Book Review:"If You Tell" By Gregg Olsen

Three sisters bonded in unbreakable and unimaginable horror!

For those who don't understand abuse of all forms (not just physical) please note it's an absolute hell to not only survive but to thrive.

For those who are ignorant of facts it's not just about leaving or closing that door as it's an incidious, manipulative, brain washing technique that renders individuals into a 'flight or fight' response often suffering from PTSD, Stockholm Syndrome, and more.

The tragedy is that the perps often get off unharmed with little more than a slap on the wrist from a broken legal system designed to prevent such flaws. However, high case loads, lack of trained staff, and lack of financial means leaves survivors to seek alternatives.

This is a case in which the abuse suffered at the hands of the parents and those in positions of authority was horrifying and deadly.

It's not without reason to question motives but suffice to say the experts are best left to wonder as these individuals are so toxic they often fool even those with years of professional experience.

The DSM manual is often where you'll find the true height of such illness and disease yet sadly the overused terms of 'narcissism, sociopath, psychopath' are becoming more frequent and resulting in more such cases.

My heart goes out to this family as I grew up with such narcissistic ways as the 'scapegoat' for the past 46 yrs and married into the same situation I left.

It's a vicious cycle and one that without proper support, guidance, love, empathy, nurturing, and boundaries can become a dark bottomless pit.

It's worth noting the author did a remarkable job at setting the tone, the danger, the illusion of freedom that was often fleeting to those who sought its path.

That illusion of freedom is often what results in death because that one sudden move to leave is the most dangerous resulting in a trigger of emotions for the perpetrator.

They want to be in power, in control, in charge of every emotion that the survivors feel.

The sad part of the entire situation is many on the outside don't understand why they don't flee for their lives and it's because so much is at stake beyond what you see before you.
There's many reasons why those in similar circumstances cannot simply 'walk away' and a better solution is to ask why the abuse occurred not why one couldn't escape.

The reality is even if one does manage to escape the damage is already done and it will take years to recover and rebuild.

I pray this book opens up dialogue about domestic violence and abuse especially with regards to those personality trait disorders found on the DSM manual.

I pray for all those in those situations and note they are never alone nor to blame.
Please know help is available for those who need it.

Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
It was heart rendering to read and even more troubling to have to endure.

Survivors- Remember you are warriors, thrivers, and have a light that shines bright! Follow your heart and pave the way in letting others know they can survive and thrive! Never be afraid to tell your story!