Obsidian Mirror: An Adult Healing from Incest

by Wisechild

Book by Wisechild, Louise M.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Abuse, Psychology, Mental Health, True Crime, Self Help

278 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 1988

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best memoirs I've ever read. Reading this book is harrowing and amazing.
Told from the adult point of view, interspersed with memories of sexual abuse beginning from age five, Louise does an incredible job telling us what is going on inside her heart and mind. Her mom is horrible and doesn't take care of her kids, her kids are supposed to take care of her. The mom is afraid to be alone with a certain male relative, so she always has her kids with her when he is there, but it's ok for the uncle to be alone with Louse when she is 8. She tries over and over, in many different and brave ways to tell the adults what is happening to her, but no one will listen.
A series of male relatives sexually abuse her and no one protects her. She can't protect herself. As the book progresses and we learn more and more about what was done to this child, the horror grows. But she is strong and does what she has to do and finds two good therapists to help her with her healing. I really admire Louise's courage.
I looked Louise Wisechild up on the internet and she seems to be doing great--an artist, writer, massage therapist, counselor. I'm happy for her. She survived what has destroyed many. She is a brave, strong woman.

[The Cute Little Brown-haired girl]

I heard this was the best book out there on the subject...and god knows there aren't enough books to help with this taboo subject that effects more people than anyone cares to talk about or admit. Speak out and don't be ashamed-you are not alone.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book four stars only because it's not quite as good as its "sequel" of sorts, The Mother I Carry. This was Louise Wisechild's first of two books describing her childhood abuse. This one focused on the incest perpetrated against her and the actions of those in her childhood to her traumas. The book is a combination of memories and present-day events, including therapy sessions. This is a good book for anyone trying to understand what it's like for a survivor who is healing from incest.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for the faint of heart, it's a pretty wrenching book.

If you know someone recovering from incest or child sexual abuse, one of the more honest books, hopeful and enduring without being sappy.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and powerful. She treated parts of herself as different characters, and it made it read almost like a novel. She’s a bit more poetical and spiritual than my taste tends toward, but it’s still a fascinating book.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting - helpful in my work.

[Rhonda Rae Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless with the body memories this memoir has stirred within my heart...written with skillful prose, the transformation was as if my own and I'm changed. Beautiful. Important. Life changing.

READ THIS MEMOIR...if you care about the abused or have been there yourself...there IS hope...we CAN make it!!!!!!

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book dates from the heyday of the repressed memory, when everyone and his hamster was being diagnosed with multiple personalities. This book is not quite that far out there -- it's about the very typical, very painful healing process after incest. Good book, but not what you'd call smiley.

[residentemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decided to pause on this for the time being because it was not aligning with my current belief that the present moment is the only truth and we are constantly creating not only our future but also our past. Maybe reading some of this helped me get back to that belief though. Who’s to say????

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome, brave, powerful book

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an easy read, but really good for me right now.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for a reader with an interest in this topic.