A review by roach
Rape: My Story by Jill Saward

challenging dark informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

3.75

I know the consequences of not forgiving others, and do not intend to be destroyed by them [...] .

Saward's book gives a really interesting and candid insight in the aftermath of rape.  
Her experience after the actual attack - confronting the trauma in different ways, dealing with unexpected reactions from press and acquaintances, going through several stages of the legal system to eventually reach the trial of the criminals, looking for some sort of conclusion to it all - showcases so well how much more there is to a crime like this other than the act itself. Add to that Saward's occasional questioning of her own beliefs as a devout Christian, which makes for a good showing of what religion can actually mean to someone.  
  
Saward was very open about her personal struggles in this book but she also carried a lot of strength which comes through the text right from the get-go. Her pragmatic and confident personality makes for very matter-of-fact writing that doesn't shy away from any detail if it's important.  
Clearly, this book genuinely aims to be a helpful companion for anyone who might be going through a similar situation because Saward herself was wishing she could have access to someone else's experience for reference and preparation at the time, and I think this book probably accomplishes that by being both educational as well as emotionally open about the pitfalls.  
Walking someone through what it might be like to wade through the ripples and waves that an impact like this can cause, which are probably seldom considered by people that haven't experienced them.
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