4 out of 4 stars
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Liberty Too: The Cost of Keeping Secrets by Andrea Mells is a purely fictitious tale that will leave its readers engrossed with every intriguing detail that unfolds. It is intended to caution its audiences about the dangers of sexual abuse and its effects on both children and adults alike. The book also instructs on coping mechanisms that can be utilized to solve such situations. The focal point, however, centers around its premise. This depicts how disastrous a situation can become when someone knows a secret, especially a negative one, and decides to keep it.
The tale is told via three alternating novellas that culminate at the ending chapters. The first one features the frequently inebriated socialite Debra who struggles with a dirty little secret. Novella 2 is rendered in the first person by Jonita Liberty, the main protagonist. She tells the history of her life as a young girl who resides with her mom, dad, and her two (2) younger siblings. Unbeknownst to the rest of her family, for years, her dad has been sexually abusing her but has not penetrated her. He, however, has promised her that he would make her a real woman on her thirteenth birthday. Jonita believes him and waits with anticipation for this to happen. When her father is found dead, however, the entire community is left asking the question. Could this be the handiwork of Jonita’s mother who is the main suspect in this bizarre and tragic chain of events? If not, then who is the real murderer? The third novella, which gives a present account of Jonita’s life, finds her in a hospital in a comatose state. What could have caused her to be in this state and will she ever recover?
Author Mells who is a retired educator has displayed that she is profoundly gifted at capturing the attention of her audience by her use of words. She has skillfully manipulated the vocabulary of the English Language to easily bring to the minds of her readers, the agonizing details of the effects of sexual abuse. Her message is quite lucid and her writing clear and concise. Her audience can easily see the depicted vivid imagery of the depression and shame that Jonita and her family experience during their time of trauma. I have observed that the tone of the entire book is guilt. In the passages, Jonita desperately tries to escape both physically and mentally from the guilt and depression which consume her because of this abuse. Her mother equally feels this burdensome guilt because she was not alert enough to know that all this happens in her presence for so many years.
I totally enjoy reading this book. The events that occur throughout the pages are fast-paced, and I was certainly not bored at all. I love the fact that Jonita, despite her tribulations, still has the resilience to withstand many of these challenges. I hate the fact that Jonita’s mother didn’t handle her sexual abuse issues in a more mature and sensitive manner. Instead of encouraging and showering Jonita with much motherly love and affection, she is, at most times, detached and stone-faced which causes Jonita much confusion and shame. This is a situation that is so prevalent in today's society where many innocent children are sexually abused by their parents, guardians, friends, and strangers. Most times they are even threatened by these abusers. Sometimes when they happen to divulge these secrets, they are rebuked by their loved ones who should really be giving care and support at such challenging times.
I agree with the author on the title of the book as it is truly reflective of what can really happen when certain secrets that should be exposed are kept hidden instead. Having such heavy burdens can only lead to depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide. I have not noticed any errors that are relevant to be mentioned, therefore, I will unreservedly give this book a 4 out of 4 stars rating. I highly recommend this inspirational page-turner to persons who have undergone traumatic situations such as incest. It will positively motivate them to heal and to assist others to overcome their plights.
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Liberty Too - The Cost Of Keeping Secrets
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