Beautifully Broken: A Memoir

by Reema Sukumaran

Beautifully Broken is a powerful memoir about living with—and overcoming—a legacy of emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual assault. With raw honesty and true courage, Reema Sukumaran recounts what it was like growing up with a mother who was emotionally broken and details her experiences of abuse from several of the men whom she trusted. Hers is a story of survival, hope, and healing. This book offers no easy answers—no empty promises that a strong faith or a positive attitude will fix everything. Rather, Beautifully Broken demonstrates how someone who has been shattered by abuse and assault can become whole again. With vulnerability and, at times, a touch of humor, this book will encourage others who have survived rape and domestic violence. It is a powerful witness to all that while the path toward healing may be difficult, by God’s grace it is possible to get there, and the journey can be filled with meaning, beauty, and love.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2020

Reviews

[Emily Ulm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Did that ever open up the floodgates! What an honest and brave memoir! I personally know this author and I have always considered her to be one the most “together”, kind, personable women that I know. It is always surprising to know what skeletons are in the closets of those we think we know. And we all have them. I heard many years ago that we are “as sick as our secrets”. If we hang on to our painful secrets - whether on purpose or due to denial, we just get sicker. It was beautiful to see the healing after the secrets came out. Also, as people have secrets, so too do institutions, as was mentioned in this book. I was also taken advantage of by a person in authority within this institution and I was the one to pay the price. It was never acknowledged or apologized for. And I will NEVER FORGET. It certainly was a Boys Club and it is heart-warming to know that changes are coming. Thank you Reema!! May you continue to heal more every day! I love you!

[Ed Zirkwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author takes us on a lifelong journey of abuses starting from when she was a baby and doesn't seem to hold much back. Her broken father takes it out on the family including the three children. Then she becomes very angry with her mother for not protecting her and her two brothers. In anguish and despair this churched-raised child and adult seems to frequently pray to God. Later on Reema suffers at the hands a church pastor while she was a young woman. There are brief moments of happiness and blessings in this dark world such as when she is able to attend Andrews University to obtain an education degree. That time away at University sees more sustained happy time. Without giving away too much there is hope and healing but the tough journey through to the other side of the tunnel she credits God's strong leading guiding hand.














































she comes

[Sara Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will stay with you long after you finish it.

This is a story of a young girl, raised in the shadow of a patriarchal religious institution that failed to protect the lives of it's young and most vulnerable women and children. It is a story of a young woman who has risen from the ashes of a broken and troubled childhood, sexual assault, and the willful neglect of a church.

It has been over two weeks since I finished this book, and I am still thinking about it. It is a beautiful, well written and inspiring memoir.