I AM A SURVIVOR

A writer recounts the sexual and emotional abuse she suffered as a child in this debut memoir that offers encouragement and support to other victims.

Moreno grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, a Milwaukee suburb. She describes her family life during her early childhood years: “We were close, we were happy, and it all seemed to be normal.” Still, the picture she paints is one of a seriously dysfunctional family controlled by a self-indulgent, domineering father. According to the author, when she was 7 years old, her father’s brother, who was then in his 20s, began sexually molesting her, introducing her to a game he called “horsey.” The abuse continued for two years until Moreno’s mother discovered what was happening. At this point, the author’s uncle and paternal grandparents had been living with her and her parents. He was forced to move out, causing serious fissures in the extended family. Moreno then worked with a psychotherapist and was moving forward. But, when she was in her early teens, her mother began working outside the home; her father, a serial philanderer, used this opportunity to force her to watch pornographic movies with him. She was afraid to tell anyone. Eventually, her father walked out on her and her mother, cleaning out their bank accounts, canceling Moreno’s credit card, and leaving behind a pile of unpaid bills, including two mortgages on the house. Some uneven prose and repetition undercut the strength of the narrative. But the author does a fine job of portraying herself as a strong survivor and role model, urging victims to take charge of their lives and, most especially, remove themselves from dangerous relationships. She writes: “You, as the victim, need to have the willingness and strength to make the necessary changes to survive.” She clearly details the steps that should be taken in order to make a safe escape, and she provides a helpful list of websites and agencies that can deliver assistance. There is also a section devoted to people she calls “bystanders,” those who may be able to supply aid.  

An honest and informative account with well-organized, useful advice for the abused.