Life After Darkness

by Michelle Knight

From an unruly childhood to a torturous eleven years of captivity, Michelle Knight’s story of resilience and hope in Finding Me captivated readers. Now, in Life After Darkness, she tells the story of how she emerged into a new world and wrestled with her past in order to claim the life she’d hoped for when all was darkness: a life full of hope, passion and love. Since her long-overdue escape from the house of horrors in which she was trapped, she’s experienced many things for the first time. She has learned about trust, and has grown into the woman that past circumstances did not always allow her to be.

Along the way, Michelle has learned a lot and grown immensely. She wants to share those lessons and insights with the millions of people who have followed her story.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, True Crime, Biography, Autobiography, Biography Memoir, Audiobook

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2018

About the author

Michelle Knight was a young single mother when she was kidnapped at the age of 21. For more than a decade afterward, she endured unimaginable torture at the hand of her abductor. Now known as Lily Rose Lee, she is an author, activist, speaker, and a survivor living in Cleveland, Ohio with her husband. Lily is passionate about inspiring others and now spends most of her time helping animals and volunteering at local shelters, creating art, and advocating for change to ensure others are safe from the experience she has overcome.

Reviews

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These 5 stars are for Lily Rose Lee. I admire her strength, I don't know how she survived this! I am so glad she some found happiness and I hope she gets to meet her son one day.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have so much admiration for Michelle Knight (and Gina and Amanda as well, of course). They survived something that is unimaginable, and I'm in awe that they are all thriving.

I'm so glad Michelle (now called Lily) wrote a follow-up memoir, because I have wondered how she was doing throughout the years. She seems remarkably well-adjusted and finally happy, and I'm so glad to hear it.

As with her first memoir the writing isn't super great, but it almost makes it more authentic that way. She has a bit of a childlike quality to her, and that definitely shines through in this book.

I'm still curious about the dynamic between Gina, Amanda, and Michelle though. They all insist that there's nothing nefarious going on, but since Gina and Amanda are still close (last I heard) and they won't speak to or about Michelle, there's got to be something there. Plus, the book the two of them wrote together left me with the impression that they really, really dislike Michelle. I suppose we will never know the truth, but I'll probably always wonder.

[Bookophile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kidnapping survivors take on celebrity status that they may not want for reasons I hardly need to explain. Very few people can explain what the aftermath of a rescue is like and what trying to create a new life is like. I appreciated Michelle's attempt to explain that. The first half of the book was pretty good but the second half was for lack of a better word boring. There was a lot of fluff and little insight on how to get beyond a traumatic and life altering experience.

[Jackie Nachman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was pretty much what I thought it would be-a fluff book that wasn't very well written, and mostly filled with repetition. I read her first book, and, because she was the first to tell the story at-length, it was much more interesting. However, this book just repeats a lot of what the first book says and quickly glides over her non-relationship with the other two girls from Castro's house, (sorry, no actual insight into why they don't speak, will be found here), and her wedding. Some of what was said in the book I know for a fact were false anecdotes, but they were fairly minor, so it didn't influence my over-all opinion. I gave this two stars because it felt like it was written by a novice. I respect Michelle Knight, aka Lilly Rose Lee, and her strength of character and desire to help others. Despite that, I think her time as an author reached it's peak with her first book, and that's where it will stay. (Sorry for any bad grammar, I'm sure there's a ton).

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Michelle's first book and wondered over the years what happened to her. She is now married and very happy from the sound of her book. She is a true example of strength and how anyone can go on and thrive,after really horrible stuff.

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you’re looking for a book about what michelle went through, finding me is the book you’re looking for, but this book was another beautifully written book about how she took control of her story and came out on top despite the tortures (an understatement) she went through

[Ronda S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admire Lily Rose so much and am very happy she found true love, despite her tumultuous and brutal life. This book shows how truly strong and at peace she is now with her life.

Her first book was so gritty, detailed and brutally honest it was a difficult read, but I couldn’t put it down.

This book is a bit more fluff and very repetitive towards the end. It was good, although I skipped a lot towards the end. There was only one paragraph about her current relationship with Gina and Mandy, which didn’t really tell us anything new. (I know she doesn’t owe us anything, but I read before the book’s release that she would reveal all about their relationships in this book.)

There is one chapter in which Miguel, her husband, gives his point of view on things.

This is the first book I have actually paid for in a year (I subscribe to Scribd), and I was happy to support Lily by purchasing it.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find Michelle Knight or Lily Rose Lee to be an inspiration to others. What she endured in her life was more than most ever will. Five years after her rescue she is sharing what her life is like now and how she managed to survive it. The first part was good, it went into more detail about her recovery which was sort of skipped over at the end of her previous book. From being near death, to numerous hospital stays to ending up in a nursing home and finally getting her own apartment. She writes about her love of animals and how a horse helped her recovery, of how she indulged in too much partying and drinking and finally how she met and fell in love. She did turn into a bit of a bridezilla but I guess if you've been dreaming about your wedding for so long you are entitled to be. I am happy that Lily has found peace in her life, in her marriage and with a close circle of friends and hope she continues to be happy as she deserves it. I did find this book wasn't as good as the first one. It started good but more and more it sort of dragged and became harder to read. But maybe that's a good thing as it means that now Lily Rose is as dull and boring as the rest of us, settled into a life of contentment and I couldn't be happier for her.

[Heather Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where to start?

I have a bad habit of finishing a book even of I don't like it. I always try to give the book the benefit of the doubt that it will get better.

I enjoyed Michelle Knights first book. I thought it was brave and courageous of her to share her ordeal. I felt it was a good book.

Life after darkness was just Michelle hopping on the "fame train" cashing in on her notoriety. It annoyed me how she referred to her self as famous, or a celebrity. You are infamous not famous.

Maybe I'm coming off harsh the book was a lot of repetative writing from the first book. Very little new information was given in this book.

I'm not writing this to me bitter jist being honest. Once again i am grateful shes foimd her freedom and is moving on in life but I sure hope she hops off the game train with the book writing.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating a book like this is always difficult because the subject matter is horrific, but Lily is a remarkable woman. R-E-M-A-R-K-A-B-L-E. She has every right to be bitter and angry and mean, but she is kind, thankful, and hopeful. She has taken her tragic life (and sadly, it's been an awful one since she was a little girl) and turned it into something powerful and is using everything she knows to teach and help as many people as possible.

I am so happy for her that she has Miguel, her loving husband, her safe circle, and her fur babies! Lily, you deserve so much. I hope each day brings you every ounce of happiness that you can squeeze from it!

[Heather Timko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional story but worth the read if you are familiar with the Cleveland Kidnappings.

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been rooting for Michelle (now Lily Rose Lee) to succeed and prosper. I’m so glad to find that things are going well for her and she is getting the life she so deserves. I really feel for her, and I wish her all the best! This was another great read from her!

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to thank the public library for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Michelle Knight is one amazing and brave woman to go through everything she went through being held hostage all those years with the Cleveland Kidnappings, raped, impregnated only to miscarry through all the beatings she went through. However, that was in the past. In this book Life After Darkness it has been 5 years since she has been freed from that torture she was forced to endure. She gives you a sneak peak of what her life was like after she got out. She had her ups and downs. However, she is one tough cookie!

When I heard she was writing this book I was very interested in reading this. I am a huge fan of true crime books. Not for the crime committed per say but the human side behind it. So when this case came out I was very invested in it. I watched all the news stories, watched Dr. Phil interviews, and read Michelle’s first book and related books too it. This one I was especially happy to read because It talks about how she has healed, moved on, found “her sweetie” and is helping other other abuse victims.

You can tell by her beautiful cover photo and the pictures in the book that she has finally let go of the negative past and has found happiness.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Michelle Knight's first book, Finding Me, she tells of a being kidnapped, chined and held in cativity in horrendous conditions, starved, tortured, raped and beaten, along with two other women, for 11 years in the bsaement of Ariel Castro's house in Cleveland, OH. She describes the fay of their being found and set free and what steps she was taking to heal.

IN this sequel, Michelle telss of her long road, hard work and ups and downs of unlearning, re-learning and learning who she "really" is and how to live FREE! Those 11 years were stolen from her; however, I am in awe of where she is today. She was not going to be a victim of her childhood or her captor and and many could learn from her "grit" and determination to not just survive, but to thrive despite the scars.
I'll be thinking about this book for a long time.

[Mary Sisney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny hero Michelle Knight's second book focuses on the five years after her escape from the house of horrors in Cleveland. Like fellow survivor Elizabeth Smart, she now tries to help other abuse victims, giving speeches and offering advice. Although I have used her, Elizabeth, and Jaycee Dugard to attack weak, older women who suffered less and whined more, I'm not surprised that she sees the METOO movement as a good step forward for abuse victims. She's an advocate for all victims, whatever their circumstances. Her best advice is to suggest that victims of abuse forgive not only the abuser (she's no fan of Castro, but she told him she forgave him at his trial) but most important themselves.

[Bookish Barbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok yea

She is so inspiring. For her to be optimistic after everything. Omfg. Keeep it up. You will make this world a bette place

[howsoonisnow · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first part of the memoir was interesting. It gave fascinating insight into what it might be like to be thrown headfirst into the public eye and the modern world, a decade after being incarcerated in the torture chamber of a cruel vile monster, with no family support to speak of. Particularly interesting was her stay at the assisted living facility, as well as her first year of freedom spent living downtown, and partying it up in Cleveland's nightlife hotspots. Fascinating too, was her admissions of drug and alcohol abuse from childhood, which, who can blame her, given what she's been through? Less interesting was the longwinded account of her wedding. The colour of the flowers and cut of the dress. This was a much more distant memoir than the first. She seems to rush through the meat of her recovery - the challenges, the growing pains; in favour of superficial comments about the material aspects of her life (her wedding, the house she bought). There seems to be a desire to hide the growth it took to reach her successes. I would've particularly liked to have heard about how she dealt with being denied access to her son, by his adoptive parents. And how she worked through her intimacy fears with her new partner. As well as what her physical recovery process has looked like in terms of all the injuries Castro inflicted upon her (jaw and bone misalignments, partial blindness, partial deafness etc).

[Tonya Vondersaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Michelle’s second book going into her life after being abducted. She now goes by Lily so I will call her that going forward. She explained much of her life before she was abducted and how difficult it was. She shares how there was a male family member that was sexually abusing her when she was young and into her young adulthood. It talked about how she eventually wanted to escape so she started living on the street. She met some people at a church that helped her out a little bit. She became a drug runner for a while and they were much more supportive than her family ever was. Eventually she became pregnant and had her son. She lost him due to something that another family member had done to him. She was working to get him back when she was abducted. It also discussed more of the behind the scenes that happened in Ariel Castro's home. It talks about the struggles she had after being rescued and how she didn't have anything to come back to. She struggled with reintegrating back into society as well as deciding what contact she would have with her unsupportive bio-family. She better learns who she wants to be and eventually gets married to a man that is truly supportive and protective of her. She has continued her advocacy for women and for abducted children. She is working hard to help the world understand abused people, and how to work to stop it.

[Kathleen Nightingale · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can now say that I have read all the books published regarding the Cleveland Kidnappings and the three women finding themselves in dire straits.

I continue to feel disjointed with Michelle Knight. What is presented in television interviews and how her story is written, for me, doesn't jive. I also got bogged down with the detail by detail of her wedding. I have now read about a true bridzilla. It is a day and when you put so much emphasis on one particular colour or theme you are bound to be disappointed. The reader also gets glimpses by her "sweetie" or her husband. I don't do sweet so I didn't find this a strength in her writing.

[Melissa P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the way Michelle (now known as Lily) looks at life. The way she describes how she enjoys and appreciates the little things like enjoying a cup of coffee outside is how I try to look at the little things everyday in my own life. It's inspiring that she went through hell and is able to get out there and help others who are going through their own struggles. She is one strong lady! I read her other book and watched many of her interviews. I would love to read more from her if she writes another book. Whether you have followed Michelle Knight's story or not, her book inspires strength and overcoming hardships and I most definitely recommend this book.

[Mandy Crumb · Rating 1 out of 5]

I purposely didn't read Knight's first book because I don't care to read a rehashing of numerous interviews.
This was my introduction to her writing style and it's not for me. It's very simplistic with a strong feeling of that annoying uplifting cheerleader vibe. Her story is her story but I tired quickly of it. I'm not the intended audience, obviously.
Came across as a "Look at me, I'm famous but I need more money so buy my book." I don't think she's famous but infamous and it's not the same thing.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contradictory.

[HA · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading 3 books in a row about the Cleveland abduction (The Lost Girls by John Glatt, Finding me - the first memoir by Michelle Knight, and Hope - the memoir co-authored by Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus), I first wanted to take a break before giving this book a read sometime later. But then I thought maybe it's not just an update of Michelle's life but can provide some more insights about the tragedy back then, given that she (by 2018) had probably had more time for reflection, learnt new information, and probably was more willing to share more, e.g., about her relationship with her family members or that with the two other fellow survivors. However, to that expectation, the book did not give me much more insights.

The book's basically just an update to her life after the rescue, which can be a pleasant reading for her admirers or simply people who care. I see why some reviewers found the book boring, but I think it's actually good to know that her life after that dark period is basically not dramatic. After all she went through, not only in the 11 years in horrible captivity, but probably in the whole first 32 years of her life, it didn't bother me much when she repeated some stuff from the first book or repeated herself several times throughout the book about how much she enjoys her morning coffee with nature, etc. I'm also not a fan of reading about her little too-much wedding planning, but come on, if that's what made her happy, then let it be that.

The author did write a bit about different ways she tried to get healed from past pains, but it's not the central theme of the book which some readers, including myself, may have assumed. I feel that among different things, the biggest healing strategy she has chosen for herself is to focusing more on living with the present. Perhaps that's why the book is simply a trivial update, more like a blog page, rather than a well-structured story-like book. After all, no matter what strategies she has adopted and no matter how much of that complicated healing process she chose to share with us, it seems like she has sorted her life out quite well. Maybe that's what matters most.

As mentioned above, I wished that she could have written more her relationship with previous family members and that with Amanda and Gina. For example, while she wrote about her mother, she barely wrote anything about her father in her first book as well as this one. In this book she wrote generally that both her parents abused her in some ways. I feel sorry that she seems to have not reunited with her brothers. In her first book she somehow described the closeness they had when they were kids, and one of her twin brothers did come to the Metro Hospital to see her right after her rescue. She reveals more in this second book that she's learnt that they were lied about her missing, and they themselves had a bad childhood too. I understand that she had to ask him to give her some space at that time, but after several years, especially when her life is pretty fine now, it would be great if they can reconnect somehow.

Similarly, there's barely anything more to be shared in this book about what went on between the three surviving women. From reading the other books, I feel like their bond was complicated and therefore all of them chose not to write or say much about it; the bottom line is that they know that they were all suffering victims and they do wish each other the best in their lives.

[Brijesh Bartwal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book: Life After Darkness
Author: Michelle Knight (now known as Lily Rose Lee)
Reviewer: Brijesh Mohan Bartwal

Life can be extremely tormenting at times, and for some people, that torment can last a lifetime. Life After Darkness is one such story. It recounts the author’s life before, during, and after eleven years of captivity in the basement of her abductor and abuser. While the physical captivity ended years ago, the emotional and psychological scars continue to shape her life.

This is the author’s second book, and it left a strong impression on me. The courage it takes to revisit such trauma is evident throughout the narrative. The book contains several accounts of the cruelty the author endured, which are painful to read but important to acknowledge. Beyond personal suffering, the book also exposes how the system and people in positions of authority failed her repeatedly. As a child, a teenager, and later as an adult, her need for help went largely unnoticed. This raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: who do you turn to when you are alone and in need of support?

The language of the book is simple and accessible, making it easy to read even for those who are not regular readers. It is a compelling account of the author’s personal journey before and after her abduction. One chapter, Marriage and Home, could have been trimmed, as it goes into minute details about clothing and event management that may feel unnecessary to some readers. In contrast, chapters like Unfinished Business and A Life’s Work are undeniably powerful and thought-provoking.

Overall, Life After Darkness is not an easy read due to some brutal details mentioned , but it is an important one. It is a story of survival, resilience, and the strength to rebuild a life after unimaginable trauma. I will certainly read the author’s first book, Finding Me.

[Liv Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read “Life After Darkness” and have really enjoyed it. It was about Michelle Knight, who now goes by Lily Rose Lee, who was one of the the three women who was kidnapped by Castro in Cleveland and was a prisoner in his home for ten years. In the book she talked a little bit about her experience, but mostly she talked about her journey from darkness to light. She shared how she overcame her trials and now is able to lead a happy life and help others do the same. It was a beautiful story that taught that we can get through hard things.
A phrase that is repeated often in the book is “light after darkness.” This is an analogy that was used throughout the book to describe her experience. She talked about the darkness she felt while being trapped in Castro's house and how that was so hard for her. She also talked about the darkness she felt after she escaped. Her family were very unhealthy people for her to be around, she didn’t really have any friends, and she had been locked up for the past ten years and now did not know how to adjust to the world by herself. Then she explains how she found light through making new friends, going to counseling and getting the help she needed, sharing her story, and eventually falling in love.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book. I felt like it was a very touching story. I really liked that the message was so hopeful. It was a very beautiful story told in a really personal way. I really liked the writing as well, it was really interesting, I think that the book was written very well and I would love to read another book by her.

[Jeani Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is uplifting and empowering. I'm reviewing from a position of what I believe she intended to do with this book. She tells of her story of healing and pain. Her journey to trust, safety, and enjoying the beauty in life is genuine and I have found similar things have helped me as well.

This is her 2nd book, and she gives enough detail of her life, kidnapping, and other experiences to make sense of everything whether you are familiar with her other book or story. She is not giving a play by play here- and frankly, I picked this book first hoping that was the case. I understand others might desire more, but this book isn't that story. It is a story of endurance, survival, and the journey of healing and purpose. It is a vital encouragement to anyone on the other side of dysfunction, abuse, trauma, or deep loneliness and betrayal.

In other reviews I saw complaints of her writing, and her not giving juicy details of her abuse- I think as a story of healing, the juicy only retraumatizes or sensationalizes- and I'm glad she honored her story not to engage in that. Her writing, and retelling- as I listened to her reading of the audiobook, was adequate and interesting. I didn't need her to be a literary master in order to touch my heart and be encouraged by her story and persistance.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have seen Michelle Knight on Dr Phil where she announced her new legal name and her very happy news that she is married. I was curious so when this book presented on my library shelf I picked it up. I watched as these girls were removed from that house and I wondered how they were doing from time to time. I saw an interview somewhere and I wondered more about what wasn't said. I wondered why these girls were not friends after years of confinement. I wondered what had happened between Michelle and her mother. I had wondered where their lives were headed now. This book explained a lot to me. It told of that fighting spirit, that determination that kept Michelle fighting. It told of a mother's love that fueled an otherwise bleak existence, and of newfound freedom and just what that means. Finding one's way in a snowstorm is never easy and finding one's way when that snowstorm still rages in the mind must be carefully navigated. And navigate it she has. Simple words of wisdom. Find what makes you happy. allow only positive people into your inner circle, give to others less fortunate, drink coffee made the way you like it with animals and nature near. Give love and learn to accept it. You go,Lily Rose!

[Maria Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life After Darkness
216 pages
Genre: nonfiction
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Unread shelf since: this week
Keep/donate?: Keep

SYNOPSIS: Michelle Knight, now known as Lily Rose Lee, captured the world’s attention in May 2013, when she and two fellow kidnapping victims were found and freed after being held for more than a decade by notorious Cleveland kidnapper Ariel Castro. What happened after her escape?

REVIEW: So, I first read Finding Me, her first memoir, last year which was her heart wrenching experience of being kidnapped and held for a decade, and when I found out she had written a second book I knew I needed to read it too. This in an inspirational book about hope and healing, after countless years of unimaginable abuse. We learn how Lily began to heal the wounds to her body, killed and soul, which were wounds first inflicted even before her kidnapping. She takes us on the journey out of darkness and into light. This is for anyone who has dared to hope after suffering, and is definitely a guidebook to finding new purpose for a meaningful life. My heart goes out to her, and this is a story I will be carrying with me for a long time.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed finding how Lily (Michelle) has coped since being freed from Ariel Castro in 2013. She described some the immediate aftermath in more detail than she did Finding Me. She also discloses more about her childhood traumatic experiences. As a social worker, I am saddened by her initial experiences with therapists. But this solidifies for me that we need clinicians trained to work with this type of trauma. The equine therapy is very fascinating. I read of a similar treatment center in Jaycee Dugard's book. At any rate, her marriage gives us the HEA I think I needed to see. She has a good heart and is fortunate to have her safe circle. I'm proud of the decisions she has been able to make. I wish there was news about her son, and we may never hear anything new for various possible reasons. Parts of the book are used as a platform for her to share important information about advocacy (of which I am very aware as I teach future social workers). Ultimately, I would love to see her speak at some point.

[Varisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful story of survival and healing.

Michelle Knight’s second book shows that even after enduring the most traumatic experiences imaginable, it is possible to find light again. This story is not about what was done to her, but about how she chose to live after it, and that makes it incredibly powerful.

Reading this feels like a message to anyone going through dark times: that happiness is still possible, that life does not end with trauma, and that healing can happen, even if it takes time and support. Michelle’s journey shows strength, resilience, and hope without denying how hard the process is.

I was deeply moved to see that she is now surrounded by people who love her, that she has found love herself, and that she was able to build a life beyond what she survived. Knowing she found happiness made this book especially emotional in the best way.

Michelle Knight is truly an inspiration. Her story reminds you that even after the worst experiences, a future filled with love and meaning is still possible.