After three straight days of reading, I’ve finally finished Em Kwissa‘s masterpiece of a novel-memoir. It is a masterpiece, and I don’t use the term lightly. It is by far the most moving piece of literature and one of the best-written contemporary works I have ever encountered.
It is available for download on her website in the ‘Media’ section.
The controversy surrounding the publication of her book (see Lulu.com) is only an added bonus, one that I hope will help her reach a much wider audience in the long run. The book is a glorious triumph in itself, and frankly, needs no further context.
I’m only half way through, but so far I have to agree. So beautifully honest and overall just a captivating book.
I’m so glad you’re reading it, too. I’m going to insist my mum reads it. And pretty much everyone I know.
Emily is my grandniece. My husband and I are so proud of her, not just for her honest and revealing book, but coming through such an ordeal a wonderful and talented lady. Am I Not may be the sweet revenge against a man who caused so much hurt and misery for her, her mother and siblings. Emily stayed at my home for a few days when she was around 10. She didn’t want to go home and had we known what her home life was like, we would have kept her. Instead, we were flattered, thinking she had enjoyed her time with us and wanted to stay. I also used to get e-mail messages from her and knew she was under a lot of stress. My advice at the time had been to have an honest talk with her mum and dad about her problems and how she felt. Knowing now what was going on, that was most likely the worst thing she could have done. She was holding in so much fear, sadness and anger; too much for anyone, let alone someone so young. I’m sure Em’s book speaks for so many going through the same circumstances. We love her and hope that many are moved and take away a better understanding of how living in an abusive household can harm a person at the time and for the rest of their lives. It takes a lot of strength to move on, knowing that none of what happened was your fault and was absolutely undeserved.
Thanks for sharing, Vivienne. I feel very lucky to have read Emily’s book, and I’ve been recommending it to everyone.