@2022 copyright The pertinent quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr-the epigraph of Part One-may best encapsulate the theme: "Peace is not just the absence of tension it is the presence of justice..." The theme sets the stage for the autobiography: Esther Kisaghu, a woman born and raised in an impoverished village in Kenya, later finds success in education through sheer determination. Her life tragically changed when her husband, who had sworn to protect her, turned into her tormentor and abused her for years. She eventually found refuge in the United States where she had returned to study at Boston University. In this riveting autobiography, set in both the United States and Kenya, the author engages the reader in an eloquent and massively detailed testimony, clearly written by an experienced craftsperson. In addition, she presents facts and statistics about gender-related violence in Kenya.Autobiography notwithstanding, the narrative is constructed for maximum impact. Esther presents an entire ordinary world before her marriage, allowing readers to experience the roller coaster of joy and doubt and happiness and uncertainty and, eventually, catastrophe, fear and heartbreak. Creating such an emotionally involved reader is the single most important action a narrative must take, and the single most difficult job of a writer. She does this well. This stirring book builds through personal experience to a ringing call to action, one that the church-and Kenya, and indeed, every nation-ignores to its everlasting sorrow. -Xulon Press Editorial Just like the biblical Esther, she believes that God has chosen her to be the advocate for her people, abused women and children, to bring safety and freedom for all. It takes courage to be compassionate, and I had made the choice to give even to those who showed me no compassion. I had reached out and given another fellow human being a chance to begin searching for a violence-free life. -Author Esther Kisaghu
