The Obsidian Mirror: An Adult Healing from Sexual Abuse

by Louise M. Wisechild, Laura Davis (Preface)

The Obsidian Mirror tells the affirming and inspiring story of the author's journey to confront and to heal from childhood sexual abuse. Through the use of inner characters ---- a critical judge, an adolescent rebel, scared and needy inner children and an evolving nurturer, Wisechild illustrates the effects of abuse and her ongoing process of healing. With the support of friends, counselors, and her own work with creativity and body/mind therapies, Wisechild carries the reader with her on her journey from fear and grief to rage and personal empowerment. A classic in the literature on sexual abuse and healing, The Obsidian Mirror has encouraged thousands of survivors and their allies. Includes a Foreward by Laura Davis, author of The Courage to Heal.

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

286 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 1988

About the author

I wrote The Obsidian Mirror and The Mother I Carry over twenty-five years ago when incest was assumed to be rare and permanently disabling and all mothers were assumed to saints. I have seen that our survivor stories have made a difference. Every day we learn the magnitude of the abuse of girls and boys in churches, Boy Scouts, athletic teams....and most common but not reported, the abuse that occurs within the family. It is only through speaking out again and again that we will stop this.

Writing these books changed my life. The art of breaking taboos and finding my voice has at times shaken me to my bones in fear of the response ... and yet, nearly always, I have received another story about incest.

And for those who read The Obsidian Mirror, I did find that exotic tree with the beautiful flowers.

I continue to find my voice and am now focused on songwriting and releasing original music. I also offer creativity coaching, tarot consultations and Guatemala cultural tours. check out my website to see what I am up and to get in touch.

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.