I began reading with trepidation, only to be transported excitedly from one extraordinary adventure to another.
The skilfully woven encapsulation of the dreadful wrongdoings replaced fear with intrigue.
With incredible strength, rational determination and dignity, the inflicted abuse by the most respected and trusted loved one is instinctively and deftly compartmentalised. The heroine calling upon her indominable spirit to continuously achieve audacious goals throughout both her very young and adult lives. Yet steadfastly holding onto righteousness, humour and compassion.
This book is a triumph
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Thank you so much for sharing your book with me. I read it in one sitting because it was such a compelling story. I admire your courage so much in writing this so others who have had trauma and abuse in their lives will not feel so alone. I also very much liked the smooth structure that it had, with the anchoring of the story through the items on the shelf in your father's room. Logical and original. Your warm, wry voice throughout is unmistakable.
I'm so sorry for all the pain and challenges you have had to overcome in your life. It would have taken so much strength to manage this, let alone write about it so insightfully and draw out the themes and key moments of your life. You are so inspiring.
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I have just finished reading your book Louise, after starting it this afternoon. You are amazing. It was funny, sad, confronting and powerful; I felt truly privileged to read it.
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You have managed to craft a story that gives weight to the trauma you endured, while at the same time demonstrates how you have overcome unimaginable challenges and achieved the greatest successes.
I felt satisfied as I closed the cover that I, the reader, had borne witness to your journey, and I had walked with you down your path of pain and hurt, to watch you finally be freed from your past through your forgiveness of both your father and yourself (even though there was never anything you needed to forgive yourself for).
I had a genuine appreciation for all you shared and spoke bravely about, and I came away satisfied that anything you had not included in your story was not meant to be shared. I felt at peace as I stood alongside you, and unexpectedly, I felt like I too had reached a place of forgiveness of your father, in my solidarity with you, which is something I wasn't sure I would ever feel.
I am proud of you for sharing details of your life as an example to others that these things can be shared and talked about without fear of judgement. I am proud of you for never giving up on your goal to publish your book. You have written a beautiful, touching, funny, honest and inspiring memoir.
