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Shattered Compass: A Memoir of Loss, Escape, and Renewal
How does a young woman cope when she cannot speak the truth?
When nineteen-year-old Lenore experiences sexual assault while studying abroad in Italy, her entire world shifts. Survival becomes the focus of her daily life, physical illness grabs control of her body, and no one can free her from her pain. A ghost of herself, she takes the path of denial, believing it’s the only way to protect her loved ones and herself from her harsh reality.
On her journey toward peace, she assumes the expected roles of mother and wife, but a traumatic diagnosis puts her at a crossroads. She must start living the life she wants or roam her days as a victim in the chaos of fear. Lenore’s escape through travel allows her to reconcile the imprisonment she’s suffered over the years.
However, when another family tragedy strikes, Lenore understands she must finally come to terms with the silence she’s kept. But what if one incident that happened decades ago is too destructive, too deep to be excavated? Will she be able to find herself in the rubble? Or will she be lost forever?
When nineteen-year-old Lenore experiences sexual assault while studying abroad in Italy, her entire world shifts. Survival becomes the focus of her daily life, physical illness grabs control of her body, and no one can free her from her pain. A ghost of herself, she takes the path of denial, believing it’s the only way to protect her loved ones and herself from her harsh reality.
On her journey toward peace, she assumes the expected roles of mother and wife, but a traumatic diagnosis puts her at a crossroads. She must start living the life she wants or roam her days as a victim in the chaos of fear. Lenore’s escape through travel allows her to reconcile the imprisonment she’s suffered over the years.
However, when another family tragedy strikes, Lenore understands she must finally come to terms with the silence she’s kept. But what if one incident that happened decades ago is too destructive, too deep to be excavated? Will she be able to find herself in the rubble? Or will she be lost forever?
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 21, 2025
Shattered Compass is a feat of vulnerability and strength. Lenore Greiner leads us along a path of transcendence as she chronicles her journey from innocence to disillusionment and finally to healing. This beautifully written memoir is a must-read!
July 16, 2025
The author does a great job of bringing us along through grief in a way that is real and palpable, but that does not descend into the maudlin or self-pity that often mar explorations of grief and loss. Instead she takes us on a journey that has unexpected moments of quirkiness and wry insight as she brings to life the family dynamics with empathy and humor.
One wave rides out, the other comes in. Very often these experiences are transformative in small but powerful ways (which we don’t necessarily see in the messiness of the moment but need to look for later). That is what takes the story beyond a recounting of experiences and into realm of hope and inspiration.
One wave rides out, the other comes in. Very often these experiences are transformative in small but powerful ways (which we don’t necessarily see in the messiness of the moment but need to look for later). That is what takes the story beyond a recounting of experiences and into realm of hope and inspiration.
September 21, 2025
Beautiful, intense
A woman navigating life from innocence to mature woman. She survived traumas, often harking back to her loving family for strength and support. In the process she begins to understand herself better and better. I walked with her along her life path commiserating, empathising and learning more of how I ve
navigated life's traumas. And therin lies the power of this memoir. One derives strength, courage and peace as one reads and walks this journey with her. Quite a remarkable book indeed.
A woman navigating life from innocence to mature woman. She survived traumas, often harking back to her loving family for strength and support. In the process she begins to understand herself better and better. I walked with her along her life path commiserating, empathising and learning more of how I ve
navigated life's traumas. And therin lies the power of this memoir. One derives strength, courage and peace as one reads and walks this journey with her. Quite a remarkable book indeed.
May 26, 2025
I received a copy for review. All opinions are my own. This was a very well written memoir. It was fascinating to follow how Lenore endured throughout her life with the traumas of her past, I felt like I was right there with her at every life event. The physical descriptions of her views of the scenery during her travels were also beautifully detailed to put you right there with her.
July 17, 2025
So courageously and beautifully written although a little jumpy in the timeline.
Ultimately, I found this to be a beautifully and thoughtfully written story that was an easy and quick read that makes the reader stop and think about their own life.
It’s an inspiring call to embrace courage, break free from conformity, and discover a more fulfilling path.
Ultimately, I found this to be a beautifully and thoughtfully written story that was an easy and quick read that makes the reader stop and think about their own life.
It’s an inspiring call to embrace courage, break free from conformity, and discover a more fulfilling path.
July 18, 2025
One of the most compelling and moving books I've read recently.
Subject matter is definitely difficult at times but important none the less.
I love the fact that Lenore Greiner has opened up to share her experience and share how important it is to find support wherever you can. Finding a purpose and passion really helped her and that shows in the way this book and her story unfolds.
Subject matter is definitely difficult at times but important none the less.
I love the fact that Lenore Greiner has opened up to share her experience and share how important it is to find support wherever you can. Finding a purpose and passion really helped her and that shows in the way this book and her story unfolds.
July 21, 2025
Books like this are kind of hard to read, but I feel like I get the most out of them. If that makes sense.
It is important that we hear the stories of this time and have the time to process what's truly at stake.
Well written story of her life and I had a hard time putting it down. Very encouraging and inspiring and Lenore Greiner has penned her own story beautifully.
It is important that we hear the stories of this time and have the time to process what's truly at stake.
Well written story of her life and I had a hard time putting it down. Very encouraging and inspiring and Lenore Greiner has penned her own story beautifully.
October 15, 2025
Excellent true story about a young woman who escapes to Italy to finally start her own life, only to have her dreams crushed by a crime. Her resilience and determination are tested to the core. How does anyone survive an assault when the person who assaulted you is someone you have to see on nearly a daily basis? Where is the justice?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews