Domestic Abuse: stories of survival
AD – gifted for review. I was provided with a copy of Clipped Wings for the purpose of this review. As always though, all thoughs and opinions are my own.
As Mental Health Awareness Week draws to a close, I thought this would be a good time share Clipped Wings by Jennifer Gilmour with you. Filled to bursting with horrific recolletions of domestic abuse, but also true stories of survival. You won’t help but be inspired.
THE BLURB
The silent chorus.
Just imagine you thought that you had met the man or woman of your dreams. This person was charming and you thought they were the one or perhaps that this was fate; it was just meant to be.
But as the months go by things start to change. Their behaviour towards you isn’t the same, they are more critical, more particular about your appearance, what you do, how you do it, who you see. Time goes by and you feel isolated from your friends and family because that behaviour has now changed to threats, maybe violence and you feel that your identity is all but gone. But still you stay. Where would you go? Who would help you? You are not worthy.
But you are.
A group of survivors have spoken about their own experiences. In their own words they show that survivors do have a voice and that it needs to be heard. They show that abuse isn’t unique or strange but that it is, unfortunately, a surprisingly common problem in today’s society.
CLIPPED WINGS – MY THOUGHTS
Where to start with this one.
First of all the the structure is a simple one. Each chapter has it’s own voice and it’s own style, as each chapter is one persons story. What is lacks in writing style though it makes up with an honest and raw recollection of the personal hell that each person contained with it’s pages went through. A difficult read at times, Clipped Wings show abusers at their worst but also survivors at their best as they find their inner strength to finally say no. Enough is enough. Unfortunately for some though, this takes years and in some cases, decades.
From reading the introduction you learn that Clipped Wings came about due the to response to Jennifer Gilmour’s debut novel Isolation Junction. A story of a young woman fighting to leave an abusive relationship, something that Jennifer drew on her own experiences to write. Jennifer wanted to give the people who reached out to her after its publication a voice. From there, Clipped Wings was born.
Be warned though. The accounts contained within it’s pages include physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse with addictions and self harm woven in at times. This is not fiction though which makes it so much worse. This isn’t an account of events that happened in a writers imagination, but events that people lived through. These brave people have found the courage to tell their story and for no other reason than acknowledging their bravery, they deserve to be read.
With this in mind, the benefit to its structure is that as a reader the book is easy to pick up and put down. A very uncomfortable read at times, the distinctly different stories allows you to read one, perhaps walk away for a time before being ready to move onto the next. Regardless at the pace at which you are able to read it though, I do recommend that you do. If nothing else it makes you realise that domestic abuse can exist anywhere. Maybe your neighbour, your work colleague, maybe even your sister or brother.
This is a very real problem in our society and one that has stayed hidden behind closed doors for too long. It’s time that we all open our eyes and take a look around us. Simply noticing the signs and starting to ask questions could give someone you know the strength to finally find their voice and speak out.
Clipped Wings is currently available on Amazon for £4.99 (affiliate link). However, read on to learn how to be in with a chance to win your very own copy.
THE GIVEAWAY – this giveaway has now ended
Jennifer has very kindly offered a hardcopy of Clipped Wings one lucky Tippytupps reader. Just enter via Rafflecopter using the link below and follow the usual social media accounts.
This giveaway is open to UK residents only, is powered by Rafflecopter and will close on Sunday 10th June 2018 at midnight. The winner will then be chosen at random using the tool. Please note that this giveaway is hosted by Tippytupps blog, but the prize will be sent directly from Jennifer. For full terms and conditions for the giveaway, please visit the Tippytupps terms and conditions page.
I need to win this giveaway or get the OH to buy this for me x
It’s an amazing read. So moving and inspirational what these people went through.
This isn’t for me just because of personal experience with dealing with this. (not me but someone close to me). I cannot believe people would do this to someone they supposedly “care” about. Breaks my heart.
It’s heartbreaking isn’t it. So horrific how “love” can get so ugly and distorted.
this sounds like a hard but interesting read, we need to talk about it more, its not something to be ashamed of and one of the things i wish people would stop saying to those that have been in that situation ‘why didnt you just leave’ you cant, unless youve been there you will never understand the sheer fear and mental torture that you deal with x
I don’t think I could read this, something’s are just too much. Great review!
Having been a victim myself, this book sounds inspiring x
Sounds like a moving and inspirational read.
This sounds like a very interesting book
by the time I was 35 I had, had 5 (yep!) abusive relationships. It stemmed from an abusive childhood. I am 40 and broke the cycle at 35 by doing the freedom programme, and speaking up, no longer in shame or afraid.
For anyone going through the same, I urge you to leave, right now, this minute, get what you need, Id, any cash, your kids (if applicable) and go to the nearest Police station.
you can do it.
Love to all xxxx
Sounds interesting.
I’ve seen violence against a friend. It’s hard to interfere in domestic problems.
Would love to read this – right up my street!
This looks like a fantastic read
Sounds a really powerful, thought provoking book and a great way to raise awareness of domestic violence, too often people say why don’t you just leave but it’s not an easy thing to do when you feel worthless and powerless
Sounds really powerful – really would like to read this x.
It looks such an amazing read ,sharing peoples experiences too
I’m a survivor now for the last 6 years but I was a victim for 25 years. I can now talk about this without shame or guilt and I applaud anyone who raises the awareness of domestic abuse. I would still be suffering now if it wasn’t for the huge amount of support I received from domestic abuse advocates, the police, the fire brigade, charities and other victims/survivors. When I first entered the system I asked if there were other people like me, I had not met anyone or discussed it with anyone in 25 years. When asked by people why certain things happened to me I responded because that’s just the way it is, no longer realising there were other ways of living. I have a new life now after Living anonymously for the past 5 years so as not to be tracked down. I have a new husband and a very happy life. I lost my career, my son, my money and all my belongings, but I kept my true friends and my hope for a better future.
You’re strength is amazing and you should be so proud of how far you have come. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to have lost so much but your strength can be nothing but inspiration to others. Xxx
this sounds like an interesting, emotional read 🙂 🙂
This sounds like a very interesting read – thanks for the chance to win
Having been through the trauma and surviving and becoming stronger because of it, its great to see a competition like this, spreading the great message of hope and help….Many thanks
Count me in
Looks a great read.
Sounds like an enlightening read and a very welcome giveaway. Thank you.
looks like a good book
It’s hard to believe that this goes on but it’s good to hear that people have got out of these situations and survived
Close to my heart I’m afraid – would like to read x
I’d love to read this – a hidden problem.
Thanks for the great prize and competition. Good luck everyone!
id love to read about these amazing people
Would absolutely love to win this for a close friend who is in need of real support x
I have this on my book wishlist. When I saw this competition, I just had to enter.
I would love to read this moving story.
Looks like a really interesting read, thanks