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The Beaten Path
The first thing you should know is Madeline is me. Maddie's story IS MY story. The events that unfold in the book are taken directly from my life. Names and locations have been changed to protect the identity of those people in my life who were affected by what happened to me, but everything else is the raw uncensored reality.
Writing this book has been both therapeutic and incredibly hard, with 13 years now separating myself from this abuse I am finally able to share it, with the hope that maybe my story will help others understand why abused women don't just leave.
...............................................................................................................
SYNOPSIS
Maddie has found herself in a very bad situation and if she is to be totally honest with herself she is not even sure when her life spiralled so far out of control. But it has, and now all her choices and her freedom have been stripped away by her controlling and abusive boyfriend Malcom.
The warped perception, violence, and coercive control that Malcom uses against Maddie rapidly escalate in a surprisingly short frame of time, until finally, he beats her so ferociously that no amount of makeup will hide her shameful secret.
Madeline has to make the choice to call for help to protect herself and their infant son, a decision that could potentially risk him killing them both if he catches her trying to leave.
Maddie’s dry sense of humour and knack for seeing the funny side inspires both tears and laughter, but this not only a story of Maddie’s journey. This story is more than just how domestic violence has affected Madeline’s life; it also brings into play how her choice to stay with a man that beats her affects all the people around her, including pets, family members, friends, co-workers, and ultimately the baby this nightmare relationship produces.
Madeline tells her story in a frank open way, using a narrative which organically lets the reader understand how a well-adjusted girl, from a happy stable family, ended up in a violent relationship. She admits to the reader what she is barely able to admit to herself, that she has made a huge mistake and is now paying the price.
...............................................................................................................
I took a leap of faith on the 3rd of June, the date that coincided with my 'independence day', the day I finally left my abuser and asked who might be interested to read it. I know this story is not the easiest subject matter to for people to read, but I promised them all a good ending, and yes, read it they have, read it and loved it. I have been overwhelmed with the response, less than two days later my friends have sent me multiple messages saying they couldn't put it down, that it inspired both tears and laughs and that they all concur that it is a book that should be published.
I always knew it was important that I share this terrible part of my life, and that my story was compelling, and I am grateful I found a way to share it with the world.
...............................................................................................................
1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetime, and for every 3rd DV victim, one will be male. The odds of victims being in this.
If you or someone you love is in a relationship with someone you suspect might have a history of domestic violence you can contact the New Zealand police using the family violence information disclosure scheme.
If you need help working out a safe exit plan from an abusive relationship there are people you can and will help you. You can call:
NEW ZEALAND Shine: 0508 744 633
NEW ZEALAND Women's Refuge Crisis line: 0800 REFUGE
Or you can do I what did, pick up the phone and call 111 (or your local emergency service number)
Writing this book has been both therapeutic and incredibly hard, with 13 years now separating myself from this abuse I am finally able to share it, with the hope that maybe my story will help others understand why abused women don't just leave.
...............................................................................................................
SYNOPSIS
Maddie has found herself in a very bad situation and if she is to be totally honest with herself she is not even sure when her life spiralled so far out of control. But it has, and now all her choices and her freedom have been stripped away by her controlling and abusive boyfriend Malcom.
The warped perception, violence, and coercive control that Malcom uses against Maddie rapidly escalate in a surprisingly short frame of time, until finally, he beats her so ferociously that no amount of makeup will hide her shameful secret.
Madeline has to make the choice to call for help to protect herself and their infant son, a decision that could potentially risk him killing them both if he catches her trying to leave.
Maddie’s dry sense of humour and knack for seeing the funny side inspires both tears and laughter, but this not only a story of Maddie’s journey. This story is more than just how domestic violence has affected Madeline’s life; it also brings into play how her choice to stay with a man that beats her affects all the people around her, including pets, family members, friends, co-workers, and ultimately the baby this nightmare relationship produces.
Madeline tells her story in a frank open way, using a narrative which organically lets the reader understand how a well-adjusted girl, from a happy stable family, ended up in a violent relationship. She admits to the reader what she is barely able to admit to herself, that she has made a huge mistake and is now paying the price.
...............................................................................................................
I took a leap of faith on the 3rd of June, the date that coincided with my 'independence day', the day I finally left my abuser and asked who might be interested to read it. I know this story is not the easiest subject matter to for people to read, but I promised them all a good ending, and yes, read it they have, read it and loved it. I have been overwhelmed with the response, less than two days later my friends have sent me multiple messages saying they couldn't put it down, that it inspired both tears and laughs and that they all concur that it is a book that should be published.
I always knew it was important that I share this terrible part of my life, and that my story was compelling, and I am grateful I found a way to share it with the world.
...............................................................................................................
1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetime, and for every 3rd DV victim, one will be male. The odds of victims being in this.
If you or someone you love is in a relationship with someone you suspect might have a history of domestic violence you can contact the New Zealand police using the family violence information disclosure scheme.
If you need help working out a safe exit plan from an abusive relationship there are people you can and will help you. You can call:
NEW ZEALAND Shine: 0508 744 633
NEW ZEALAND Women's Refuge Crisis line: 0800 REFUGE
Or you can do I what did, pick up the phone and call 111 (or your local emergency service number)
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2019
4 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Emily Matthews
1 book10 followersI have heard it once said that everyone has at least one good book in them, and if that is true then this is certainly mine. It took me 10 years to finally write it, and after it was finished I sat on it for another two before I finally felt I was ready to share my story. This is not because it is bad, but because it is good, very good. Writing it was equally therapeutic and painful, because I had to take a good long hard look at myself, and the decisions I made in my life that led me to be terrorised in my own home by a man that claimed to love me.
It turns out I have at least one more novel in me! I'm 20,000 words into the next chapter of Maddie's life, it's title is The Garden Path, watch this space, promise it won't take ten years to write this one!
It turns out I have at least one more novel in me! I'm 20,000 words into the next chapter of Maddie's life, it's title is The Garden Path, watch this space, promise it won't take ten years to write this one!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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August 25, 2022Is it wrong to write a review of my own book? I made a page for it because people have been giving me feedback that they would love to share.
With a bit of luck, The Beaten Path will be published and available for the public to read.
With a bit of luck, The Beaten Path will be published and available for the public to read.
June 23, 2018
I don't normally have the patience to read an English Novel as I am not a first language English speaker, but I couldn't put this book down. I love how she wrote. I understand that there might be some spelling mistakes as she's dyslexic, but she amazed me. I hope your book will be published soon. ❤
I've read this book from front to back without skipping any words, it's mind blowing. Because I'm one of the person that would ask "why don't you just leave?" to an abused person that actually spoke to me. But now I understand. This book got me feel anxious, nervous, and got me in tears so many times as I read it as if I was there witnessing it happened. This book bring awareness about domestic violence and could save some people's life! Violence in a relationship is a domestic abuse and never okay! I am so proud of you ladies that could leave and stand up for yourself.
I wish you all happiness with your life for now and ever... ❤
I've read this book from front to back without skipping any words, it's mind blowing. Because I'm one of the person that would ask "why don't you just leave?" to an abused person that actually spoke to me. But now I understand. This book got me feel anxious, nervous, and got me in tears so many times as I read it as if I was there witnessing it happened. This book bring awareness about domestic violence and could save some people's life! Violence in a relationship is a domestic abuse and never okay! I am so proud of you ladies that could leave and stand up for yourself.
I wish you all happiness with your life for now and ever... ❤
June 23, 2018
This book is a harrowing inside exposé of mental, emotional, physical and psychological abuse at the hands of, what turns out to be, a pathological abuser. The author's perseverance, dogged strength and ultimate survival throws wide open how easily such tormentors can enter our lives and turn everything upside down no matter how smart or strong we know ourselves to be.
Whether or not we have personally experienced such levels of violence, we can all identify with the emotional roller-coaster the main character experiences as she questions her sense of reality and loyalties.
I think this is a compulsory read for it not only educates, it grows us. This book will save a life!
Whether or not we have personally experienced such levels of violence, we can all identify with the emotional roller-coaster the main character experiences as she questions her sense of reality and loyalties.
I think this is a compulsory read for it not only educates, it grows us. This book will save a life!
June 27, 2018
The courage & strength of soul to endure & fight abuse is immense.
The bravery to recall it to record it, is an extraordinary feat in itself.
People who have never been in an abusive relationship, often struggle to comprend why you don't "just leave"… this raw account gives an insight of what happens IN, and what happens TO your mind, when you're stripped of who you are.
An absolute must-read, especially for anyone who is close to someone who has been/is being abused, & is struggling to understand "why didn't they just leave? "
All my love, Emily 💜🌷xx
The bravery to recall it to record it, is an extraordinary feat in itself.
People who have never been in an abusive relationship, often struggle to comprend why you don't "just leave"… this raw account gives an insight of what happens IN, and what happens TO your mind, when you're stripped of who you are.
An absolute must-read, especially for anyone who is close to someone who has been/is being abused, & is struggling to understand "why didn't they just leave? "
All my love, Emily 💜🌷xx
September 13, 2018
I’m not usually much of a reader but I binge read this within a day and a half. It is a very worthy read! It tackles and deals with true to life issues in a candid heartfelt way. I found myself taken on Maddie’s emotional journey and was fighting tears throughout much of this. This book must be published and circulated as it delivers an empowering message to others possibly going through Maddie’s sad situation: you are not alone and there is a way through this, your true loved ones always have your back, let them in!
June 17, 2018
A brilliant story showcasing how blind optimism can overrule common sense, and just how bad things can get before survival instinct takes over. It's a heartwrenching tale of misery with a happy ending. This book really needs to be published to hopefully help others recognise the signs of abuse, or give someone the strength to leave. It could save a life.
August 22, 2018
It takes courage and strength to let yourself be so vulnerable as to share a story like this publicly with others. I applaud you, Emily!
I laughed and cried, I couldn't put this down. You wrote so, so well; a beautiful achievement.
A lot of women and men will be able to relate to this. I hope it helps others find their voice, too.
I genuinely believe that you will get this published.
Kia kaha, friend!
I laughed and cried, I couldn't put this down. You wrote so, so well; a beautiful achievement.
A lot of women and men will be able to relate to this. I hope it helps others find their voice, too.
I genuinely believe that you will get this published.
Kia kaha, friend!
June 20, 2018
Wow, what a page turner. I didn’t want to put this book down.
What a roller coaster of emotions you feel with this book, and extremely well written.
I believe this true story of abuse though scary and heartfelt would connect to so many people. I will definately purchase this book and recommend it to everyone I know. It will hopefully help so many others in similar situations or experiences hopefully find their voice.
What a roller coaster of emotions you feel with this book, and extremely well written.
I believe this true story of abuse though scary and heartfelt would connect to so many people. I will definately purchase this book and recommend it to everyone I know. It will hopefully help so many others in similar situations or experiences hopefully find their voice.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews