A Separate Branch: An Untold True Story of the Writer's Life

by Lillian Driessens-Fleming, Louise Bayer (Translator)

What people say about you is a reflection on them and not on you.Sometimes broken roads lead to the best destinations. Having no verbal support from the family I was born into left me alone and lost for many years.There may be many obstacles, but we end up where we are supposed to be. In my case, I endured heartaches, disappointments, loss, betrayals, abuse, being ostracized for wanting a better life for my children, being criticized for fighting for women to speak out against having no voice in the past, and being told I am the kind of woman who deserves a beating. Also, for fighting against the injustice against all ages and groups.

468 pages, Hardcover

Published May 26, 2017

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author says:"My life is a journey that had many pitfalls. There is a destination at the end of the road, where love prevailed, my children flourished so strongly, community members took up my banner to help the less fortunate. God nudged me in the direction I was supposed to go with my life. My journey was very difficult, but I thank God for who I have become."

"There may be many obstacles, but we end up where we are supposed to be. In my case, I endured heartaches, disappointments, loss, betrayals, abuse, being ostracized for wanting a better life for my children, being criticized for fighting for women to speak out against having no voice in the past and being told I am the kind of woman who deserves a beating. Also, for fighting against the injustice against all ages and groups."

This book was a real eye opener to me. It is amazing what people we meet and even know have weathered during their lives. I believe most of us are very adept at hiding our past traumas just to survive. This very strong lady has kept so much hidden but now she opening up about the treatment she received from those who should have been protecting her (her birth family). The abuse continued for years from all around but she soldiered on. Making people aware that there are many who are abused in one way or another, whether it be elder abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse, verbal, psychological or physical so they will be moved to do something about it is the reason she wrote this book. I know it was not an easy undertaking but very worthwhile in my estimation.

Please visit her website at w.w.w.lilliandriessens-fleming.com

This is the second time for me reading this book. I took so much more in this time round.

[Mischa Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is positively horrendous. The way this sickening woman speaks about her family is disheartening. She is a sociopathic, rude, self centred, and narcissistic woman. She’s so incredibly self centred and portrays herself as a victim yet refers to a man she was married to pretty much as a man with mental incapabilities. It’s sad. I wish I could speak to this woman in person just to tell her how awful she is, she says “ what people say about you is a reflection on them and not on you” yet she trashes family members and former loved ones left right and centre! I don’t know what else to say don’t waste your time reading this narcissistic garbage I don’t recommend this book unless you want to feel personally attacked by this vile piece of “literature” if you can call it that!! GARBAGE