Heartwrenching & Empowering
Book Description
In "Beyond Survivor" Frayne offers his own history, hoping to help other victims of abuse find the courage and strength to seek help to triumph over it, and to increase awareness and education among the general public.
Author Patricia A. McKnight, in her review of the book, says, “This expertly written book shows the path of standing strong and achieving what all mankind desires; retrieving the happiness once destroyed by the wicked. This collection of outstanding poetry and prose is a must read for all as inspiration to prevail against the challenges put forth in the battle to obtain our own freedom.”
Author Patricia A. McKnight, in her review of the book, says, “This expertly written book shows the path of standing strong and achieving what all mankind desires; retrieving the happiness once destroyed by the wicked. This collection of outstanding poetry and prose is a must read for all as inspiration to prevail against the challenges put forth in the battle to obtain our own freedom.”
About The Author
I am a male survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). I love words, written, spoken, and unspoken. For so many years my voice was not heard, I expressed myself through my writing. As soon as I was able to read and write, I immersed myself in books. I was able to escape through the writings of others and eventually through my own attempts. Writing enabled me to express the pain, and the shame, of what I experienced. It later helped me to cleanse myself, to heal through the medium of writing. I seem to have lived an early life surrounded by abuse of some sort. At a very early age, I was sexually abused by my grandfather. This went on for about twelve years. Others were invited to use me as they wished. There was also mental, emotional, and physical abuse from other family members. My body was almost broken, my mind fractured, but no one seemed to notice. I grew up thinking it was my fault, I deserved it. Male survivors live within a society where a stigma surrounds the abuse of boys. It took me a long time to find my voice, to be able to share the horrors that tormented me for over three decades. I hope my words help you to understand.
I am a male survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). I love words, written, spoken, and unspoken. For so many years my voice was not heard, I expressed myself through my writing. As soon as I was able to read and write, I immersed myself in books. I was able to escape through the writings of others and eventually through my own attempts. Writing enabled me to express the pain, and the shame, of what I experienced. It later helped me to cleanse myself, to heal through the medium of writing. I seem to have lived an early life surrounded by abuse of some sort. At a very early age, I was sexually abused by my grandfather. This went on for about twelve years. Others were invited to use me as they wished. There was also mental, emotional, and physical abuse from other family members. My body was almost broken, my mind fractured, but no one seemed to notice. I grew up thinking it was my fault, I deserved it. Male survivors live within a society where a stigma surrounds the abuse of boys. It took me a long time to find my voice, to be able to share the horrors that tormented me for over three decades. I hope my words help you to understand.
My Review ~
"Beyond Survivor" is an unobtrusive depiction of the physical torture and psychological anguish the author sustained as a male child victim of sexual abuse. The very people who should have nourished and protected him were the perpetrators of these atrocities. Lack of self esteem, anger and guilt, as well as physical torment are broached through poetry and prose, delineating his experiences and emotional pain with sensitivity and discrimination. A difficult and unspoken issue is discussed in a discreetly poetic fashion without graphic detailing of the specific atrocities the author sustained. This poetic journal of the various stages of grief the author encountered through his journey to sanity is courageous, inspiring and an affirmation of the long ignored issues regarding male sexual molestation. The topic is broached with authenticity and inspiration, a compelling revelation of a plight of unknown enormity.
Jan L. Frayne pens the traumas of his past in a very open manner, with eloquence, sensitivity and strength. His story is told with integrity and a determination to educate the public regarding the silent atrocities that are ravaging our children. His openness in revealing his most private and personal experiences as a victim of male child sexual abuse is honorable. His voice is the impetus toward awareness and prevention of such heinous atrocities.
I want to read this after reading your review Nancee!
ReplyDeleteMary, it's beautiful the way Jan writes about his experiences through his poetry and prose. There is nothing offensive or graphic, just his heart speaking. Very touching.
DeleteGood review Nancy on a horrible topic. I don't know if I could read this book or not. I think it would bother me to much.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Judy, the way the book is written is with such beauty and prose that even though the concept that he is speaking of is an abomination, the writing is very touching. Pray!
DeleteYour reviews are always perfectly written and so informative. I'm with Judy on this one, though. I don't think I could read this book. If the subject is broached, I like it a little less intense. It was actually something mentioned in a recent fiction book I read and it was still so heartbreaking for me to read.
ReplyDeleteAnne, I find the topic to be brutal, but Jan's writing is so poetic and done in such a tasteful manner. There is nothing graphic or detailed regarding his traumatic youth. It's an emotional journey to healing. I applaude Jan for his tact and the use of poetry and prose regarding such a difficult topic.
DeleteThanks for clearing that up for me!
DeleteNancee, I've read Jan's book as well and agree with you. Jan does not focus so much on the upsetting upheaval you'd expect with such a topic but rather, leaves the reader uplifted and encouraged to move on despite difficulties.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nancee for your wonderful review and also to everyone else for your kind words.
ReplyDeleteJan, you're very welcome. I was happy to be in a position to bring your book to the attention of others, and hopefully through more awareness and education we will prevent the atrocities that you suffered from happening to other children.
DeleteI read and reviewed this book. Well said by Elaine and Nancee. I admire the courage, compassion, and conviction to truth in Beyond Survivor.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynn. I appreciate your support!
Delete