Today is my spot on the blog tour for Unbroken by the lovely Madeleine Black, I was delighted to be able to share my review and hope that it inspires more people to grab a copy and read her memoir.
My Review
I read this book a couple of years ago after seeing it recommended on TBC and wow what a book that has stuck with me ever since. I struggled to write my review when I initially read this book and even now revisiting it, it is so hard to put into words how this book left me feeling and how brave Madeleine was to write her story.
This book oozes courage and bravery, whilst heart wrenching and at times hard to read it is compelling as it lays bare events that have taken place. It leaves no stone unturned when retelling of the brutality that took place when Madeleine was gang raped in her teens.
Once I had read the 1st few pages I literally had to keep reading and although deeply moving and heart wrenchingly descriptive it was a book I found I couldn’t put down. The message of this book is that despite everything Madeleine is a person filled with positivity and forgiveness which she shares through many platforms. Helping others in similar situations to deal with their feelings and to realise that events that take place do not define who you are as a person.
A superb and harrowing memoir that isn’t for the light hearted by carries such an important message that you choose what defines you. A book I would highly recommend reading and passing what you learn from this book onto those around you.
Book Blurb
For many years after that night, my memories of what happened after he held the blade to my throat and threatened my life were fragmented… difficult to piece together. It was too extreme, too violent for me to understand.
Violently gang-raped when she was thirteen years old, and raped three more times before the age of eighteen, Madeleine has experienced more trauma in her life than most ever will.
Living in a state of shock and self-loathing, it took her years of struggle to confront the buried memories of that first attack and begin to undo the damage.
Yet, after growing up with a burden no teenager should ever have to shoulder, she found the heart to carry out the best revenge plan of all: leading a fulfilling and happy life. But the road to piecing her life back together was long and painful. For Madeleine, forgiveness was the key. True forgiveness takes genuine effort. It is the ultimate act of courage.
In Unbroken, Madeleine tells her moving and empowering story, as she discovers that our lives are not defined by what knocks us down – they are defined by how we get back up.
Available to purchase here
About the Author
The sharing of her story on The Forgiveness Project’s website in September 2014, opened many doors for Madeleine in ways she never imagined and the invitations started to pour in.
She has taken part in both TV and radio interviews and has been invited to share her story at conferences, events and schools.
She recognises that she was a victim of a crime that left her silent for many years, but has now found her voice and intends to use it. Not just for her, but for so many who can’t find theirs yet.
She is married and lives in Glasgow with her husband, three daughters, her cat, Suki, and dog, Alfie.
For more info please see her website madeleineblack.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @madblack65
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for the invitation to join this blog tour, please remember to like and share to help spread the book love!
Love the Smell of a Book 
Thanks so much for the blog tour support xx
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