Trigger warnings: rape, sexual assault, frightening situations, profanity, trauma

I want to thank NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for gifting me an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am sitting here shocked, dismayed and tearful upon finishing this powerful graphic novel/memoir by Marian Henley. Although I don't think I can adequately express my emotions, I will do my best in this review. I think everyone should read this, women and especially men. I believe it will be indispensable to both victims of sexual assault and their loved ones who are trying to understand what to say and do in the aftermath.

What I found especially powerful:

Henley's illustrations of floating outside of her body during trauma.
Her recounting her child-rearing days with her son, and the very relatable depiction of the different stages of childhood and parenting.
Her feelings as she watches her son grow from a teenager to an adult.
The depictions of how a rape survivor is treated--it will horrify and anger you...but we all need to educate ourselves about this, not least so we can raise sons who know how to treat women.

If you have a son, please read this. If you have a daughter, please read this. If you are in a position to mentor or teach young boys and girls, please read this. All of us need to work together to educate young males on how to respect women, so what the author endured DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.

Is this a pipe dream? Maybe. But it starts small...with one reader at a time.

Be that reader.

Look for this on March 5, 2024. Buy it for yourself, share it, gift it to a friend or family member, donate a copy to a women's shelter or trauma center.

Ms. Henley, thank you for your bravery in recounting these traumatic events. My heart goes out to you.

This review is also posted on Instagram under books_the_magical_fruit

Anticipating the weight of the heavy topics, I dove into this book prepared for a challenging read, but no, it wasn't a difficult read. It tugged at my heartstrings, but the author's unflinching exploration of profound themes showed a steady emotional resilience. The depth and the author's skill in navigating complex subjects made the journey both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. It was impactful, and beautiful. Truly. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and possibly the best reading experience I have ever had. ❤️ I will remember the feelings I felt while reading this book for as long as I live.

TW: rape, violence

Wow. This graphic novel was powerful. It’s the story of Marian and her difficulty reconciling rape, men, and her future. She was attacked and raped twice in her life. She vows to tell her son about it and help raise a young man in the world.

This memoir and graphic novel was infuriating, sad, meaningful, hopeful, and empowering. I can’t believe the horrors she went through and am in awe of how she grew and changed her life. She was able to let love in, even through the horrific things that happened to her. The bravery and courage it took to tell this story - wow. Also - I love the illustrations in this, especially when she goes outside her body.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.