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A review by helterskelliter
If I Tell You the Truth by Jasmin Kaur
4.0
“‘This world makes us feel like our stories begin and end with men—the ones who want us or don’t want us or hurt us or love us. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that happiness doesn’t need to hinge on the boy you end up with…. You can choose yourself too.” (424)
(TW: sexual assault mention)
In this book, trauma, courage, and healing are explored in excruciating and heart-wrenching detail. This is a story about sexual assault, victim-blaming, marginalization, and perseverance in the cruel face of overwhelming odds. This is a story about finding your voice, about taking back your voice from powerful men who would prefer you stay silent. Further, this is a story about the intersection between sexual assault and immigration and how being part of one marginalized group can affect the prospects and outlook of your life moving forward.
I really appreciate how this story doesn’t depict trauma or healing as a linear process. Neither has any clear path. There’s no one way to feel hurt or to feel healed. More, healing doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting or forgiving. You can still demand accountability and affirmation in whatever way you need at any point. There are no “good victims” or “bad victims”; we are all just trying to survive.
Definitely recommend this book! It’s a good kind of hurt. The kind of hurt that feels hopeful.
(TW: sexual assault mention)
In this book, trauma, courage, and healing are explored in excruciating and heart-wrenching detail. This is a story about sexual assault, victim-blaming, marginalization, and perseverance in the cruel face of overwhelming odds. This is a story about finding your voice, about taking back your voice from powerful men who would prefer you stay silent. Further, this is a story about the intersection between sexual assault and immigration and how being part of one marginalized group can affect the prospects and outlook of your life moving forward.
I really appreciate how this story doesn’t depict trauma or healing as a linear process. Neither has any clear path. There’s no one way to feel hurt or to feel healed. More, healing doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting or forgiving. You can still demand accountability and affirmation in whatever way you need at any point. There are no “good victims” or “bad victims”; we are all just trying to survive.
Definitely recommend this book! It’s a good kind of hurt. The kind of hurt that feels hopeful.