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I Have Life: Alison’s Journey
Like an apparition, conjured out of the darkness, a young man with light blond hair pushed his face into the car. I immediately spotted the knife. It was a long, thin weapon, almost like a letter opener, with a tapering blade. It felt cold and spiny as he pressed it to my neck. When he spoke his voice, which was quiet and controlled, sounded as though it emanated from a distant planet. But every word thudded into my skull.
“Move over or I’ll kill you,” he whispered.
And so began Alison’s nightmare journey with the two callous killers who were to rape her, stab her so many times doctors could not count the wounds, slit her throat and leave her for dead in a filthy clearing miles from the city of Port Elizabeth which was her home.
But Alison defied death. And more than that, she denied her attackers the satisfaction of destroying her life. I Have Life is the triumphant story of a woman who refused to become a victim. The courage which allowed her to move beyond severe physical and emotional trauma and to turn a devastating experience into something life-affirming and strong, is an inspiration to people everywhere.
“Move over or I’ll kill you,” he whispered.
And so began Alison’s nightmare journey with the two callous killers who were to rape her, stab her so many times doctors could not count the wounds, slit her throat and leave her for dead in a filthy clearing miles from the city of Port Elizabeth which was her home.
But Alison defied death. And more than that, she denied her attackers the satisfaction of destroying her life. I Have Life is the triumphant story of a woman who refused to become a victim. The courage which allowed her to move beyond severe physical and emotional trauma and to turn a devastating experience into something life-affirming and strong, is an inspiration to people everywhere.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1995
259 people are currently reading
4760 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
October 1, 2014
It was a dark day when the story of Alison hit our local newspaper. I remember so well the shock, disbelief and horror. The fact that she survived was viewed as a miracle, and her story was told and retold for many many years. What a wonderful book written about a wonderfully brave woman.
May 16, 2008
A DEFINITE MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!....I have read this 0ne 0ver and 0ver and 0ver and 0ver....T00 D0PE!!!! TOO DOPE!!! T00 DOPE!!!! Y0u kn0w h0w people are always complaining ab0ut petty ish and always h0w they are t00 unf0rtunate blah blah blah...the b0ok is a true enc0unter 0f a face-t0-face interacti0n with death (metaphorically speaking, if that is p0ssible...haha)anyway, this is 0ne b0ok that has truly had a GREAT IMPACT in the way i perceive life, the lyrical graphic is EXCELLENT and man i w0uld definitely read it again, and again and again and again...and they say men are str0nger than w0men...Alis0n just pr0ved y0u wr0ng. N0thing is ab0ut one's sex in the w0rld...it is truly all in the mind...
June 7, 2015
What an incredible journey. Alison's bravery is beyond belief and her attitude inspiring. A true story that shows how powerful our will to survive can be. I applaud you, Alison!
May 22, 2021
"I still believe that we make our own happiness.
I still believe that we can only see the world through our own eyes and that our own state of mind affects everything.
I still love butterflies.
And I still believe in miracles."
i heard about alison's case through a podcast, thought i was ready to read the book, but still it was pretty hard to read-alison holds nothing back about anything throughout her biography whether it is the horrific events that happened to her or her will to survive emotionally after her wounds have healed. i was feeling queasy and faint, ended sobbing just reading about what she went through, so it's unimaginable that a human being experienced all that. i take my hat off to her and i hope that she lives a very happy life.
I still believe that we can only see the world through our own eyes and that our own state of mind affects everything.
I still love butterflies.
And I still believe in miracles."
i heard about alison's case through a podcast, thought i was ready to read the book, but still it was pretty hard to read-alison holds nothing back about anything throughout her biography whether it is the horrific events that happened to her or her will to survive emotionally after her wounds have healed. i was feeling queasy and faint, ended sobbing just reading about what she went through, so it's unimaginable that a human being experienced all that. i take my hat off to her and i hope that she lives a very happy life.
January 15, 2015
Just realised right now that I think this is the first "long" "adult" book I remember reading as a kid. Vivid, moving, self-reflective, inspiring.
January 4, 2021
Ojoj. Så jobbigt och riktigt läskigt att läsa om vad vissa kan ta sig till bara för man ”vill”
Att hon överlever känns nästan overkligt, men det är en sann berättelse.
Tron kan besegra berg sägs det men för mig blev det lite för overkligt men samtidigt greps jag av att vilja veta mer.
Att hon överlever känns nästan overkligt, men det är en sann berättelse.
Tron kan besegra berg sägs det men för mig blev det lite för overkligt men samtidigt greps jag av att vilja veta mer.
July 25, 2009
Have found it difficult to rate a book like this, as it feels like I'm rating the individual & if this were the case - I would have given her 10 stars. It's an amazing story that has been told in many voices (from her parents to her surgeon) that I think the author did a fantastic job in capturing. Alison's frankness and bravery not only in living to tell this tale to many & inevitably to the writer herself is extraordinary. Then by all accounts she was an extraordinary woman in the first place. Not many could have survived her injuries or if they did, the ordeal of having lived through such a set of circumstances. The photo's alone show you not only the extent of some of her injuries, but also her bravery in allowing them to be shown to the public so a fuller picture is presented.
I would have given it 4 1/2 stars but can't and the only reason for this is that there were a few other voices I would have liked to have heard from & a few I would have liked to have heard more from. The book isn't sad it's really quite uplifting & although it does go down the philosophy path a little towards the end, It seemed necessary to the story & not the least bit preachy, just more like Alison's voice that was so ho hum I'm just an ordinary girl with an extraordinary tale to tell.
I would have given it 4 1/2 stars but can't and the only reason for this is that there were a few other voices I would have liked to have heard from & a few I would have liked to have heard more from. The book isn't sad it's really quite uplifting & although it does go down the philosophy path a little towards the end, It seemed necessary to the story & not the least bit preachy, just more like Alison's voice that was so ho hum I'm just an ordinary girl with an extraordinary tale to tell.
April 11, 2011
The story is absolutely amazing - one goes through so many emotions in this book. I read it within a day, couldn't put it down!
Read
March 15, 2025J'ai hésité un petit moment quant à savoir si je voulais mettre une note à ce livre mais j'ai finalement décidé de m'en abstenir. J'ai bien conscience que ça aurait été juger le livre même et pas la personne derrière mais ça m'a quand même mis un peu mal à l'aise étant donné le fait que ce n'est pas de la fiction.
Le livre se sépare en quatre parties.
La première se concentre sur l'agression en elle-même, sur la violence, sur la force d'âme d'Alison qui lui a permis de survivre et sur tous les acteurs de ce drame. Sa lucidité sur le moment et son sang-froid sont impressionnants et l'enchaînement de petits incidents qui lui ont permis de survivre en plus de sa volonté est miraculeux (comme l'ont relevé plusieurs personnes tout au long de son périple).
La seconde partie est sur l'après-coup direct, les conséquences physiques et psychologiques, l'attention de la presse et le procès tant attendu que craint. On y voit une femme qui souffre, qui est en pleine dépression et qui peine à faire quelque chose de la vie qu'elle s'est battue pour sauver.
La troisième partie quant à elle prend place un peu plus tard et présente une Alison qui se permet enfin de commencer à guérir et à vivre. Sa positivité force honnêtement le respect et certains de ses points ont raisonnés profondément avec moi - et je suis sûre que c'est le cas avec beaucoup d'autres femmes aussi.
La quatrième partie prend place une douzaine d'années après les faits. On y voit une Alison apaisée et qui continue de parler dans l'espoir d'aider les autres. Elle apprend avec horreur que ses ravisseurs sont désormais éligibles pour une libération conditionnelle et elle jure de continuer à faire tout ce qui est en son pouvoir pour qu'ils restent enfermés à vie. Elle conclut cela dit sur une note positive en réaffirmant qu'elle croit en la vie et aux miracles.
Ce livre était très dur mais touchant à lire. Alison affirme qu'elle n'est qu'une fille comme les autres mais c'est vraiment une femme qui est tout bonnement extraordinaire et profondément altruiste de nature. Elle m'a donné envie de plus profiter de la vie et de faire de mon mieux chaque jour.
Le livre se sépare en quatre parties.
La première se concentre sur l'agression en elle-même, sur la violence, sur la force d'âme d'Alison qui lui a permis de survivre et sur tous les acteurs de ce drame. Sa lucidité sur le moment et son sang-froid sont impressionnants et l'enchaînement de petits incidents qui lui ont permis de survivre en plus de sa volonté est miraculeux (comme l'ont relevé plusieurs personnes tout au long de son périple).
La seconde partie est sur l'après-coup direct, les conséquences physiques et psychologiques, l'attention de la presse et le procès tant attendu que craint. On y voit une femme qui souffre, qui est en pleine dépression et qui peine à faire quelque chose de la vie qu'elle s'est battue pour sauver.
La troisième partie quant à elle prend place un peu plus tard et présente une Alison qui se permet enfin de commencer à guérir et à vivre. Sa positivité force honnêtement le respect et certains de ses points ont raisonnés profondément avec moi - et je suis sûre que c'est le cas avec beaucoup d'autres femmes aussi.
La quatrième partie prend place une douzaine d'années après les faits. On y voit une Alison apaisée et qui continue de parler dans l'espoir d'aider les autres. Elle apprend avec horreur que ses ravisseurs sont désormais éligibles pour une libération conditionnelle et elle jure de continuer à faire tout ce qui est en son pouvoir pour qu'ils restent enfermés à vie. Elle conclut cela dit sur une note positive en réaffirmant qu'elle croit en la vie et aux miracles.
Ce livre était très dur mais touchant à lire. Alison affirme qu'elle n'est qu'une fille comme les autres mais c'est vraiment une femme qui est tout bonnement extraordinaire et profondément altruiste de nature. Elle m'a donné envie de plus profiter de la vie et de faire de mon mieux chaque jour.
January 4, 2022
[Original title in english: 'I Have Life; Raped, Stabbed and Left for Dead']
This is an adult non-fiction survival story about hope, strength, love and courage in the face of evil and life's challenges.
Alison, our survivor, shares her experience of being violenty attacked, her near-death experience, her subsequent perseverence and survival, all the little miracles that occured, the trial of her abusers and the struggles of reshaping her life.
Though the experience of Alison, is a gruesome one, I would still recommend this book to any of my adult reader friends. Despite her inhuman treatment, the pain, fear and abuse, this is not a story meant to shock, depress or anger. Instead, this is a story of love, hope and courage.
Alison's story, and the way she shares it, have left me feeling encouraged to look for the good in the world, to stand up for my values, strife for inner peace, reach out to others and let go of the unnecessary burdens we carry in life.
Truly, this is a story of survival and on-going victory, and I think anyone could do with the lessons she learned and is willing to share.
Sexual content: extremely violent (rape & sexual abuse) though the actual telling of her horrifying experience is only done in chapter one and two. The description is graphic enough to give credit to her inhuman treatment, and to give the reader a good impression, but has clearly not been done to shock. Though absolutely horrible, I didn't feel sick to my stomach reading this, because of lens through which she helps us see things
Coarse language: mild
Violence and gore: extreme violence
Conclusion
If you're above 18 at least (see content warnings above) please read this. If the actual description of the attack is too much for you, skip part of chapter one, and part of chapter 2.
This is an adult non-fiction survival story about hope, strength, love and courage in the face of evil and life's challenges.
Alison, our survivor, shares her experience of being violenty attacked, her near-death experience, her subsequent perseverence and survival, all the little miracles that occured, the trial of her abusers and the struggles of reshaping her life.
Though the experience of Alison, is a gruesome one, I would still recommend this book to any of my adult reader friends. Despite her inhuman treatment, the pain, fear and abuse, this is not a story meant to shock, depress or anger. Instead, this is a story of love, hope and courage.
Alison's story, and the way she shares it, have left me feeling encouraged to look for the good in the world, to stand up for my values, strife for inner peace, reach out to others and let go of the unnecessary burdens we carry in life.
Truly, this is a story of survival and on-going victory, and I think anyone could do with the lessons she learned and is willing to share.
Sexual content: extremely violent (rape & sexual abuse) though the actual telling of her horrifying experience is only done in chapter one and two. The description is graphic enough to give credit to her inhuman treatment, and to give the reader a good impression, but has clearly not been done to shock. Though absolutely horrible, I didn't feel sick to my stomach reading this, because of lens through which she helps us see things
Coarse language: mild
Violence and gore: extreme violence
Conclusion
If you're above 18 at least (see content warnings above) please read this. If the actual description of the attack is too much for you, skip part of chapter one, and part of chapter 2.
October 23, 2025
This is the story of a South African woman named Allison Botha who was carjacked, raped, and left for dead. Her throat had been slashed 16 times, her abdomen slashed 35 times, and her reproductive organs also damaged. She was able to crawl to a highway and a driver stopped and called for an ambulance, even riding in the ambulance with her to get help. Miraculously, she survived. When you learn about the men who attacked her it is a lesson in evil. There are wolves out there, lovers of chaos. An amazing tale of survival and resilience.
October 1, 2020
Alisons' verhaal grijpt je bij de keel. Wat haar is overkomen, schokt mij. Ik begrijp niet dat een mens in staat kan zijn tot dergelijke gruweldaden. En ja, ik heb gehuild bij de beschrijving van haar verkrachting en hoe de mannen haar wilden vermoorden. Alisons vechtlust is bewonderenswaardig, evenals haar zin voor het leven. Ondanks haar lichamelijk en geestelijk trauma laat ze zich niet kisten. Alison is een bijzonder inspirerende vrouw die haar wijsheid, ervaring en empathie deelt met anderen. Van haar kan ik veel leren.
May 13, 2021
(This review will be on my blog All the Ups and Downs soon.)
--
I first heard about Alison Botha on a true crime podcast. What happened to Alison and her will to survive really piqued my interest. When I discovered her biography, I Have Life, I knew I had to read it right away. While what happened to Alison was beyond horrific, her will to survive and her outlook on life afterwards were inspirational.
Reading about Alison's abduction, rape, and attempted murder will definitely leave you with your jaw on the floor. Alison holds nothing back about anything throughout her biography whether it is the horrific events that happened to her or her will to survive emotionally after her wounds have healed. Marianne Thamm, the journalist that Alison told her story to in order to write her biography does a wonderful job of tying everything together for the most part. About halfway through though, I felt like I Have Life stopped being a biography and started becoming a self-help book with Alison writing (speaking to Thamm) about how to become a happier person. Luckily, this only lasts for a few chapters, but I felt like maybe the chapters about being happier and such should be in a self-help book. (Alison gives talks around the world about her ordeal, so perhaps that's why these chapters were included?) Otherwise Marianne Thamm's writing of Alison Botha's biography was flawless. I was immersed the whole time. I felt like I was right besides Alison the whole time. I kept wanting there to be a different outcome when Alison was abducted by Frans even though I knew there wouldn't be. I felt like Alison really wants the stigma for rape survivors to be no more (and she's right as there shouldn't be any stigma attached). I felt like everything I wanted to know about Alison was answered in I Have Life - from what happened to Alison at the point of her abduction, the rape, the brutal attempted to murder, to the trial of her rapists and attacker to how her life was like at the writing of the book. Like I said, Thamm and Alison don't really leave anything to the imagination of which I was grateful.
All in all, I Have Life is a deeply disturbing book to read, but it does have a great outcome. It is well put together, and Alison Botha comes across as such a strong inspirational woman. Alison's story is full of hope and wisdom throughout. I would definitely recommend I Have Life: Alison's Journey as told to Marianne Thamm for those ages 18+ who are into true crime or for those that just want to see how strong the human will is to survive.
--
I first heard about Alison Botha on a true crime podcast. What happened to Alison and her will to survive really piqued my interest. When I discovered her biography, I Have Life, I knew I had to read it right away. While what happened to Alison was beyond horrific, her will to survive and her outlook on life afterwards were inspirational.
Reading about Alison's abduction, rape, and attempted murder will definitely leave you with your jaw on the floor. Alison holds nothing back about anything throughout her biography whether it is the horrific events that happened to her or her will to survive emotionally after her wounds have healed. Marianne Thamm, the journalist that Alison told her story to in order to write her biography does a wonderful job of tying everything together for the most part. About halfway through though, I felt like I Have Life stopped being a biography and started becoming a self-help book with Alison writing (speaking to Thamm) about how to become a happier person. Luckily, this only lasts for a few chapters, but I felt like maybe the chapters about being happier and such should be in a self-help book. (Alison gives talks around the world about her ordeal, so perhaps that's why these chapters were included?) Otherwise Marianne Thamm's writing of Alison Botha's biography was flawless. I was immersed the whole time. I felt like I was right besides Alison the whole time. I kept wanting there to be a different outcome when Alison was abducted by Frans even though I knew there wouldn't be. I felt like Alison really wants the stigma for rape survivors to be no more (and she's right as there shouldn't be any stigma attached). I felt like everything I wanted to know about Alison was answered in I Have Life - from what happened to Alison at the point of her abduction, the rape, the brutal attempted to murder, to the trial of her rapists and attacker to how her life was like at the writing of the book. Like I said, Thamm and Alison don't really leave anything to the imagination of which I was grateful.
All in all, I Have Life is a deeply disturbing book to read, but it does have a great outcome. It is well put together, and Alison Botha comes across as such a strong inspirational woman. Alison's story is full of hope and wisdom throughout. I would definitely recommend I Have Life: Alison's Journey as told to Marianne Thamm for those ages 18+ who are into true crime or for those that just want to see how strong the human will is to survive.
September 9, 2020
Very inspirational story of a young woman who suffered and endured a hideous carjacking, rape and attempted murder by two men, but survived and lived to see her attackers put in prison for life. The story starts right at the beginning of the terrible attack and dives right in. Alison gives us an unflinching look at what happened to her, then continues with the series of events all the way through the trials and shortly after. She is very matter-of-fact and doesn't shy away from the grim details. She is a VERY reliable narrator. The last few chapters deal with her philosophy of life, and how she has dealt with the after-effects of the assault and meeting her future husband. This is a very fast read.
February 11, 2022
This is a must read for everyone! This is the recollection of a brutal and cruel rape and attempted murder of a woman that had everything against her. It reminds us that even if we just have 1% in us to survive despite everything being against us, we can cross the widest rivers and climb the highest mountains.
Alison Botha is an inspirational woman who has been through hell but has never once not believed in miracles.
I absolutely recommend this book to everyone! She is a survivor and an empowering woman❤ We have not lost the fight until we have truly given up on ourselves and Alison is proof if that.
Alison Botha is an inspirational woman who has been through hell but has never once not believed in miracles.
I absolutely recommend this book to everyone! She is a survivor and an empowering woman❤ We have not lost the fight until we have truly given up on ourselves and Alison is proof if that.
January 24, 2014
Great, Inspiring and unbelievable strong natured woman that lived a miracle is all I can say. Horrifying to be raped, slit throat and still managed to fight for life... I take my hat off to her. A great and inspirational book to read. Certainly makes you grateful for the live you currently live that's for sure. I will never forget this story. Ever.
April 23, 2014
Wat een bizar verhaal, wat een dappere vechter is Alison. Vreselijk dat dit soort dingen gebeuren. Het boek was spannend, heftig...maar goed verteld. Mooi om te lezen hoe zij haar leven na de verkrachtig oppakt en andere mensen helpt.
March 10, 2015
I remember reading an article on Alison when I was in primary school, it was sad and terrifying and she is someone I often find myself thinking about.
July 10, 2015
BRILLIANT, AWESOME, U FEEL LIKE YOU ARE EXPERIENCING WHAT ALISON WENT THROUGH.
July 14, 2015
It was a heart wrenching book that really makes one realize the difficult emotional journey that she has taken and how different it could have turned out
January 15, 2017
A truly inspirational book. I am so glad I decided to read this after all.
February 20, 2025
Alison’s bravery to fight and also retell this story is amazing! What she went through is truly harrowing!
An absolute must read!
An absolute must read!
May 24, 2025
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS: I mean, her story is well known so is anything really a spoiler? Some might say yes, so here is your warning.******
Good God Almighty…do you know this woman’s story? 27-yo South African woman, abducted, raped, disemboweled, nearly decapitated, somehow managed to get herself to the main road where she was found and taken to the hospital?????
Alison’s memoir is gripping. Very well written and she jumps right into the story from when she arrived home and parked her car. It’s written in a moment by moment style and each chapter tells what was happening from a different person’s point of view: Hers, the driver who stopped to help her, the surgeon, her mother, father, her BFF, police investigator, the psychologist.
Some of my questions were How did she survive that long after losing that much blood? Why did she not choke to death on her own blood? What took the ambulance 2 hours to get to her?
“While I lay in hospital fighting for my life this had simply gone on, had continued as before. All these people, these cars moving to and from, had gone about their business as if nothing had happened, while my life had changed irrevocably.
“That’s the thing about life. Only we can intensely experience each moment. Although it is connected in some esoteric way to the greater cosmos, only we live in it, through it, totally alone.”
I’m outraged at the things she had to give up, like her cute car, Reginald, she could no longer bare to drive, and her adorable flat that she was now too afraid to live in. She moved to a not-cute, secure building. And her old self. She even had to give that up!
“By now I had come to accept that I would not be able to just pick up my old life. That Alison was no more.”
I’m also outraged that she, and every other victim of a violent crime, not only have to deal with the physical and emotional pain of healing, but they also have to deal with a court case that consumes their lives while also trying to hold down their 9-5 jobs. And think about it…after a few weeks or months, your job, friends, family are ready to move the f*&k on already, but you’re still living all of it. All because a man, or in this case two men, just decided it would be fun to find a woman, rape her, and kill her.
“I knew they needed the evidence. It was strange going back to work after having your pubic hair plucked out by a stranger.”
Can you imagine doing that on your lunch break??? Or going to an intense counseling session and then having to deal with Clients?
It was interesting (and a bit shocking) to see how different the police / court / medical systems are in South Africa.
Chapter 3 was about how she is spiritual but not religious, destiny vs faith, is there a great plan for life written in the stars and do we just have to accept that path? Are good & evil qualities that are put on us by outside forces or are they capacities inside us that we can choose for ourselves (personal responsibility)?
Does she believe the two men were “sent” to her so she could learn something? No.
“Essentially, they came into my life because I was unconscious, unaware, and wrapped up in a world of my own.”
She also talks about her ABC method: Attitude, Belief, Choice.
Do not allow your problems to make your life a misery.
Final thoughts: If any of you are still not locking your car doors the second you get in, I swear to God…and do not, under any circumstance, even if there is a knife at your throat or a gun at your head, allow yourself to be taken to a second location. Keep your head on a swivel, not scrolling through your phone. Be conscious, alert, vigilant, and aware at all times. If something horrible has already happened to you, know that it is not your fault that your path crossed with theirs. Rape is a crime — they break into your body just as a thief breaks into a home or a car.
Good God Almighty…do you know this woman’s story? 27-yo South African woman, abducted, raped, disemboweled, nearly decapitated, somehow managed to get herself to the main road where she was found and taken to the hospital?????
Alison’s memoir is gripping. Very well written and she jumps right into the story from when she arrived home and parked her car. It’s written in a moment by moment style and each chapter tells what was happening from a different person’s point of view: Hers, the driver who stopped to help her, the surgeon, her mother, father, her BFF, police investigator, the psychologist.
Some of my questions were How did she survive that long after losing that much blood? Why did she not choke to death on her own blood? What took the ambulance 2 hours to get to her?
“While I lay in hospital fighting for my life this had simply gone on, had continued as before. All these people, these cars moving to and from, had gone about their business as if nothing had happened, while my life had changed irrevocably.
“That’s the thing about life. Only we can intensely experience each moment. Although it is connected in some esoteric way to the greater cosmos, only we live in it, through it, totally alone.”
I’m outraged at the things she had to give up, like her cute car, Reginald, she could no longer bare to drive, and her adorable flat that she was now too afraid to live in. She moved to a not-cute, secure building. And her old self. She even had to give that up!
“By now I had come to accept that I would not be able to just pick up my old life. That Alison was no more.”
I’m also outraged that she, and every other victim of a violent crime, not only have to deal with the physical and emotional pain of healing, but they also have to deal with a court case that consumes their lives while also trying to hold down their 9-5 jobs. And think about it…after a few weeks or months, your job, friends, family are ready to move the f*&k on already, but you’re still living all of it. All because a man, or in this case two men, just decided it would be fun to find a woman, rape her, and kill her.
“I knew they needed the evidence. It was strange going back to work after having your pubic hair plucked out by a stranger.”
Can you imagine doing that on your lunch break??? Or going to an intense counseling session and then having to deal with Clients?
It was interesting (and a bit shocking) to see how different the police / court / medical systems are in South Africa.
Chapter 3 was about how she is spiritual but not religious, destiny vs faith, is there a great plan for life written in the stars and do we just have to accept that path? Are good & evil qualities that are put on us by outside forces or are they capacities inside us that we can choose for ourselves (personal responsibility)?
Does she believe the two men were “sent” to her so she could learn something? No.
“Essentially, they came into my life because I was unconscious, unaware, and wrapped up in a world of my own.”
She also talks about her ABC method: Attitude, Belief, Choice.
Do not allow your problems to make your life a misery.
Final thoughts: If any of you are still not locking your car doors the second you get in, I swear to God…and do not, under any circumstance, even if there is a knife at your throat or a gun at your head, allow yourself to be taken to a second location. Keep your head on a swivel, not scrolling through your phone. Be conscious, alert, vigilant, and aware at all times. If something horrible has already happened to you, know that it is not your fault that your path crossed with theirs. Rape is a crime — they break into your body just as a thief breaks into a home or a car.
January 31, 2023
TW: GBV & Rape
It is early in the morning, 18th of December, 1994. Alison is parking her car. She has just returned from spending time with her girlfriends. She is just ten metres away from her front door. When she is about to exit her car, this tall man from nowhere points her with a knife and tells her, ‘move over, or I’ll kill you.’ Alison’s life from this point onwards is never the same.
At knifepoint, this man drives Alison’s car and picks up his friend. Together they drive Alison into the dark bush, where they proceed to rape her. As if that is not enough, they stab her near her private parts, on her neck, and on her stomach. It is all so bad that her intestines are out. They leave her there to die like an animal. With strength she never knows she possesses, she stands up from the ditch, one arm on her neck wound, the other on her stomach, stopping the intestines from falling. She walks to the nearest road and flags for help.
I HAVE LIFE: Alison’s Journey, as told to Marrienne Thamm, was such a hard book to read. I had to stop frequently to catch my breath because I couldn’t bring myself to wheeze through it just like that. What Alison went through, no one should go through it. To see her in that car crowded by those two men was heartbreaking. With this book, she has brought the name and face to the stats we are now numb to as a country. She wasn’t just sharing the gruesome experience. She was also motivating and inspiring other victims to claim back their lives and not give in to the perpetrators.
I loved the switch to other people’s perspectives who were close to Alison to show how they responded to the incident. The one of a guy who got out of his car to go help Alison on the road was moving. He knew what to do when Alison was close to dying in the middle of that road. His response was awesome; no wonder he later received an award from the city for his heroic act. It was well-deserved.
The last chapters were very affirming. Alison’s life took a whole U-turn in raising awareness about women’s safety in the country. Going around in the country giving speeches and meeting women who went through a similar ordeal showed just how much serious this is.
It is early in the morning, 18th of December, 1994. Alison is parking her car. She has just returned from spending time with her girlfriends. She is just ten metres away from her front door. When she is about to exit her car, this tall man from nowhere points her with a knife and tells her, ‘move over, or I’ll kill you.’ Alison’s life from this point onwards is never the same.
At knifepoint, this man drives Alison’s car and picks up his friend. Together they drive Alison into the dark bush, where they proceed to rape her. As if that is not enough, they stab her near her private parts, on her neck, and on her stomach. It is all so bad that her intestines are out. They leave her there to die like an animal. With strength she never knows she possesses, she stands up from the ditch, one arm on her neck wound, the other on her stomach, stopping the intestines from falling. She walks to the nearest road and flags for help.
I HAVE LIFE: Alison’s Journey, as told to Marrienne Thamm, was such a hard book to read. I had to stop frequently to catch my breath because I couldn’t bring myself to wheeze through it just like that. What Alison went through, no one should go through it. To see her in that car crowded by those two men was heartbreaking. With this book, she has brought the name and face to the stats we are now numb to as a country. She wasn’t just sharing the gruesome experience. She was also motivating and inspiring other victims to claim back their lives and not give in to the perpetrators.
I loved the switch to other people’s perspectives who were close to Alison to show how they responded to the incident. The one of a guy who got out of his car to go help Alison on the road was moving. He knew what to do when Alison was close to dying in the middle of that road. His response was awesome; no wonder he later received an award from the city for his heroic act. It was well-deserved.
The last chapters were very affirming. Alison’s life took a whole U-turn in raising awareness about women’s safety in the country. Going around in the country giving speeches and meeting women who went through a similar ordeal showed just how much serious this is.
December 14, 2025
"I Have Life" is a heart-wrenching yet inspiring memoir by Alison Botha, a survivor of a brutal rape and attempted murder. The book recounts her harrowing experience, where she was stabbed multiple times, had her throat slit, and was left for dead. What's remarkable is how Alison transforms her trauma into a powerful story of resilience, forgiveness, and hope.
Through her journey, Alison shares valuable lessons on the importance of attitude, belief, and choice in overcoming adversity. Her story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to heal and thrive, even in the face of unimaginable trauma.
The book has received praise for its courageous and honest portrayal of Alison's experience, serving as a powerful inspiration to readers worldwide. As one reviewer noted, "Alison defied death and denied her attackers the satisfaction of destroying her life" ¹ ².
Overall, "I Have Life" is a moving and thought-provoking read that will leave you reflecting on the strength of the human spirit.
Through her journey, Alison shares valuable lessons on the importance of attitude, belief, and choice in overcoming adversity. Her story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to heal and thrive, even in the face of unimaginable trauma.
The book has received praise for its courageous and honest portrayal of Alison's experience, serving as a powerful inspiration to readers worldwide. As one reviewer noted, "Alison defied death and denied her attackers the satisfaction of destroying her life" ¹ ².
Overall, "I Have Life" is a moving and thought-provoking read that will leave you reflecting on the strength of the human spirit.
May 16, 2025
"Although death was uppermost in my mind, I still had no fear. But I felt a deep sorrow and disappointment that this time i would not be able to resist. I just did not have the physical stength to fend them off. The choice to live would no longer be mine."
Pra uma história como essa não tem como dar nota, é nada ou cinco estrelas. Foi uma experiência traumática terrível para Alison e ainda assim ela aguentou como uma brava heroína dos livros de ficção. Eu admiro a força dela e fico feliz em saber que ela pôde seguir em frente, e ainda que ela diga o contrário, eu não acho que são todas as mulheres que conseguiriam fazer o que ela fez. Estupro é morrer e continuar na terra.
Um abraço apertado na Alison e em todas as mulheres que já passaram por essa merda. O mundo é muito injusto mesmo.
Pra uma história como essa não tem como dar nota, é nada ou cinco estrelas. Foi uma experiência traumática terrível para Alison e ainda assim ela aguentou como uma brava heroína dos livros de ficção. Eu admiro a força dela e fico feliz em saber que ela pôde seguir em frente, e ainda que ela diga o contrário, eu não acho que são todas as mulheres que conseguiriam fazer o que ela fez. Estupro é morrer e continuar na terra.
Um abraço apertado na Alison e em todas as mulheres que já passaram por essa merda. O mundo é muito injusto mesmo.
July 20, 2025
„I Have Life“ ist eines dieser Bücher, das mich tief berührt und nicht mehr losgelassen hat. Alison Bothas Geschichte ist erschütternd, brutal und gleichzeitig unfassbar kraftvoll. Was sie überlebt hat, ist eigentlich unvorstellbar – doch wie sie danach weiterlebt, macht dieses Buch so besonders.
Ihre Ehrlichkeit, ihr Mut und ihr unerschütterlicher Lebenswille haben mich tief beeindruckt. Dieses Buch ist nicht nur ein Zeugnis von Überleben, sondern von echter Stärke. Es hat mir gezeigt, dass wir alle mehr Kraft in uns tragen, als wir glauben – und dass Heilung möglich ist, auch wenn der Weg dahin steinig ist.
Für mich ist das kein reines True-Crime-Buch, sondern eine bewegende Erinnerung daran, wie stark ein Mensch sein kann, wenn er sich selbst nicht aufgibt. Absolut empfehlenswert, wenn man nach echter Inspiration sucht.
Ihre Ehrlichkeit, ihr Mut und ihr unerschütterlicher Lebenswille haben mich tief beeindruckt. Dieses Buch ist nicht nur ein Zeugnis von Überleben, sondern von echter Stärke. Es hat mir gezeigt, dass wir alle mehr Kraft in uns tragen, als wir glauben – und dass Heilung möglich ist, auch wenn der Weg dahin steinig ist.
Für mich ist das kein reines True-Crime-Buch, sondern eine bewegende Erinnerung daran, wie stark ein Mensch sein kann, wenn er sich selbst nicht aufgibt. Absolut empfehlenswert, wenn man nach echter Inspiration sucht.
November 12, 2021
Alison wordt aangerand, verkracht, mishandeld, bijna vermoord. Ze weigert ten onder te gaan en vecht voor haar leven en haar toekomst. In het brengen van haar verhaal, het ondersteunen van anderen die hetzelfde meemaakten vindt ze steun én een nieuwe toekomst.
Sterk boek, idem vrouw, schrijnend verhaal.
Voor mezelf was het laatste hoofdstuk met peptalk en beschouwende levensvisie er misschien net iets teveel aan.
"... en kwam ik tot het besef dat ik mijn leven niet door het toeval wilde laten leiden, maar door keuze. Mijn belangrijkste besef was dat niemand me iets kon laten zijn of doen wat ik niet wilde, tenzij ik ze de macht gaf dat te doen" (p122)
Sterk boek, idem vrouw, schrijnend verhaal.
Voor mezelf was het laatste hoofdstuk met peptalk en beschouwende levensvisie er misschien net iets teveel aan.
"... en kwam ik tot het besef dat ik mijn leven niet door het toeval wilde laten leiden, maar door keuze. Mijn belangrijkste besef was dat niemand me iets kon laten zijn of doen wat ik niet wilde, tenzij ik ze de macht gaf dat te doen" (p122)
August 9, 2018
While this is not a self help book, it could be. Alison’s story is about hope, determination and survival. But not just surviving, she came through horrors most of us can’t imagine to live a life bigger and better than she was. At one point she wrote that we all talk about living as if you might die tomorrow, but how many of us DO it?! Letting go of anger and unwilling to let her attackers take more from her, she has become an inspiration for so many people and a motivational speaker. After you read the book, watch the documentary, Alison. ABC’s. ❤️
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