Kiss of the
Wolf Spider
Sharianne
Bailey
Regeneration
Publishers Limited, New Zealand 2013
294 pp $20
ISBN 0781
466365629
Challenging,
confronting and scary though this book is, it is ultimately a story of
redemption and recovery.
Sharianne
lifts the lid on a world we would prefer not to know about. That a father could
and would put his daughter through this nightmare time and time again is
inconceivable. Unfortunately many in authority would rather close their eyes to
what is going on, and the abused girls find it almost impossible to speak out.
They fear the rejection of not being believed. They fear the threats of their
abusers. They fear the future and see no way out of their particular hell.
In the
first section, Unspoken, Jane tells
her story of years of abuse at the hands of her father. Powerfully written in
the first person, interspersed with diary entries, this novel makes
heart-rending reading. We feel for Jane and understand her reasons for silence.
Finally she finds a listening ear and begins the excruciating process of
breaking free from the power of the past. She feels guilt at putting her father
in prison, shame at what has happened and bewilderment at all that is happening
around her.
In the
second section, Redeemed, Jane’s
story continues. Recovery and healing is not an instant fix and there are many
issues to work through. Fortunately Jane is surrounded with supportive people
but she has continuing grief that her close family are not among them. However
she manages to reconnect with grandparents and a cousin who have an on-going
role in her recovery.
For a first
novel, Sharianne has excelled as she tells Jane’s story. Our eyes are opened and
we are made more aware as she tackles this difficult subject. We are reminded
to deal gently with those around us who may be hurting; we have no idea of
their pain.
Written in
an easy style this compelling story draws you on as you long for Jane to break
free from her past. I urge you to read this book and be inspired.
