Angels Along My Path of Thorns: An Autobiography

by Gabriela A. Folgar de Shea

This story is about a girl growing up in Guatemala, a girl who had to endure many horrifying experiences within her family and from without. The book is an action-adventure story written in novel style. It encompasses her fight against the sexist dominant culture; a kidnapping; sexual, physical and mental abuse at the hands of a psychopathic criminal; an attempted murder; a daring escape; eventual rescue by caring friends and strangers; and victory through a determination to never be defeated. The town of San Pedro Pinula was a town without electricity and the common mode of transportation to and from the surrounding farm and ranch land was and still is by foot or on horseback. In this setting the dramatic events that enveloped Gabriela give the story an atmosphere of a wild-west adventure. In addition to the telling of the horrific events, there are poignant, loving, critical, and at times amusing portraits of Gabriela's mother, father, cousins, boarding school experiences, school mates, her first love and the angels who appeared to save her from certain ruin and near death. Interwoven in the story is a portrait of small town and rural life in one region of Guatemala; with descriptions of local customs, religion, housing, schooling, and transportation. There are more than thirty photographs of people and places that figure in the story. Detailed maps are also included to assist the reader. Gabriela's story is one of victory over adversity through tenacity, bravery, and hope. Her fondest wish is that her story will be not just an exciting and excellent read, which it is; but will also be an inspiration to others who have suffered extreme adversity through no fault of their own.

328 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2007

Reviews

[Melissa]

This is a very engaging story of a girl’s challenge to over come the obstacles of her Guatemalan culture. I had to remind myself that this was a real story and that Gabriella was only 15 years old as she experienced the horrible ‘traditions’ of her local town. While not terribly graphic, enough detail is provided for the reader to gain a glimpse into the heroine’s experience. I admire Gabriella's bravery and courage to re-live this time in her life in order to share her story. I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to understand more about rural Guatemalan life.

[Marcia]

How Gabriela survived not only an abusive childhood but also the kidnapping and torture from her abductor is amazing. I found both her parents were selfish for the most part and her father was especially cruel. I realize it is a very patriarchal society but that doesn't account for her father's behaviour.

I hope the two accomplices in her kidnapping were punished in some way.

I found the book really glossed over some of the people in her life. It was hard to get a sense of her brothers and sisters other than that the brothers were not very nice people. Makes you grateful if you were born into a much more equal culture.

[Nikki Sitch]

This book is written by a close friend of my mom's. She dud a great job. I am very proud of Gabby for the effort to write down her life story. It is intriguing!