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Life After Hell: Surviving Sexual Abuse
After being separated from my mother twice in my 10 short years of life, I was more than a little excited at the prospect of being reunited with her again. Unfortunately, my elation was to be short-lived when the visits to my bedroom started. Threatening to send me away again or turn the loaded gun he kept in my wardrobe on us all, he kept my silence. It was to be another six years until I escaped the abuse of my mother’s husband and another 30 years before I was able to bring him to justice. Ironically, the one person that should have protected me and helped me fight to stop him, my mother, is still with him to this day. Note from the This is a true account of the sexual and physical abuse I sustained as a child. Please be warned - this is not an easy read and contains graphic abuse themes.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2013
16 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Gladys Quintal
29 books256 followersA survivor of sexual abuse, I have recently written the true account of my childhood, titled: Life After Hell: Surviving Sexual Abuse. I have tried to convey what happened to me as well as my journey to finally getting justice.
A lot of my real life experiences have gone into my fictional works - especially my first book The Man of My Dreams, where I created a vigilante vampire that kills rapists and child molesters.....
I've loved Vampires and the paranormal ever since I can remember and always envisaged myself writing a book or two on the subject! I have written 5 books in The Dream Series so far: The Man of my Dreams, Be Careful What You Wish For, The Chosen One, Succubus: An Erotic Companion and A Match Made in Hell. All Paranormal Romance novels with Vampires(of course) as well as a bit of blood and gore thrown in and the 4th one is slightly on the erotic side!
I also recently published a short story (Why Won't Someone Help Me?) about my health issues and the trouble with getting diagnosed or treated for invisible illnesses.
http://thedreamseries-gladysquintal.b...
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gladys...
https://twitter.com/#!/GladysQuintal
amazon.com/author/gladysquintal
http://www.amazon.com/The-Man-Dreams-...
http://www.amazon.com/Careful-What-Dr...
http://www.amazon.com/Careful-What-Yo...
http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-Drea...
A lot of my real life experiences have gone into my fictional works - especially my first book The Man of My Dreams, where I created a vigilante vampire that kills rapists and child molesters.....
I've loved Vampires and the paranormal ever since I can remember and always envisaged myself writing a book or two on the subject! I have written 5 books in The Dream Series so far: The Man of my Dreams, Be Careful What You Wish For, The Chosen One, Succubus: An Erotic Companion and A Match Made in Hell. All Paranormal Romance novels with Vampires(of course) as well as a bit of blood and gore thrown in and the 4th one is slightly on the erotic side!
I also recently published a short story (Why Won't Someone Help Me?) about my health issues and the trouble with getting diagnosed or treated for invisible illnesses.
http://thedreamseries-gladysquintal.b...
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gladys...
https://twitter.com/#!/GladysQuintal
amazon.com/author/gladysquintal
http://www.amazon.com/The-Man-Dreams-...
http://www.amazon.com/Careful-What-Dr...
http://www.amazon.com/Careful-What-Yo...
http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-Drea...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 17, 2013
When I finished reading the book I was simply dumbfounded. I had this false impression that the west treats its women way better than Asia. The book was an eye-opener. Be it New Zealand or India or USA, perverts will be perverts. The only change is the way which justice was served.
The writer practically lost her childhood to an abusive step-father. Her mom took the icing of the cake. Calling her a mom is a disgrace to motherhood. It is the ultimate blow to any women. I don’t have words to praise the writer for surviving that ultimate blow. Justice might give her a closure of things but can that lost innocence of childhood be brought back? I don’t think so.
The book is simply a blow by blow account of the abuse that the writer faced. To remark that the writer was bold enough to pen it down as a book is the understatement of the century. How often do we see abuse survivors come out with tales of torture? Only the really women who don’t care about the thoroughly judgemental world even attempt to talk about it.
In a literary point of view, the writing was simple. The writer emoted in a unique way. She didn’t really explicitly mention her feelings but when you read the book, you would perfectly understand her emotions of being violated.
More than how the book was written, what was written really matters. We have seen lots of articles written in news papers and blogs about such rape and abuse incidents. Those articles are a projection of events by a person who hasn’t witnessed them in first person. But when we read them it sends a shiver up our spine. Then imagine reading a riveting firsthand account of such events. It is rather disturbing in a way.
Strangely, Sympathy was the only emotion I didn’t feel while reading the book. I wasn’t sympathetic towards the writer. Why should we? She is a bold person who has survived hell. You don’t sympathize with such people; you bow down to them and look up to them for inspiration.
The writer and her book are inspiring. Her way of getting over things (She is WRITING a book on avenging vampires. She has moved on found a husband and has children.
I have no qualms at all with this book (like I normally do even with a 5 star rated book!)
VERDICT: We @ Readers’ Muse look upon the writer Ms.Quintal, salute her for boldness and whole heartedly recommend her book.
RATING: 5 on 5
The writer practically lost her childhood to an abusive step-father. Her mom took the icing of the cake. Calling her a mom is a disgrace to motherhood. It is the ultimate blow to any women. I don’t have words to praise the writer for surviving that ultimate blow. Justice might give her a closure of things but can that lost innocence of childhood be brought back? I don’t think so.
The book is simply a blow by blow account of the abuse that the writer faced. To remark that the writer was bold enough to pen it down as a book is the understatement of the century. How often do we see abuse survivors come out with tales of torture? Only the really women who don’t care about the thoroughly judgemental world even attempt to talk about it.
In a literary point of view, the writing was simple. The writer emoted in a unique way. She didn’t really explicitly mention her feelings but when you read the book, you would perfectly understand her emotions of being violated.
More than how the book was written, what was written really matters. We have seen lots of articles written in news papers and blogs about such rape and abuse incidents. Those articles are a projection of events by a person who hasn’t witnessed them in first person. But when we read them it sends a shiver up our spine. Then imagine reading a riveting firsthand account of such events. It is rather disturbing in a way.
Strangely, Sympathy was the only emotion I didn’t feel while reading the book. I wasn’t sympathetic towards the writer. Why should we? She is a bold person who has survived hell. You don’t sympathize with such people; you bow down to them and look up to them for inspiration.
The writer and her book are inspiring. Her way of getting over things (She is WRITING a book on avenging vampires. She has moved on found a husband and has children.
I have no qualms at all with this book (like I normally do even with a 5 star rated book!)
VERDICT: We @ Readers’ Muse look upon the writer Ms.Quintal, salute her for boldness and whole heartedly recommend her book.
RATING: 5 on 5
February 6, 2014
This book is written about the not only the sexual abuse, but as well as the physical, and mental abuse the author experienced during her childhood and the struggles she had to go through to get justice. After many years of hell, she was finally able to escape the sexual abuse, but still suffered knowing that the monster was able to get away with it. After suffering for so many years, justice was finally served 30 years after her escape. Not only has she gotten justice for herself, but she has taken a prowling monster off the streets.
Thank you to the author for having the courage to share your story. I hope it helps others to fight for the closure they need to survive. You are one strong lady.
It hurts to see how much abuse is out there in the world. A real eye opener. Very emotional read.
Thank you to the author for having the courage to share your story. I hope it helps others to fight for the closure they need to survive. You are one strong lady.
It hurts to see how much abuse is out there in the world. A real eye opener. Very emotional read.
May 27, 2015
I cannot put into words the emotions I feel after reading this. I am a mother of three and I can't imagine letting anything close to this happen to my children. They are my world and I would do anything to keep them safe. Reading this just broke my heart. It made me want to take young Gladys and run away with her so she would never have to experience it. I applaud Gladys for writing this book. It couldn't have been easy to recount the horrible things that happened in her life. I'm so sorry she had to experience this. But I have every confidence she grew into a wonderful woman with wonderful children and she would never in a million years let her children go through this. It seems no matter what country we live in the systems fail us. It's so sad to know. Thank you for sharing this experience Gladys. Hopefully people will read this and it will open their eyes.
May 31, 2015
My honest review:
What an eye-opening read...
I give praise to the author for surviving this hell and being brave to share her story!! No one, especially a child, should have to live through this sort of life, if you can call it a life. Her mother should of had a spine and protected her children from this monster. It is amazing to me that I mother would think it was her child's fault for this happening to her.
On the other hand, obviously, the monster has a face that only his mother and the rest of his family loves. They stand by him and blame a child for everything. Luckily, another girl (woman now) was brave enough to stand up against him and together they finally take the monster down!!
What an eye-opening read...
I give praise to the author for surviving this hell and being brave to share her story!! No one, especially a child, should have to live through this sort of life, if you can call it a life. Her mother should of had a spine and protected her children from this monster. It is amazing to me that I mother would think it was her child's fault for this happening to her.
On the other hand, obviously, the monster has a face that only his mother and the rest of his family loves. They stand by him and blame a child for everything. Luckily, another girl (woman now) was brave enough to stand up against him and together they finally take the monster down!!
October 10, 2013
Based on a true story, Life After Hell is the harrowing account of the abuse and neglect this author suffered throughout her childhood. The content is sometimes difficult to read, purely because of the suffering she endured.
The book was written to get the message over to other abuse sufferers that there is a way out, that you can move on and that justice can be served.
After over 30 years of struggling Gladys was finally able to see her abuser brought to justice, and I hope with that fact coupled with the publication of her story she can now find peace.
Copy supplied for review
November 5, 2013
Gladys Quintal is a hero in my eyes! She survived and she gathered strength to tattle and keep tattling until she found a level of victory that she can use to move on in her life.
Added to her childhood days of damnation, she endured the legal system in her efforts to gather evidence on her own with the help of aunts and other family victims so that her tormenting step-father could be further prosecuted and legal justice meted out.
Added to her childhood days of damnation, she endured the legal system in her efforts to gather evidence on her own with the help of aunts and other family victims so that her tormenting step-father could be further prosecuted and legal justice meted out.
October 29, 2013
An horrific true account of abuse told simply yet cuts right to the core. The lack of care given to innocent children resonates deep within. Gladys Quintal is to be commended for her courage and dignity in telling her story.
September 19, 2022
Again, a terrible story with a horrible impact on the lives of young children, now adults. Abuse in every form is long-term damage. You never overcome it completely. Because it is trauma going through something like that.
I was never a victim of sexual abuse (at least not as a child—but I know sexual assault, and that is worse enough), but I was bullied in school and I never had support from family, too. Especially from my mother. I see, even though the trauma is different, that the effects are similar. I have massive trust issues, and I am afraid of rejection. Furthermore, I don't have a real relationship with my mother or siblings. Or generally with anyone in my family. I only have people in my family, it is easier to talk to than others. But I keep my distance, because they will never understand me. And everyone sees the fault with me, and no one takes responsibilities for their own actions.
So, I really feel for the author. I can understand how she felt let down and didn't expect the outcome of the sentence. In her shoes, I would have thought the same. But I glad it worked out for her and that she got some sort of justice. Though, I will ever think that 7 years for lifelong damage isn't enough.
I can't understand, why the laws in the world for rape, sexual assault and so on are often so lax or not followed through. How can someone let a predator go? And how can parents or other people turn a blind eye to that? Children are innocent and need to be protected. They can't do that themselves, when they are so young.
This story was inspiring in many ways. Even though the author went through hell, she still fought and didn't bow down to that monster. She claimed her life and made the best of it. And now, she is happy and has a husband and her children. I have read many stories about sexual abuse by now, and it is unusual. Because in most of those stories, the victims had problems to break the circle of all the bad things and self-sabotaging their lives because they still don't think they are worthy enough. So, for a change, this story had a positivity about it and left me with a better feeling than the others. And that giving up is not the solution.
I was never a victim of sexual abuse (at least not as a child—but I know sexual assault, and that is worse enough), but I was bullied in school and I never had support from family, too. Especially from my mother. I see, even though the trauma is different, that the effects are similar. I have massive trust issues, and I am afraid of rejection. Furthermore, I don't have a real relationship with my mother or siblings. Or generally with anyone in my family. I only have people in my family, it is easier to talk to than others. But I keep my distance, because they will never understand me. And everyone sees the fault with me, and no one takes responsibilities for their own actions.
So, I really feel for the author. I can understand how she felt let down and didn't expect the outcome of the sentence. In her shoes, I would have thought the same. But I glad it worked out for her and that she got some sort of justice. Though, I will ever think that 7 years for lifelong damage isn't enough.
I can't understand, why the laws in the world for rape, sexual assault and so on are often so lax or not followed through. How can someone let a predator go? And how can parents or other people turn a blind eye to that? Children are innocent and need to be protected. They can't do that themselves, when they are so young.
This story was inspiring in many ways. Even though the author went through hell, she still fought and didn't bow down to that monster. She claimed her life and made the best of it. And now, she is happy and has a husband and her children. I have read many stories about sexual abuse by now, and it is unusual. Because in most of those stories, the victims had problems to break the circle of all the bad things and self-sabotaging their lives because they still don't think they are worthy enough. So, for a change, this story had a positivity about it and left me with a better feeling than the others. And that giving up is not the solution.
January 1, 2018
Unspeakably evil
Kudos to Gladys Quintal for never giving up and bringing this monster to justice! The abuse and pain - physical and emotional - that this animal inflicted on his two young stepchildren is unfathomable. This is an extremely difficult account for the reader, but the story needs to be told. The author's resilience and determination in never giving up is commendable.
Kudos to Gladys Quintal for never giving up and bringing this monster to justice! The abuse and pain - physical and emotional - that this animal inflicted on his two young stepchildren is unfathomable. This is an extremely difficult account for the reader, but the story needs to be told. The author's resilience and determination in never giving up is commendable.
March 12, 2019
Mediocre
Poorly written and redundancy. Needs an editor. It seemed all over the place and did not really hold the attention to continue reading word by word. Lived the experience too and felt the book needs structure to tell the story and to make points. Unfortunate events are all to often happening and people do not open up to share. These type books help allow one to feel not as alone.
Poorly written and redundancy. Needs an editor. It seemed all over the place and did not really hold the attention to continue reading word by word. Lived the experience too and felt the book needs structure to tell the story and to make points. Unfortunate events are all to often happening and people do not open up to share. These type books help allow one to feel not as alone.
August 16, 2017
Thanks
I enjoyed your story. I am so sorry for all you endured but glad he went to prison. I wish it would have been life! He deserved it! My prayers are with you and thank you for sharing!
I enjoyed your story. I am so sorry for all you endured but glad he went to prison. I wish it would have been life! He deserved it! My prayers are with you and thank you for sharing!
December 31, 2017
Amazing story!
This book was ablut the abuse of a young girl and her brother. They were abused by their step-father. This is the story of how he was made to pay for his crimes 30 years later.
This book was ablut the abuse of a young girl and her brother. They were abused by their step-father. This is the story of how he was made to pay for his crimes 30 years later.
December 7, 2025
shocking
Very horrific what she and her brother endured.Great that she didn’t allow the abuse to destroy her and managed to create her own happy family
Very horrific what she and her brother endured.Great that she didn’t allow the abuse to destroy her and managed to create her own happy family
December 19, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Life After Hell: Surviving Sexual Abuse by Gladys Quintal is a book that you need to make sure you have some tissue with you. This book grabs you from the beginning, holds you down on your seat and before you know it the pages are turning and turning and turning all the while with your mouth hanging open not believing what you have been reading. This book is a must read. It is the true story of Gladys Quintal and the hell she lived and went through while she was growing up. Her mother neglected both her and her brother. Then there was a stepfather ... maybe things were going to change for them. Not! This is when it all began .. the physical, mental and sexual abuse. It began when Gladys was 10 years old and finally ended when she was finally able to escape from that pervert. Her mother had always blamed her for what was going on. She always said that Gladys was the one who was flirting and wanting to have the affair with the stepfather. It was Gladys' fault not his. This book is one that will make you stop and remember when you were a child and things you might have lived through. It is written as though a child is writing it. I like that because it makes it sound like it's happening now. You are drawn in while reading the story and your tissues will be used. I gave this book 5 stars but it truly deserves many, many more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I commend Gladys Quintal for sharing her life with us and I praise her for her strength in being a survivor not a victim. I look for more from Gladys Quintal.
Life After Hell: Surviving Sexual Abuse by Gladys Quintal is a book that you need to make sure you have some tissue with you. This book grabs you from the beginning, holds you down on your seat and before you know it the pages are turning and turning and turning all the while with your mouth hanging open not believing what you have been reading. This book is a must read. It is the true story of Gladys Quintal and the hell she lived and went through while she was growing up. Her mother neglected both her and her brother. Then there was a stepfather ... maybe things were going to change for them. Not! This is when it all began .. the physical, mental and sexual abuse. It began when Gladys was 10 years old and finally ended when she was finally able to escape from that pervert. Her mother had always blamed her for what was going on. She always said that Gladys was the one who was flirting and wanting to have the affair with the stepfather. It was Gladys' fault not his. This book is one that will make you stop and remember when you were a child and things you might have lived through. It is written as though a child is writing it. I like that because it makes it sound like it's happening now. You are drawn in while reading the story and your tissues will be used. I gave this book 5 stars but it truly deserves many, many more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I commend Gladys Quintal for sharing her life with us and I praise her for her strength in being a survivor not a victim. I look for more from Gladys Quintal.
August 22, 2014
Lets start at the beginning. This is a true story. The writing style is a narrative expressing the experiences as the author recalls abuse from an extremely young age. The sexual abuse part of the story starts at age ten and carries on. The abuse is graphic but never descriptive. It is no holes-barred narrative but not crude.
Not an easy read but one I believe should be read. The authors mother pathological desire to believe that her 10 year old daughter is the seductress, that she seduced a grown man, that the sex is consensual and that it is not rape, not molestation of a minor but an affair... was for me personally the worst form of abuse described in this book. That amount of traitorous desire to keep a man simply baffles the mind. Cruelty to animals is also described within context. All in all, if your a grown up I say this is a must read. If you want your children to read it please read it first so that you can decide before hand what they should and should not be exposed to!
WaAr
Not an easy read but one I believe should be read. The authors mother pathological desire to believe that her 10 year old daughter is the seductress, that she seduced a grown man, that the sex is consensual and that it is not rape, not molestation of a minor but an affair... was for me personally the worst form of abuse described in this book. That amount of traitorous desire to keep a man simply baffles the mind. Cruelty to animals is also described within context. All in all, if your a grown up I say this is a must read. If you want your children to read it please read it first so that you can decide before hand what they should and should not be exposed to!
WaAr
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews