informed approach and her dedication to this story was phenomenal. She is an incredible writer and advocate for victims. A damning book on the lack of progress our society has made in addressing these significant issues. A must read!

[josè mcguinny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really detailed and gripping piece of journalism that broke my heart. I am so impressed with everyone for sharing what happened to them and Lucia for recording it for history in this book. Some of the stories are disgusting and this book definitely needs a trigger warning ‼️

[Neil Bradford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important subject, messy book.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

harrowing & so well researched, i so appreciated the explanation of what each of the law terms actually entails and how they are convicted - make the law more accessible!!!!