Victim: A Feminist Manifesto From A Fierce Survivor

by Karen Moe

Imagine being a carefree, independent young woman enjoying life. Your bold, adventurous spirit pulls you to travel to distant locales. Then out of nowhere, you’re abducted, assaulted, and raped. That is the terror-filled experience that Karen Moe survived almost thirty years ago.

But this is not a crime story. This is not even just a survivor's tale. Instead, this is a manifesto. In dialogue with other feminists and through case studies from around the world, Moe uses her trauma to shine a light on how not only violence against women, but all exploitation, is a natural result of patriarchal hierarchy. Yes, this is Moe’s story of triumph over violence, but it is also a call-to-action for both men and women.
The ultimate goal of A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor is to provide tools for resistance against a culture of exploitation. “In the end, what I have suffered and survived has given me a gift... Now, resistance, fighting for justice, is what I live for. My life is far bigger than myself.”

"A bold and well-constructed work that takes on difficult topics in a compelling way."— Kirkus Review.

"Without false optimism, Karen Moe writes of how we can find authentic hope." — Robert Jensen author of The End of Radical Feminism for Men.

"This book is a call to action for all of us—women and men. You will want to put it down, but you can’t, because it’s so compelling.” —Marie McKenzie, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Things That Keep Me Up At Night.

“Victim is Karen Moe’s impassioned manifesto … Victim is visceral. It is a difficult book to put down. And it is a compelling must-read!” — Victor Malarek, author of The Sex for Sale and the Men who Buy It.

“A tour de force true story of surviving and surmounting the unthinkable. Victim is literary nonfiction at its best."— Sally Clark, author of The Way of The Warrior The Guide To Raising and Protecting Strong Daughters.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2022

About the author

Karen Moe is a writer, art critic, visual and performance artist and a feminist activist. She has a degree in English Literature and Feminist Theory. Her work focuses on systemic violence in patriarchy: be it gender, race, the environment or speciesism. Karen has exhibited and performed across Canada, in the US and in Mexico. Karen’s critical writing has been published in magazines and anthologies in Canada, the US, Mexico and Cuba. Karen is the recipient of the “Ellie Liston Hero of the Year Award” 2022 for being instrumental in the life sentence that was given to the man who abducted and brutalized her and other women. She lives in British Columbia, Canada and in Mexico City. Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor is her debut book.

Reviews

[Kirsty Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hard book to review because it was such a personal exploration into an emotional and traumatic event in the author’s life. However, it was written with honesty, openness and bravery and it really touched me in a way I couldn’t even begin to describe. A must read for any woman who has had the sad misfortune to be on the receiving end of sexual assault and a must read for any woman or man in general as it is a fantastic review of what it means to function as a woman in the 21st century and the everyday obstacles that they are faced with.

[Rena Del Pieve Gobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is “Victim” a powerful personal story, it is also a political and philosophical triumph as a new feminist source book. I knew the story and Moe’s feminist views before I read the book, so no surprises there. I knew that Moe is skilled at writing critical art theory. Yet I was still surprised by the eloquence with which Moe weaves a story of trauma with academic discourse and thrilled by the sardonic wit she employs to turn patriarchal rape culture on its head. Moe is honest and explicit in telling the story of her abductions and rapes; she places the reader directly in the scene without also traumatizing them in that moment.

I applaud Karen Moe for sitting with her trauma again for the purpose of bringing this book to us.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not like anything I have ever read. It has elements of a documentary, crime thriller and memoir, but it is also a manifesto, a thesis, a call to action, and yes, poetry. "Victim" is much more than the sum of it's parts....it is an eye-opening cold water plunge into an artist's vulnerable and blatant truth-telling. Karen Moe’s story manages to make us face some horrific truths with honesty and unexpected humour.

[Sandra Bruxvoort · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the sake of transparency, I need to preface this review by sharing that I had the honor of meeting Karen at my nonprofit's 40th anniversary gala. Karen flew in from Vancouver to kick off her US book tour—in Springdale, Arkansas of all places—and I had the opportunity to listen carefully as she shared her incredible survival story before reading an excerpt.

This woman is an unstoppable force.

I was completely engrossed in Karen's story, which went beyond the abduction, the multiple assaults, her bold escape. Instead, I was painted a more vivid picture—Karen's upbringing, her past relationships, formative experiences, challenges with her father, his secrets. Karen went so far as to explore the issues of patriarchy and feminism, and I'm not ashamed to say I learned a few things as an experienced, 30-something minority woman myself.

The sex industry, pornography, violence against indigenous girls and women of color—Karen lays it all bare, turning us on to this idea of "logical feminism" by showing us what horrors patriarchal systems have inflicted and continue to perpetrate.

Karen supports each of her points through ample context and research, which I appreciated when I wanted to learn more about the issues raised and do my own homework.

But more than just being a biographical tale and survivor story, Victim certainly did not read as your average nonfiction work. There was so much poetry and artistry to Karen's style of writing, that I found myself rereading passages after they'd hit me so powerfully.

Such a beautiful, nuanced way of sharing an otherwise profane story and the hard-fought wisdom earned.

[Johanna Garrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of "Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor" by Karen Moe.

This true crime story by Canadian author Karen Moe had me on the edge of my seat, unable to put this page-turner down. It was eye opening in terms of awakening me to the extent of abuse that women around the world have been suffering since the era of colonization, a mind-set that has given men the false sense of entitlement to women's bodies and led to a culture of ownership, patriarchy, slavery, privilege, oppression, and the power structure that keeps most of the world impoverished today. If you would like to be awakened to the astonishing truth of rape culture, the dangers facing women, and thereby all of us, you want to read this book. If you want the world to change, the truth and clarity in this book will help you. If you want to keep your daughters safe, please read "Victim".

This book gave me the language to finally talk about the abuse I have endured. It has been tremendously freeing, empowering, and instructional. Karen Moe has fiercely faced down the enemy, the perpetrator. She has rigorously researched and informed us of the extent of rape culture in the world today. She has bravely faced and overcome her own trauma, to the extent that is possible. This is a life-changing, world-changing, important read for women and men. Karen Moe calls herself a logical feminist and believes that anything that has anything at all to do with power abuse is wrong and needs to be re-thought or eradicated. Join forces by reading this book. Change is possible. With this book, there is hope!

With a prayer for our world to be a safe and peaceful place for all people.

[Dennis Bolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borne of hard experience, 'Victim: A Feminist Manifesto From A Fierce Survivor' pulls no punches in illustrating the result of a general misogyny reigning in the psyches of too many men. This book is a special document, written as a crime procedural by they very victim of the procedure with a unique perspective and deep introspection. Very much a careful examiner of all that affects her, Ms Moe does an admirable job of analysis, trying to parse what happened to her and by extension, victimized women of the world down through history.

[Marie McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen Moe has penned a powerful manifesto. This book touched my soul deeply. Some areas were difficult to read, but from one strong survivor to another – WELL DONE. Victim no more.

Through her trauma she found her calling, one far bigger than herself. Fighting alongside others for justice.

She digress from her story several times to ask and seek answers about how to make the world safer, especially for women and children. This book is a call to action for all of us—women and men.

You will want to put it down, but you can’t, because it’s so compelling.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a memoir and feminist manifesto by Karen Moe discussing sexual violence against women.

This is such a powerful book. Moe’s experiences are horrific but she relates them with a frankness that also manages to be sensitive to the story she is telling. She makes it clear that this is her story to tell and she does it openly and without trying to traumatise.

Throughout the book she blends her story with academic discourse around feminism and patriarchal rape culture. This is blended well and is very well articulated and researched.

This is a fantastic fight for justice for all survivors and Karen Moe is an extraordinary voice in the fight.

**This book discusses rape, kidnap and sexual assault as well as abortion**

AD - This copy was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was powerful, moving, and chilling yet important read. The author’s voice and unique writing style cut through the horror and shock of her experiences to bring to light the themes and messages that the author’s journey taught her, and in turn, teach us all. The honest way in which the author writes these experiences down is hard to read and yet speaks to the strength and courage the author has in the face of such trauma. The author’s ability to connect her story to her own personal family life as well, especially her relationship with her father and the impact it had on them, was truly inspired and helped bridge the emotional connection of her story with the broader study of the patriarchal hierarchy.

The way the author utilizes her experiences to help readers understand the broader theme of how the patriarchy has impacted how society as whole views certain events or actions is both brilliantly done and yet sobering in its reality. The lengths people will go to in order to paint a victim of this type of assault as anything but a victim are shocking and disturbing, and the public ability to believe these falsehoods over logic and morality that should exist is a symptom of a far greater lie woven into the fabric of our society. The author’s use of history and crimes throughout history illustrate these points, from the disappearances of 45 Mexico students that was swept away as statistics in the drug cartel violence of the nation, to the horrifying reality of college men rooting each other on as they assault an unconscious woman, showcase how fractured and haunted our world has become.

The Verdict

Moving, heartbreaking, yet empowering in its delivery, author Karen Moe’s “Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor” is a must-read nonfiction memoir and feminist theory read. One of 2022’s contenders for must-read nonfiction books, the author not only did an exemplary job of rooting out the causes of this patriarchal society but did so with a unique voice that spoke of the strength and courage the author held in bringing her story to light. While the subject matter of her own life was tragic, her strength and ability to turn her trauma into empowerment gives hope to many for the future and helps shape the blueprints to help build a better society that values compassion, equality, and justice.

[Book Reviewer! · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is titled "Victim" written and published by Vigilance Press. The subtitle of the book goes "A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor". Speaking of the writer, Karen Moe is a writer, art critic, and visual and feminist activist who created a revolution. The book is based on real-life experiences. Karen Moe's life changed forever when she was kidnapped. Unfortunately, she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a serial rapist. She escaped from him, and instead of safeguarding her life alone, she decides to save others' life too.

The writer has used certain techniques and methodologies to present it like a crime story. But this book is a true crime memoir. The writer has boldly touched upon different complex issues. Karen Moe's traumatic recollections are recorded along with statements of hegemony, patriarchy and the connected exploitation of women. It is touching to see the writer's tragic situation which went beyond the abduction, the multiple assaults, her bold escape and the aftermath of the situation. It is indeed the writer's way of voicing out for other women. The book is an engaging read. Everyone should read it to find the complete background of her story. The writer boldly took steps to find the culprit and it gets interesting when she tries to find cues and report him to the authorities.

Moreover, this book touches upon events and things that many writers fail to touch on while talking about victims and survivors. The writer has researched and recorded the child sex trade and sex tourism. I found this read to be a compelling one. Since my PhD thesis is based on feminism, I agree with various points stated by the writer. Besides, I admire Karen Moe's must-read. Therefore, this book is recommended to those who are looking for a survivor story which is motivating.

[Aditya Jha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victim By Karen Moe

"“Victim : A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor" by Karen Moe is a moving, unsettling, thought-provoking, and important book based mainly on violence against women and specifically on rape and sexual assault. In this book, the author has not only shared her own story of being a survivor of a heinous crime of abduction and sexual assault, but also shares the experiences of other survivors.

The way this book is written feels highly personal as it is a detailed narrative of the crime incidents. However, this book is not just a memoir or biography but a rigorously researched work of nonfiction that explores the grief and trauma of victims as well as the psychology of a rapist and the ill effects of living in a patriarchal society.

Although the book can be disturbing when it comes to the parts that narrate the crime incident and the victim's trauma, it is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The author has done a commendable job in this book; the way it is written and what it says are such important and serious issues, and it is so well written that it's a must read for everyone.

[Jessica Winters Mireles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has a story, but it takes a talented memoirist to make that story come to life. Karen Moe is a born storyteller, and in her memoir, “Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor,” she is able to share her life experiences in a narrative that is gripping, compelling, and often horrifying. Karen Moe is a survivor, and through the brutally honest telling of her kidnapping and sexual assault, she opens the door for other women to speak their own truth. She doesn’t stop there; she uses her traumatic experiences to expose how women in our patriarchal society are expected to stay silent as they are exploited. I was drawn into this memoir/manifesto from the first page and had a difficult time putting it down. Highly recommend

[Diane Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Moe's Victim lays bare one of the most underreported violent crimes in ways that is both harrowing and inspiring. By tackling rape culture with clarity and bravery, the writer provides a great service to every woman who has experienced sexual assault and male violence in a patriarchal world. Her powerful, deeply personal account of a brutally traumatic abduction and rape is leavened by strength and provides a way forward to a world where justice is sought and served. Karen Moe is not merely providing a voice for the voiceless, but forging ahead to abolish the conditions of voicelessness. An important read on renouncing, resisting, and transforming the maelstrom of misogyny in our culture.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new feminist sourcebook, "Victim" isn't just a personal story, it's a political and philosophical triumph.
Before I read the book, I knew the plot and Moe's feminist views. Plus, I knew Moe was good at writing art theory.
But I was still surprised by the eloquence with which Moe weaves a story of trauma with academic discourse and excited by the sardonic wit she employs to turn patriarchal rape culture on its head.
When Moe tells about her abductions and rapes, she's honest and explicit; she puts the reader right there, but without traumatizing them.

[Christine Marshall-smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional weaving of Karen's story... the words fly off the page with spirit, pathos and levity. Having experienced an unimaginable trauma, Karen doesn't dwell solely on the period, but uses it as an impetus, along with enormous strength and ability to conduct a deep academic dive into research on patriarchal society is impressive.

I thought the book was excellent and a very worthwhile read. I am familiar with Karen's art criticism and essays on notable artists, all well written and researched. So now a novelist!

[Dan Harbord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly powerful and honest intelligent look at rape culture that she experienced and exposes.. masterfully written with no holds barred with great insights and reflections on related cases and illuminating statistics… with a touching side story of her relationship with her father… highly recommended!