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Beneath the Bruises
Based on the author's experiences working with offenders of domestic violence -- an extraordinary novel about one woman's courageous journey to discover her voice, strength, and dignity after drowning in an abusive marriage.
After suffering under years of emotional and physical abuse, Syreeta embarks on a search for the identity beyond wife and mother. Now, removed from that destructive relationship, she struggles to find out who she is and what she is capable of. With the help of her psychologist, Syreeta begins to expose the many scars that layer her soul -- healing the guilt, hurt, and shame that have alienated her from friends and family for far too long.
Syreeta discovers the many options life still has to offer her, and must find the bravery she possesses to heal herself, forgive those who beat her down, and move on to a fresh start in life. Beneath the Bruises is a riveting and empowering take of rediscovering one's dignity and exposes the devastating cycle of domestic abuse and a better understanding of its victims.
After suffering under years of emotional and physical abuse, Syreeta embarks on a search for the identity beyond wife and mother. Now, removed from that destructive relationship, she struggles to find out who she is and what she is capable of. With the help of her psychologist, Syreeta begins to expose the many scars that layer her soul -- healing the guilt, hurt, and shame that have alienated her from friends and family for far too long.
Syreeta discovers the many options life still has to offer her, and must find the bravery she possesses to heal herself, forgive those who beat her down, and move on to a fresh start in life. Beneath the Bruises is a riveting and empowering take of rediscovering one's dignity and exposes the devastating cycle of domestic abuse and a better understanding of its victims.
- GenresAdult
242 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
5 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 8, 2020
Great Read!
This book was meant to evoke emotions of empathy for the main character.
Wonderfully written and I found myself cheering for Syreeta during this tale of redemption
This book was meant to evoke emotions of empathy for the main character.
Wonderfully written and I found myself cheering for Syreeta during this tale of redemption
January 2, 2017
Syreeta Lynch (Taylor) is a Stacy Dash like beauty who’s married to her high school sweetheart/investment banker Randall Taylor III. They both ended up going to Spelman and Morehouse respectfully. He graduates top of his class in finance and economics. However once his dreams becomes a reality he wants his dreams to be her dreams. Randy's starts the early grooming process of abuse from insisting Syreeta not to pledge into a sorority. He wants to be near her every minute of every day. Like many young women in Syreeta's position, they might find this to be sweet and charming without giving it much thought. Once college is over they start life together - all things doesn't appear to be the picture perfect fairy tale as hoped or promised to Syreeta. 11 years of marriage and 5 kids later - she's 32, a housewife, and living in the suburbs; however, Randy has become more controlling and abusive than ever. Randy is emotionally abusive, sexually abusive, control money matters, isolates her from other family, and has given her black eyes/swollen lips. During the mist of all this chaos around her, she seeks the help of therapist Dr. Jordan Curtis. Dr. Curtis guides her step-by-step through her current abuse and how she needs to find her voice and stand up to Randy if she wants to reclaim her dignity and sense of self back.
Beneath The Bruises is whether vivid, had me emotionally charged and it's a page turner! All the characters are developed well and has excellent story pacing. I felt like I got a better understanding to the age old question of “Why does she stay?” In this read particularly, Syreeta has a long history with Randy. They are high school sweethearts. Went to college together. Married. Have children. Until the last eight years when it becomes a more apparent whirlwind. When a victim like Syreeta has a history with someone like Randy, along with loving them and fearing their next move, I could almost see how one might find it difficult to leave outright. Birch also takes a stab at where the abuse could be rooted from Syreeta's and Randy's families. I like this because history impacts future choices especially being in a healthy, loving relationship with someone. Another thing what I liked was how Birch does not go for the cliché happy ending but leaves things open ended with hope and promise for Syreeta. Yet, there is a book two by the name of Silent Cry A Novel that focuses more on how the abuse impacted the oldest son Kwan.
I have never been abused and hope to never endure it in my life, but while reading Beneath The Bruises I could put myself in the shoes of Syreeta which speaks to how deep the story is. Great powerful and intense read!
Beneath The Bruises is whether vivid, had me emotionally charged and it's a page turner! All the characters are developed well and has excellent story pacing. I felt like I got a better understanding to the age old question of “Why does she stay?” In this read particularly, Syreeta has a long history with Randy. They are high school sweethearts. Went to college together. Married. Have children. Until the last eight years when it becomes a more apparent whirlwind. When a victim like Syreeta has a history with someone like Randy, along with loving them and fearing their next move, I could almost see how one might find it difficult to leave outright. Birch also takes a stab at where the abuse could be rooted from Syreeta's and Randy's families. I like this because history impacts future choices especially being in a healthy, loving relationship with someone. Another thing what I liked was how Birch does not go for the cliché happy ending but leaves things open ended with hope and promise for Syreeta. Yet, there is a book two by the name of Silent Cry A Novel that focuses more on how the abuse impacted the oldest son Kwan.
I have never been abused and hope to never endure it in my life, but while reading Beneath The Bruises I could put myself in the shoes of Syreeta which speaks to how deep the story is. Great powerful and intense read!
February 19, 2013
I read this book last night and it was so good! My heart went out to Syreeta and her children and I even felt for Randall because he was doing what he saw his father do for years but vowed never to be like him although this is exactly the way he turned out. Abuse whether verbal, mental or physical is never acceptable and you always need to protect yourself and never stay in a situation where you may end up killed or severely beaten. The book was very well written. I loved the journal that Syreeta kept and I wanted to smack her mother on more that one occasion. I thank God for her sister, mother-in-law and her sons. I stumbled upon this author from one of the ladies from OOSA who was reading A Silent Cry and I must say I will be reading other books by this author in the future. Great job Dwayne on addressing such a prevalent matter, its happening more than we realize and needs to be addressed and dealt with. More lives would be saved if the victims would stop suffering in silence!
August 25, 2011
Beneath the Bruises was a very compelling and emotional novel. Syreeta a wife and mother of 5 boys, trapped in an emotional, physical, and sexually abusive relationship. Finally after twelve years of marriage, and nearly beaten to died does she decide that enough is enough. Dywane did a wonderful job depicting the different stages of abuse and the manipulation that woman allow man to take them through.
February 23, 2015
this book made me cry because i grew up in a situation like this and i wind up being in situations like this. too close to comfort and i rolled out this situation and never looked back. this book helped me move on and im glad i own this copy of this book.
April 4, 2012
So many of us can go to sleep with both eyes closed, some people don't have peace even while they sleep.
Read
November 26, 2014Great book! ;-) recommended by my school Phycology instructor and I cant wait to read Silent Cry next...
November 13, 2021
🎄🎄🎄
This book was very informative and very heavy. It takes you on the journey of a stay at home wife and mom who is struggling to find her identity in the world after having five children and giving up her dreams but her husband who is the bread winner is very well off and tries to keep her in a place of self doubt, fear, uncertainty, manipulation and unhappiness. At times I wanted to ugly cry for her and give her a big ole hug.
I found myself wondering why she never even tried to have a voice and why she did some of the things that she did such as justify certain things that clearly was not okay and as I read on I understood much better.
Does she leave? Does she stay? you’ll have to read it to find out ..
This book pulled on my heartstrings and wouldn’t let go. I would love to see a sequel to revisit this family. I most definitely recommend this book 📚
This book was very informative and very heavy. It takes you on the journey of a stay at home wife and mom who is struggling to find her identity in the world after having five children and giving up her dreams but her husband who is the bread winner is very well off and tries to keep her in a place of self doubt, fear, uncertainty, manipulation and unhappiness. At times I wanted to ugly cry for her and give her a big ole hug.
I found myself wondering why she never even tried to have a voice and why she did some of the things that she did such as justify certain things that clearly was not okay and as I read on I understood much better.
Does she leave? Does she stay? you’ll have to read it to find out ..
This book pulled on my heartstrings and wouldn’t let go. I would love to see a sequel to revisit this family. I most definitely recommend this book 📚
January 22, 2009
Embracing Change
Blacken eye, swollen face and broken spirit, Syretta lives in constant fear. Her entire life revolves around being a wife and a mother. She's completely dependent on her husband, Randy, who is never satisfied or pleased with anything that she does.
It's in a counseling session where Syretta discovers that she doesn't know what it is she wants for herself or who she is. Obviously she wants the abuse to end. Yet, she doesn't know if she has the power to make that happen.
Finally unafraid to use her voice, Syretta takes the necessary steps to end the years of suffering mentally, physically and emotionally at the hands of her husband. With the mounting guilt, pressure and shame, is Syretta strong enough to end this devastating cycle?
While I know that the women who are battered are not to blame, I always find myself questioning why they let it go so long. I know that this isn't fair to them seeing that they are degraded and dependent on the ones whom they love. While reading `Beneath the Bruises' I felt as though Syretta was able to clarify for me not only how the abuse began, but what she learned from her parents.
`Beneath the Bruises' is an explosive read that not only allows you to see the face of abuse but to witness its change. While I do recommend to others, due to its graphic nature, it can at times be very uncomfortable.
Blacken eye, swollen face and broken spirit, Syretta lives in constant fear. Her entire life revolves around being a wife and a mother. She's completely dependent on her husband, Randy, who is never satisfied or pleased with anything that she does.
It's in a counseling session where Syretta discovers that she doesn't know what it is she wants for herself or who she is. Obviously she wants the abuse to end. Yet, she doesn't know if she has the power to make that happen.
Finally unafraid to use her voice, Syretta takes the necessary steps to end the years of suffering mentally, physically and emotionally at the hands of her husband. With the mounting guilt, pressure and shame, is Syretta strong enough to end this devastating cycle?
While I know that the women who are battered are not to blame, I always find myself questioning why they let it go so long. I know that this isn't fair to them seeing that they are degraded and dependent on the ones whom they love. While reading `Beneath the Bruises' I felt as though Syretta was able to clarify for me not only how the abuse began, but what she learned from her parents.
`Beneath the Bruises' is an explosive read that not only allows you to see the face of abuse but to witness its change. While I do recommend to others, due to its graphic nature, it can at times be very uncomfortable.
January 11, 2009
Every Day Is A Choice
"Beneath the Bruises" is the latest from author Dywane Birch. It is both heart-rending and compelling. We witness blatant manipulation. We witness purposeful bullying. We witness abuse.
Birch shows once again that he can handle a wide range of emotion as he chronicles the journey of one woman as she changes with the loss and recapture of self. Syreeta Taylor is a mere shell of her former self. Years of victimization and abuse at the hands of her husband has taken its toll on her. With the help of Dr. Curtis, a psychologist, she sees that freedom is within reach.
There were vast stretches of overly long narrative. Whether this is a good or bad thing will depend on the taste of the individual reader. For me, I'd have preferred a little more story and a little less emotional narrative. At times, it felt like I was reading someone's diary instead of a book.
Ultimately, "Beneath the Bruises" is a moving novel, with strong elements. Despite its dark content, it is a bright beacon.
Reviewed by: Toni
"Beneath the Bruises" is the latest from author Dywane Birch. It is both heart-rending and compelling. We witness blatant manipulation. We witness purposeful bullying. We witness abuse.
Birch shows once again that he can handle a wide range of emotion as he chronicles the journey of one woman as she changes with the loss and recapture of self. Syreeta Taylor is a mere shell of her former self. Years of victimization and abuse at the hands of her husband has taken its toll on her. With the help of Dr. Curtis, a psychologist, she sees that freedom is within reach.
There were vast stretches of overly long narrative. Whether this is a good or bad thing will depend on the taste of the individual reader. For me, I'd have preferred a little more story and a little less emotional narrative. At times, it felt like I was reading someone's diary instead of a book.
Ultimately, "Beneath the Bruises" is a moving novel, with strong elements. Despite its dark content, it is a bright beacon.
Reviewed by: Toni
January 9, 2013
Don't be a "victim of forced choices"
Syreeta has been suffering in silence for years. She has finally reached a breaking point and decides to seek professional help. Dr. Curtis is a therapist walking her through understanding the underlying issues of domestic violence. In trying to find her voice, Syreeta has to face the reality of her life with an abusing husband. The pressure of being the 'perfect' daughter, sister, wife and mother overshadows the abuse until that day...Randy took things too far.
Birch writes with deep emotion and understanding of how it feels to be trapped in a domestic violence cycle of abuse. The use of poetry, the vivid description of abuse and the emergence of Syreetas voice is therapeutic in many ways. The supporting characters give a wide range of what people say and do when they know about violence in relationships. There were points in the book that I wanted Syreeta to move on but I know that is part of the cycle. Beneath the Bruises should be used in all domestic violence awareness programs as it carefully deals with a difficult subject.
Syreeta has been suffering in silence for years. She has finally reached a breaking point and decides to seek professional help. Dr. Curtis is a therapist walking her through understanding the underlying issues of domestic violence. In trying to find her voice, Syreeta has to face the reality of her life with an abusing husband. The pressure of being the 'perfect' daughter, sister, wife and mother overshadows the abuse until that day...Randy took things too far.
Birch writes with deep emotion and understanding of how it feels to be trapped in a domestic violence cycle of abuse. The use of poetry, the vivid description of abuse and the emergence of Syreetas voice is therapeutic in many ways. The supporting characters give a wide range of what people say and do when they know about violence in relationships. There were points in the book that I wanted Syreeta to move on but I know that is part of the cycle. Beneath the Bruises should be used in all domestic violence awareness programs as it carefully deals with a difficult subject.
December 19, 2012
Reading this book was very inspiring and self revealing. Being both a child and later survivor of domestic abuse in my marriage, I identified with the main character, her enduring the emotional, verbal, mental and physical abuse, her desire to keep her family together, her need to please not only her husband but her mother, fear of telling anyone due to being judged and told it's your fault, fear of not knowing if can live without that person. I've been separated from my abuser for 2 going on 3 years now, it's a daily struggle but peace of mind is priceless. This book was amazing and the author expressed the emotional turmoil and pressure felt when you are going through the abuse, the decision of whether or not to stay or leave and then after leaving.
October 30, 2013
I enjoyed this book. My heart went out to Syreeta and her children. I greatly admired how the auther Dywane Birch wrote in such a way, I would've never expected from a man! I mean no disrespect at all, but if I didn't know who the author was, I would've definitely thought a woman was writing the book. The way he captured her every thoughts, feelings and emotions made me feel as though I was talking to one of my girlfriends. I personally would've liked for Syreeta to become a bit stronger towards the end and kicked Randall's ass! Lol.. but she was a victim of abuse for years and I know it takes a while for people to come out of such situations. Overall it was an enjoyable book and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the sequel.
November 14, 2008
I thought this was a really good book. This book makes you really think about your life when you are involved in relationships. You will really need to get to know the person that you plan to spend your life with because there is always another side to that person that you wanting to spend your life with. So all I can say is get to know that person before you decide to commit.
January 8, 2016
It was good, the writing was decent I just had a hard time relating to the situation the main character was going through. BUT, by the end I feel like I had a better understanding of the mindset of the main character and others in her situation and also made me want to try harder at being less judgmental, because you never really know how someone is truly feeling.
April 21, 2013
Based on the author's experiences working with offenders of domestic violence, this is an extraordinary novel about one woman's courageous journey to discover her voice, strength, and dignity after drowning in an abusive marriage. Well-written and extremely real, I found this a very difficult read.
June 22, 2012
Not quite what I expected.
August 7, 2016
Not what I expected
Beneath the Bruises was an okay book. I feel like after a while, chapters begin to get a little repetitive.
Beneath the Bruises was an okay book. I feel like after a while, chapters begin to get a little repetitive.
October 20, 2016
LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
February 3, 2012
Not My Forte !
January 27, 2013
Very touching!
May 31, 2013
I wanted to like it, but it wasn't an attention grabber.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews