My first response after reading this book was, WOW! What a tragic, but powerful story. That Fran was able to come away from such a horrendous childhood of abuse with the ability to forgive her abuser is a wonderful testamony to what the Lord is able to do in our lives.
The book is just 255 pages-not long-but it tells the story well. Fran tells the story of her life with her siblings of how they were subjected to unbelievable mental and physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father as the the family went from place to place as migrant farm workers, never having a decent place to live. Not only were the children severely abused, but their mother endured terrible beatings as well, yet she did her best to care for her children the best she could. Fran's mother did tell her about God which little Fran clung to and which helped her survive, despite being dirt poor and having little to no food, hardly any clothes, and only small, shaby and cramped housing on the properties of the migrant farms.
Those of us who haven't experienced abuse, may find it difficult to believe that any human being could inflict such terrible pain on another person, especially their own children, but, tragically, it does happen more often than we know.
One of the most touching parts of her story was when she, along with her wonderful husband, went to the grave site of her father and said, "I forgive you, Daddy." That brought tears to my eyes.
I highly recommend it, although, it isn't for young readers due to the explicit details of the abuse Fran and her family suffered. Otherwise, it is a story that needs to be told. Everyone needs to be aware that severe mental, physical, and sexual abuse does, indeed, happen and we all need to do what we can to stop it from continuing.
I received this book from the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program in exchange for my honest review. The words are my own.
