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Thirty Years Of Silence
At the tender age of sixteen, I am a shy, typical teenager living in southern California with my best friend, my mother. Shortly thereafter life as I know it ceases when she moves us to Houston, Texas, to join her future husband, Jake. Stepping off the plane in Houston on a sweltering June day in 1970, I am unaware of the horror that is awaiting me. I will not know myself again for thirty years.Within months of living with Jake, he begins brutally raping me. An immense paralyzing fear engulfs me when he explains the terrible things that will happen to me if I tell anyone. This is compounded by my mother’s disbelief and discounting of my words as I struggle to tell her. I suffer the near death of my soul by a man my mother cherishes and chooses to marry.I learn that I am pregnant when Jake secretly takes me to a doctor. In July of 1971, I give birth to my son, Adam, who gives me my only reason to continue living.The immoral violence and traumatic incest continues until finally at the age of forty-six, a profound miracle transpires. It proves to be the catalyst for the chilling and dramatic end of my abuse. My long journey into recovery can now begin.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2012
41 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 2, 2012
Very powerful story and makes it even more so that it was true. Hard to believe a woman would be living like this in her 40s but women beaten down early in age do not know any other way. I looked past the grammatical errors to understand the book, how it was written and to understand the character more. IT was difficult to read at times because it was exhausting reading about the ongoing difficulties and I wanted to scream for her to just walk out! But its a good read, and inspiring to know women can survive. I just wish someone would have recognized the signs earlier and stepped in years before this all took place to help her. Not sure how I feel about her mom. How could she live and know (or not know) but I guess she was just as beaten down. The fact that she endured such horrible treatment yet remained committed to her son's safety and happiness makes Elyse a champion in my book.
December 4, 2012
Very good worth the read what a survival story I'm for ever changed
April 27, 2013
time after time her mother's choices are about herself rather than her child. Even when she learns of the biggest betrayal she still puts herself first!
October 17, 2014
Loved every bit of it! From the beginning it draws you in!
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January 7, 2025Book Review: Thirty Years Of Silence by Elise McGhee
Thirty Years Of Silence is a powerful true account that chronicles a woman’s struggles as she navigates a life filled with hardship and abuse. The narrative centers on Elyse, who, despite being in her 40s, faces a series of challenges that test her resilience and strength. The author vividly portrays the difficulties Elyse encounters, making it clear that the path to overcoming her circumstances is fraught with emotional and physical trials.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the difficulty it presents to readers; it can be frustrating to witness Elyse's ongoing struggles and to understand why she does not leave her abusive situation sooner. This sense of frustration speaks to the complexity of abusive relationships and the numerous factors that can keep someone trapped. McGhee effectively conveys the deep emotional turmoil Elyse faces, allowing readers to empathize with her plight while also feeling a sense of urgency for her to seek a way out.
The narrative ultimately serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience of women in difficult circumstances. It highlights Elyse's dedication to her son’s safety and happiness, portraying her as a champion who fights tirelessly for his well-being despite her own suffering. This portrayal adds depth to her character, allowing readers to appreciate her strength and determination.
Mixed feelings towards Elyse’s mother also arise throughout the story, as questions about her awareness of her daughter’s situation come to the forefront. This complexity adds layers to the narrative, prompting readers to consider the roles that family dynamics and awareness play in such situations.
In summary, Thirty Years Of Silence is a poignant and thought-provoking account that shines a light on the challenges faced by women in abusive situations. Elise McGhee's storytelling not only captures the struggles of the main character but also inspires readers with the resilience and strength that can emerge from the darkest of circumstances. This book serves as a reminder of the importance of intervention and support for those in need, making it a significant and essential read.
Thirty Years Of Silence is a powerful true account that chronicles a woman’s struggles as she navigates a life filled with hardship and abuse. The narrative centers on Elyse, who, despite being in her 40s, faces a series of challenges that test her resilience and strength. The author vividly portrays the difficulties Elyse encounters, making it clear that the path to overcoming her circumstances is fraught with emotional and physical trials.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the difficulty it presents to readers; it can be frustrating to witness Elyse's ongoing struggles and to understand why she does not leave her abusive situation sooner. This sense of frustration speaks to the complexity of abusive relationships and the numerous factors that can keep someone trapped. McGhee effectively conveys the deep emotional turmoil Elyse faces, allowing readers to empathize with her plight while also feeling a sense of urgency for her to seek a way out.
The narrative ultimately serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience of women in difficult circumstances. It highlights Elyse's dedication to her son’s safety and happiness, portraying her as a champion who fights tirelessly for his well-being despite her own suffering. This portrayal adds depth to her character, allowing readers to appreciate her strength and determination.
Mixed feelings towards Elyse’s mother also arise throughout the story, as questions about her awareness of her daughter’s situation come to the forefront. This complexity adds layers to the narrative, prompting readers to consider the roles that family dynamics and awareness play in such situations.
In summary, Thirty Years Of Silence is a poignant and thought-provoking account that shines a light on the challenges faced by women in abusive situations. Elise McGhee's storytelling not only captures the struggles of the main character but also inspires readers with the resilience and strength that can emerge from the darkest of circumstances. This book serves as a reminder of the importance of intervention and support for those in need, making it a significant and essential read.
September 12, 2016
Addicting!
Very well written, first hand account of a rape survivor. She walks the reader through her life of being controlled and abused for 30 years. The reader will feel that they're right in the story. This has a wonderful ending though. It is a miracle how she finally changed her life and became very blessed. One of the best memoirs i've read!
Very well written, first hand account of a rape survivor. She walks the reader through her life of being controlled and abused for 30 years. The reader will feel that they're right in the story. This has a wonderful ending though. It is a miracle how she finally changed her life and became very blessed. One of the best memoirs i've read!
November 6, 2016
Great book, although i feel that is not descriptive enough!!
God loves you Alise, always believe that. This was an incredible book! I would recommend it to everyone regardless of age or gender. Thank you for sharing your most devastating and amazing journey through life, I am so grateful you were able to endure. You are a strong, beautiful ( inside and out), and loving woman.
Some may find this book too repetative , but it so graphically describes how this kind of abuse and control happens. I couldn't put it down. My kindle was with me everyday and everywhere.
To Alise, I pray you continue to be strong while you face your most recent and greatest loss, we all love you both.
God loves you Alise, always believe that. This was an incredible book! I would recommend it to everyone regardless of age or gender. Thank you for sharing your most devastating and amazing journey through life, I am so grateful you were able to endure. You are a strong, beautiful ( inside and out), and loving woman.
Some may find this book too repetative , but it so graphically describes how this kind of abuse and control happens. I couldn't put it down. My kindle was with me everyday and everywhere.
To Alise, I pray you continue to be strong while you face your most recent and greatest loss, we all love you both.
January 21, 2013
The grammatical errors were hard for me to overlook but Elise's heartbreaking story was gut wrenching. And unbelievable to me. I kept asking myself 'Does this type of abuse truly happen? And for that long?'.
I lost track so many times of where the events took place, because the family moved as often as I do laundry. It was a little drawn out and repetitive but I knew I had to finish reading it to see how the story concluded. Such a tragic, tortured life this woman suffered. This was the first book I had read about anything pertaining to this subject matter and I wish I had stopped with this one! (My other reviews on this type of subject matter explains a little more as to my last comment.)
I lost track so many times of where the events took place, because the family moved as often as I do laundry. It was a little drawn out and repetitive but I knew I had to finish reading it to see how the story concluded. Such a tragic, tortured life this woman suffered. This was the first book I had read about anything pertaining to this subject matter and I wish I had stopped with this one! (My other reviews on this type of subject matter explains a little more as to my last comment.)
July 12, 2013
Yes, there are spelling errors.
Yes, it's not the BEST book ever written about abuse.
BUT, Elise McGhee has the most heart wrenching story that I've probably ever read; especially for her to have been able to get out of the situation (even if it did last for 30 years). I couldn't relate to her as much as I would've liked because I've never been in a situation as dangerous as hers, but to any who has or is, I would definetly recommend this to them. My heart goes out to Elise. You're a very strong and brave woman.
Yes, it's not the BEST book ever written about abuse.
BUT, Elise McGhee has the most heart wrenching story that I've probably ever read; especially for her to have been able to get out of the situation (even if it did last for 30 years). I couldn't relate to her as much as I would've liked because I've never been in a situation as dangerous as hers, but to any who has or is, I would definetly recommend this to them. My heart goes out to Elise. You're a very strong and brave woman.
June 7, 2014
Surprising
Surprising
This story was personal and I could not put it down! I am astonished that she stayed so long. But I can understand that maybe she was taking one day at a time and before she knew it, the years had passed. I am happy that she and her family are doing well. I think this would be a good book for incest survivors, social workers. police. and psychologist's to read. it gives them a first hand experience and maybe that it would allow them to know how to handle such situations.
Surprising
This story was personal and I could not put it down! I am astonished that she stayed so long. But I can understand that maybe she was taking one day at a time and before she knew it, the years had passed. I am happy that she and her family are doing well. I think this would be a good book for incest survivors, social workers. police. and psychologist's to read. it gives them a first hand experience and maybe that it would allow them to know how to handle such situations.
December 3, 2015
Honestly I am very confused over this book, How could Elise stay in this situation until her 40s and not get out, was it because he had manipulated her, Probably but still to deal with Rape and beatings and his controlling nature, for that long. I would have said something sooner, but again ive never been in this situation. It was a very well written book that I couldnt put down. the only reason for the 3 stars is my whole confusion.
October 20, 2012
It was ok. A lot of repetition - move to a new town, mom goes out shopping, stepdad abuses Lissy. A lot of detail focused on the moves, not much detail regarding the alleged abuse. I am sorry the author had to endure the wrath of her stepfather and the ignorance of her mother. It just seems the details of this book focused on the periphery.
September 6, 2015
this one was hard to keep interested in because the story was pretty much the same thing over and over and over and over and drug out but i guess it had to be beings it was a grown womans story of her entire life.. it was very sad at some parts im glad i stuck with it i just wish there was a bit more there was something missing but it was an ok read
December 16, 2012
horribly written but still an amazing story of a woman overcoming abuse. the misuse of quotation marks and over use of exclamation marks drove me insane! The writing was repetitive and frequently re-uses the same words and phrases.
December 29, 2014
A beacon of hope
This was such a horrifying and sad story but it had a very beautiful end. It fills me with hope that if Elise can make it through 30 years of abuse than I can make it through anything.
This was such a horrifying and sad story but it had a very beautiful end. It fills me with hope that if Elise can make it through 30 years of abuse than I can make it through anything.
August 3, 2015
Beautiful Courage
A true story of beautiful courage beyond great adversity. From horrific heart ache to hope... From hope to healing. From healing to living. From living to thriving.
A true story of beautiful courage beyond great adversity. From horrific heart ache to hope... From hope to healing. From healing to living. From living to thriving.
January 15, 2013
Very sad story. Glad I read it!
April 16, 2013
Eventually finished it...... Still don't understand how a woman would continue to allow herself to be put in that situation.. Completely baffles me.
September 20, 2014
Good read
hard to believe anyone could be so brainwashed.
hopefully this will help others in abusive situations. thankfully God does exist!
hard to believe anyone could be so brainwashed.
hopefully this will help others in abusive situations. thankfully God does exist!
Read
December 5, 2017Brave Daughter and Survivor
Wonderful, well written true story or incest and how she suffered and she
Survived this torture from her stepfather and her passive mothers acceptance of the crime.
Wonderful, well written true story or incest and how she suffered and she
Survived this torture from her stepfather and her passive mothers acceptance of the crime.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews