This story should be heard
I have just finished reading a manuscript by someone who is writing an autobiography of an event -a rape-in their life that was traumatic and coloured their life forever. The author in question is someone who wanted my thoughts on the book he has written and I have to say I am both honoured and humbled that he chose me to do this.
I was speechless when I finished it. Whilst it may still need some technical effort to become a published work, and make it ‘saleable’ in the eyes of a prospective publisher, the sheer magnitude of emotion and honesty of this book touched my heart and soul in ways I didn’t think possible. And to me, if the story and the talent to tell it is there, the tech stuff becomes a formality.
I am not outwardly an emotional person. In fact I’ve been accused of being an ‘Ice Queen’, an ‘unfeeling bitch’ and a couple of other choice phrases. I prefer to manage my emotions inside instead of sharing them so I guess to the outsiders the aforementioned descriptions may fit. But inside? That’s a different matter altogether. I suppose there are many more like me out there, who find it hard to be openly emotional and express their feelings. But, contrary to popular opinion, I do have a heart…Cue the gasps of sheer disbelief and the shock horror on people’s faces. And said heart has been deeply affected.
I think this man’s story is one worth telling and while I can’t reveal the detail of the events or his writing, as I do not want to steal his thunder, it is a tale that I think will impact on many who have found themselves in a similar situation. I certainly hope that this book finds an outlet, and someone who believes in it as much as I do. If not, the road to publication is paved with alternatives and self publishing a book is one of them.
It isn’t the first time I’ve been contacted by someone and asked to proof read something they’ve written. Since spotlighting a female on male rape scenario in my novel, Cassandra by Starlight’ I’ve been catapulted into the world of rape survivors and their forums. I’ve become somewhat of an evangelist, however slight, for their cause as it’s one I firmly believe in. And occasionally someone will send me a manuscript or a poem and ask me what I think. Again, I am honoured to be asked although I don’t profess for one minute to be an expert on the subject matter. I leave that to more worthy people like James Landrith, civil liberties and sexual violence activist, and the man whose story was used as the research material in the aforementioned book.
I sincerely hope that the merits of my friend’s book are seen and that someone chooses to bring the story to the public. This story deserves to be heard.
