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She Wasn't Allowed to Giggle
She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle is a poetry and prose collection that explores the dark depths of domestic violence and child abuse and about finding the light at the end of the tunnel.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2011
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66 people want to read
About the author
Lavinia Thompson
14 books33 followersI am a 31-year old author who wants to share the worlds inside my head with everyone. This is a journey I have been on for almost ten years now. The first volume of my mystery series, "Beyond Dark 1: Belladonna" is now available at most retailers, both in eBook and paperback!
The theme woven through many of my books is survival. We survive adversity, trauma, hardship and obstacles every day. Through my books, I want fellow survivors to know they aren't alone. We are in this together. You matter. It is okay to hit rock bottom, to fall, but we don't need to unpack and live there.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 12, 2011
‘She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle’ by Lavinia Thompson is an extremely personal insight into Thompson’s abusive past. The raw emotions that permeate this book are shown through each word she chooses. It is not sugarcoated, but left there for the reader to see. The poetry left me heartbroken for her, as I couldn’t possibly imagine what this could do to a person, but I was delighted, thoroughly exultant to witness her triumph over the darkness that had followed her. This was, without a doubt, a very personal book, one that must have taken extreme willpower to write. I salute her for her absolute bravery and determination. Times, this poetry is often dark and sad, but this turns into a strong confession, a strong ascension from the gloom.
Lavinia Thompson, I admire you inner strength.
Lavinia Thompson, I admire you inner strength.
November 17, 2011
Wow I was so blown away by this book, for my full review see http://wp.me/p1Fmuo-8b
5 out of 5 Hearts
5 out of 5 Hearts
January 24, 2013
She wasn’t allowed to giggle by Lavinia Thompson had quite an impact on me. While I was not sexually abused, many of the feelings I felt after being physically and emotionally abused by my adoptive mother are very similar. The author’s feelings and thoughts described at the beginning of each section, could have been written by myself; I felt her agony like it was my own.
After pouring over each page, I wanted to commend the author for discovering a means to deal with her pain and help others at the same time. I too reached that plateau, but not until I was in my forties. I am fairly confident that Thompson is well on her way to finding a better life for herself, now that she has found her voice.
I encourage anyone who has experienced abuse to check out this book; there is more to just sharing these stories, when they are validated, it helps give authors the strength they need to keep moving forward. It is way too easy to slip back into old patterns or indulge in self abuse when carrying such a burden within our soul.
Thank you Lavinia, for sharing your story; it is the story of many. The details may be different but the feelings and after-effects are the same. May your words bring courage to others, so that we all may feel the warmth of healing and love in our hearts; and the strength to continue encouraging other victims to find their voices and healing.
Marianne Curtis
Author
Finding Gloria
Moondust and Madness: A collection of Poetry
Finding Gloria ~ Special Edition
Behind Whispering Pines
Brian's Last Ride
After pouring over each page, I wanted to commend the author for discovering a means to deal with her pain and help others at the same time. I too reached that plateau, but not until I was in my forties. I am fairly confident that Thompson is well on her way to finding a better life for herself, now that she has found her voice.
I encourage anyone who has experienced abuse to check out this book; there is more to just sharing these stories, when they are validated, it helps give authors the strength they need to keep moving forward. It is way too easy to slip back into old patterns or indulge in self abuse when carrying such a burden within our soul.
Thank you Lavinia, for sharing your story; it is the story of many. The details may be different but the feelings and after-effects are the same. May your words bring courage to others, so that we all may feel the warmth of healing and love in our hearts; and the strength to continue encouraging other victims to find their voices and healing.
Marianne Curtis
Author
Finding Gloria
Moondust and Madness: A collection of Poetry
Finding Gloria ~ Special Edition
Behind Whispering Pines
Brian's Last Ride
November 9, 2011
Book Title: She Wasn't Allowed to Giggle
Author: Lavinia Thompson
Publisher: Self-Published
ASIN: B005qtx282
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review
“Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of bruises and scars. It is devastating to be abused by someone that you love and think loves you in return.” ~ Dianne Feinstein
It has been written that in order for someone to become a survivor of domestic abuse, one must open their wounds and let them bleed. This author as done just that by writing her feelings of pain and anguish in poetry form. She was a victim of abuse both physically and sexually which started when she was a young girl, by someone she knew. Lavinia must bleed from these wounds many times before she could heal completely. She has dissected all the memories and fear she had experienced during this awful time. Finally, when Lavinia becomes empty of this emotions, she finds her strength and courage to live beyond her past. She is reformed in her heart and her thinking of how she views the world around her. Happy ending? Just have to read til the end...
A comforting read for people that have experienced abuse and also for people who may want to understand what someone has gone through. Author wants her voice to be heard, and also to give other survivors the peace of mind that they are not alone and there is still hope for them to have a beautiful life to live.
Author: Lavinia Thompson
Publisher: Self-Published
ASIN: B005qtx282
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review
“Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of bruises and scars. It is devastating to be abused by someone that you love and think loves you in return.” ~ Dianne Feinstein
It has been written that in order for someone to become a survivor of domestic abuse, one must open their wounds and let them bleed. This author as done just that by writing her feelings of pain and anguish in poetry form. She was a victim of abuse both physically and sexually which started when she was a young girl, by someone she knew. Lavinia must bleed from these wounds many times before she could heal completely. She has dissected all the memories and fear she had experienced during this awful time. Finally, when Lavinia becomes empty of this emotions, she finds her strength and courage to live beyond her past. She is reformed in her heart and her thinking of how she views the world around her. Happy ending? Just have to read til the end...
A comforting read for people that have experienced abuse and also for people who may want to understand what someone has gone through. Author wants her voice to be heard, and also to give other survivors the peace of mind that they are not alone and there is still hope for them to have a beautiful life to live.
October 14, 2011
She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle by Lavinia Thompson
(Reviewed by Saewod Tice)
‘She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle’ is a very personal purging of Lavinia Thompson’s dark abusive past. Lavinia doesn’t sugar coat her words or rhyme, but leaves them with the raw emotions felt by a terrified little girl living in a woman’s body. She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle broke my heart, disgusted me- because of what an abusive adult can do, and made me rejoice Lavinia’s ascension from darkness.
Lavinia provides the reader journal-like entries into her past and present, while her poetry reflects her emotions. The poetry is often dark and miserable yet takes a turn to confessional and strong, giving you a real in depth look as she bares her soul.
There is no doubt in my mind that this confessional book was hard to write and even harder to put out for the public to read and judge. For an abuse survivor, that is bravery in its most epic form.
Bravo Lavinia for having the strength to tell your story.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend for 15 and older.
(Reviewed by Saewod Tice)
‘She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle’ is a very personal purging of Lavinia Thompson’s dark abusive past. Lavinia doesn’t sugar coat her words or rhyme, but leaves them with the raw emotions felt by a terrified little girl living in a woman’s body. She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle broke my heart, disgusted me- because of what an abusive adult can do, and made me rejoice Lavinia’s ascension from darkness.
Lavinia provides the reader journal-like entries into her past and present, while her poetry reflects her emotions. The poetry is often dark and miserable yet takes a turn to confessional and strong, giving you a real in depth look as she bares her soul.
There is no doubt in my mind that this confessional book was hard to write and even harder to put out for the public to read and judge. For an abuse survivor, that is bravery in its most epic form.
Bravo Lavinia for having the strength to tell your story.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend for 15 and older.
November 13, 2012
She Wasn't Allowed to Giggle is a disturbing journey of powerful poetry and prose, revealing the author's abusive childhood. I can't imagine what a difficult book this must have been to write but I get the impression that it was therapeutic at the same time. I applaud Lavinia Thompson for her courage to survive and tell the story. Stories like these must be told if we ever hope to put an end to child abuse.
This book isn't for everyone; some may find the content disturbing but I ask that you read with an open mind at this candid look into the mind of an abused child.
This book isn't for everyone; some may find the content disturbing but I ask that you read with an open mind at this candid look into the mind of an abused child.
October 26, 2011
Powerful, touching poetry. Each poem is well written. Reading this book was a moving experience. I highly recommend poetry lovers check this book out.
January 15, 2013
Lavinia Thompson presents a book that isn’t meant to be read and enjoyed. Like Wintergirls, Crank, or Inexcusable, She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle takes the readers to the dark galleries of life. No one sits and reads these books and says “wow, I enjoyed that.” Rather, books on the harsh realities of life and the tragedy and trauma caused by mankind are written to expand our horizons and complete our perspective.
At least, that is the goal. In She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle, we see the effects of domestic abuse in free form poetry. Lavinia reveals to us at the end of the book that this is her story, and poetry became her sanctuary in a world that was proving ever-more cruel. Coming from a writing background, I found common ground with her in that writing is very therapeutic.
But, that’s about where the commonalities ended. Each section in the book begins with a journal entry, each something after her years of dealing with abuse where she is trying to regain a grip on her life. Then it goes into the poetry she wrote while dealing with domestic abuse and violence from her father. None of the poems had rhythm or diction, giving it a very Ellen Hopkins feel to each page.
The most difficult part about reading She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle was the use of imagery. The book felt raw and exposed, as books of this nature usually are, but imagery would shift in a single poem to mean two or three different things, each of which wasn’t entirely clear as to if it’s symbol or meaning was positive or negative. Trying to make sense of the ideas presented made the pages blur together for me.
The most enjoyable part of the book was also what could have been toned back and refined to make it an overall better read. It was raw, unrefined and undiluted for the public masses. It offered a personal look into a terribly common evil in first world society. Her word choice in multiple instances made the book intimate, like a fly on the wall to evil, feelings of revenge and hatred, and some feelings of recovery. However, this raw, unrefined look at a girl’s life in many cases made it confusing and difficult to understand. The flow at times felt clunky and unpracticed, while other times rushing the reader onwards.
As far as a rating goes, She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle lands a 2.5 out of 5, mostly because of the confusion that the poetry builds while trying to offer a personal escape. Novels of this nature are hard to write, and few are successful, and Lavinia Thompson has undertaken a big task to let her voice be known.
At least, that is the goal. In She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle, we see the effects of domestic abuse in free form poetry. Lavinia reveals to us at the end of the book that this is her story, and poetry became her sanctuary in a world that was proving ever-more cruel. Coming from a writing background, I found common ground with her in that writing is very therapeutic.
But, that’s about where the commonalities ended. Each section in the book begins with a journal entry, each something after her years of dealing with abuse where she is trying to regain a grip on her life. Then it goes into the poetry she wrote while dealing with domestic abuse and violence from her father. None of the poems had rhythm or diction, giving it a very Ellen Hopkins feel to each page.
The most difficult part about reading She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle was the use of imagery. The book felt raw and exposed, as books of this nature usually are, but imagery would shift in a single poem to mean two or three different things, each of which wasn’t entirely clear as to if it’s symbol or meaning was positive or negative. Trying to make sense of the ideas presented made the pages blur together for me.
The most enjoyable part of the book was also what could have been toned back and refined to make it an overall better read. It was raw, unrefined and undiluted for the public masses. It offered a personal look into a terribly common evil in first world society. Her word choice in multiple instances made the book intimate, like a fly on the wall to evil, feelings of revenge and hatred, and some feelings of recovery. However, this raw, unrefined look at a girl’s life in many cases made it confusing and difficult to understand. The flow at times felt clunky and unpracticed, while other times rushing the reader onwards.
As far as a rating goes, She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle lands a 2.5 out of 5, mostly because of the confusion that the poetry builds while trying to offer a personal escape. Novels of this nature are hard to write, and few are successful, and Lavinia Thompson has undertaken a big task to let her voice be known.
March 17, 2014
"Orange sun sets ripped at the horizon
and the world's end.
Somewhere over the sea
no one is hearing me...
"She Wasn't Allowed to Giggle" is written full of heart. An emotional journey that can had to of come from deep within. A haunting journey that comes from life. At least that is how it comes across. The poetry pulled me in and made me feel. I love how the author is able to share parts of her soul, in doing so she does it in a relatable way. Though dark at times, this is done with deep raw emotion. This is a courageous work of art the I could identify with and connect with.
This is a survivors story. One that is brave, believable and heartfelt. Even disturbing. No child should ever be abused so this book really hit a nerve with me and at the same time made me want to take in this loss soul and protect her from the wrong doing she suffered. I sped through the pages with hopes of a piece of inspiration and hope. Wishing for a fairy tail resolve. This is a page turner that I hard a hard time walking away from, so I didn’t. Through the darkness there is inspiration. This is a beautiful collection that I would highly recommend.
March 13, 2010
Dear Mom,
“There are some things I just don't know how to say. I know this is going to hurt you more than anything you have ever known. I don't know hoe you're going to react when I tell you these things, when I have to break the one secret I've been keeping for all these years. Unknown to you, I've said many times that I would change, that I would just quit lying about it and tell you. It's never happened..."
and the world's end.
Somewhere over the sea
no one is hearing me...
"She Wasn't Allowed to Giggle" is written full of heart. An emotional journey that can had to of come from deep within. A haunting journey that comes from life. At least that is how it comes across. The poetry pulled me in and made me feel. I love how the author is able to share parts of her soul, in doing so she does it in a relatable way. Though dark at times, this is done with deep raw emotion. This is a courageous work of art the I could identify with and connect with.
This is a survivors story. One that is brave, believable and heartfelt. Even disturbing. No child should ever be abused so this book really hit a nerve with me and at the same time made me want to take in this loss soul and protect her from the wrong doing she suffered. I sped through the pages with hopes of a piece of inspiration and hope. Wishing for a fairy tail resolve. This is a page turner that I hard a hard time walking away from, so I didn’t. Through the darkness there is inspiration. This is a beautiful collection that I would highly recommend.
March 13, 2010
Dear Mom,
“There are some things I just don't know how to say. I know this is going to hurt you more than anything you have ever known. I don't know hoe you're going to react when I tell you these things, when I have to break the one secret I've been keeping for all these years. Unknown to you, I've said many times that I would change, that I would just quit lying about it and tell you. It's never happened..."
June 24, 2012
An emotionally gripping collection of poetry with add in's of the reasoning before and after each part of the book. Lavinia share's with us her feelings and self battles she goes through as she lived with what has happened to her. I can think of many that should read this. It helps to know one is not as alone as they feel when they have been involuntarily violated and there is nothing wrong with expressing and voicing how you are feeling.
I have to thank you Lavinia for sharing this with us all. You are a very strong and brave woman that deserves better than great things in life!
Warning: Not for the faint of heart. There are many times you will find yourself in need of tissues and in the need of warmth from the goose bumps that will explode on your skin.
I have to thank you Lavinia for sharing this with us all. You are a very strong and brave woman that deserves better than great things in life!
Warning: Not for the faint of heart. There are many times you will find yourself in need of tissues and in the need of warmth from the goose bumps that will explode on your skin.
July 1, 2013
this book was the worst book that i have read all year! thank god it was a free book on amazon or i would have wanted my life back for buying it.
don't get me wrong, sexual abuse is a serious thing and shouldn't be taken lightly. i don't even think a EMO or goth would want to read this book.
this book is 95% poems about dark shit, i mean nothing! and 5% on around about what happened and that she needs help and blah blah blah.
so, if you going to write a book about something serious, please, please, please have a plot and follow it. then talk about how she struggled and what she is going to do to overcome it, and if the guy got arrest not just sulking and writing nonsense.
i almost couldn't finish this book. i was seriously i don't want to read poetry.
don't get me wrong, sexual abuse is a serious thing and shouldn't be taken lightly. i don't even think a EMO or goth would want to read this book.
this book is 95% poems about dark shit, i mean nothing! and 5% on around about what happened and that she needs help and blah blah blah.
so, if you going to write a book about something serious, please, please, please have a plot and follow it. then talk about how she struggled and what she is going to do to overcome it, and if the guy got arrest not just sulking and writing nonsense.
i almost couldn't finish this book. i was seriously i don't want to read poetry.
August 4, 2015
The reading isn't easy as the writing is spectacularly vivid. This author paints a picture of an abusive past that is beyond comprehension. Her ability to use language in a way that puts readers there in the center of her experience is remarkable and noteworthy. This is a wonderful collection of poems, and I look forward to other work by this author.
October 2, 2012
A shocking look into the psyche of a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Also, the sentiments in this book are vividly portrayed in her novel: "Legend of Kawilara". Everyone needs to read these words, and understand the seriousness of abusive situations, before even attempting to understand what these people go through.
November 3, 2012
This is full of raw, unsensured emotion--a rare, honest look into the heart and mind of one who has experienced extreem domestic and sexual violence. Some of the poetry may not be completely polished, but as a result, the honesty seems even stronger for it. I cared for the author and her experience from page one.
February 22, 2012
Powerful and heart wrenching. Thompson gives an intensely personal look at life as a child who was abused as a child by the same man who abused her mother. She also shows how she overcame her past through poetry.
May 28, 2012
see my review at http://bunnysreview.com
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews