We've Been Put Through Fire and Come Out Divine: Stories of Hope & Survival is a raw and powerful anthology that documents the harrowing experiences of survivors of sexual violence and abuse. The collection explores the loss of identity, agency, and voice that often accompanies trauma, painting a stark picture of its damaging effects.
The pieces take us on an internal journey, where we witness the writers engage in writing as both craft and healing, weaving together words from their memories and experiences to narrate and shape their stories. The narrative arc of this anthology moves from documenting the terror of traumatic events towards the reclamation of self. The early pieces carry a heavy weight that reflects the enduring shadow of trauma. Yet, these are not just stories of pain and loss. These writers have chosen to respond with agency and creativity, transforming their experiences into an unflinching testimony of the damage done by abusers, but also a testament to the strength, vitality, courage, and resilience of survivors. In the final pages, the women articulate their own manifestos, outlining how they will live going forward.
We've Been Put Through Fire and Come Out Divine is a testament to the courage and strength of survivors of sexual violence and abuse. These writers share their pain and suffering, but they don't stop there. They take us through their healing process to the reclamation of their lives-and their joy!--offering inspiration for us all. These are truly Stories of Hope & Survival. Thank you, Mary Simmerling and each and every woman who has contributed to this necessary book.
- Ellen Bass, poet, co-author The Courage to Heal.
