Official Review: Voices of Hope by Kristine Irwin

[Jude Austin]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Voices of Hope" by Kristine Irwin.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Voices of Hope by Kristine Irwin tells the true story of how the author was raped, the effect it had on both her and her loved ones, and how she finally succeeded in moving on not just as a woman, but as an advocate for other victims of sexual assault. This is the first book I've seen that explains the impact of rape on the victim's friends and family, as well as the victim herself. I was curious to see how the author would handle this topic, so I decided to give it a read.

As you might expect from a memoir, the story is told in the first-person POV. One thing I found very good was that the author asked friends and family for their recollection of the same events, allowing the reader to get more than one perspective. The recollections are written in italics, so the reader is never confused.

The events leading up to the rape are explained in detail, but the act of rape itself is left out, as the author herself admits to having no memory of it, so anyone who may be upset by reading such things needn't worry. The book does an excellent job of showing how the aftermath of the rape leads to the author having body issues, and thinking of herself as "damaged goods," which in turn leads to her developing bulimia, and struggling to learn how to trust men again.

While it has a happy ending – she finds a good man, becomes an advocate and public speaker to help other people, and sets up the organization Voices of Hope to instruct people on how to stay safe and protect themselves, complete with the Coaster Consent Campaign (free coasters for bars with slogans such as "If you want to be my lover, you gotta get my consent.") – it's clear that what happened to her has left lifelong scars. The author has moved on with her life very well, but we can also see that the events of that tragic autumn night will stay with her forever.

Although I enjoyed the book, one chapter near the end left a lot to be desired. Up until this chapter, we hear the author's story in not just her own words, but those of her friends and family. The chapter in question abandons this format, instead being structured along the lines of, "This is who (character) is. This is what he/she thought about it." This could have passed as a final chapter, except the author proceeds to write another chapter about what happened next in her life in the memoir format. The sudden change from narration to a list and back to narration again is very jarring. It reads as though the author meant to finish the book with the list of characters and their thoughts, only to change her mind at the last minute.

That said, the book is well-written, and I think it would appeal to most people. I felt that this comment from one of Kristine's friends, Courtney, sums it up nicely: "How do you treat a rape victim? Do you walk on eggshells? Act as if it didn’t happen? Talk about it openly? Wait for her to bring it up? All of these questions, with no answers."

This book does its best to give some of those answers, as well as an insight to both the victim's mentality and that of their loved ones. If you enjoy inspirational memoirs, you'll enjoy this. If anyone you know has ever been in this situation, this book is a must-read.

I didn't notice any glaring errors in spelling or grammar. If I could, I would rate this 3.5 stars, with the half star taken off for that jarring chapter. Since this isn't possible, my final rating is 3 out of 4 stars. If the author hadn't included that chapter, or had put it at the very end of the book, I would have rated it 4 stars.

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Voices of Hope
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Like JudasFm's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Cecilia_L]

I really like that the author added recollections from friends and family. It adds a unique perspective that would be beneficial for those trying to help a family member who has been raped. Too bad about the jarring chapter that didn't sync with the rest of the book's format. I enjoyed your review and plan to add this to my bookshelf.

[Manang Muyang]

I also just reviewed a book written by a lady who was raped. Rape for me is the most heinous crime; what can justify it? I sympathize with the women and men who have endured it and pray they all emerge whole again.

Thanks for your empathic review.

[Jude Austin]

I really like that the author added recollections from friends and family. It adds a unique perspective that would be beneficial for those trying to help a family member who has been raped. Too bad about the jarring chapter that didn't sync with the rest of the book's format. I enjoyed your review and plan to add this to my bookshelf.

Thank you. I hope you enjoy it.

I also just reviewed a book written by a lady who was raped. Rape for me is the most heinous crime; what can justify it?

In a word, nothing. Thank you for commenting

[Faithmwangi]

I find that this book will clearly be helpful both to victims and the victim's family and friends. Rape is really not somethingthat should be condoned, it leaves emotional,physical and psychological scars to an individual. Getting over this is quite hard but with the right help and unconditional love from loved ones the process becomes easier. Great review!

[Espie]

One could only approximate but would never be able to fully know what goes on a victim's life. I, therefore, greatly admire the author's courage and conviction to overcome, learn, grow, and even help others out with the lessons she had from her past ordeal.

Thank you for your honest, compassionate, and insightful review.

[Jude Austin]

I find that this book will clearly be helpful both to victims and the victim's family and friends. Rape is really not somethingthat should be condoned, it leaves emotional,physical and psychological scars to an individual. Getting over this is quite hard but with the right help and unconditional love from loved ones the process becomes easier. Great review!

Thank you. You're absolutely right, I think a support network is vital in times like this.

One could only approximate but would never be able to fully know what goes on a victim's life. I, therefore, greatly admire the author's courage and conviction to overcome, learn, grow, and even help others out with the lessons she had from her past ordeal.

Thank you for your honest, compassionate, and insightful review.

You're welcome Thank you for your comment. I feel the same way you do; it takes a lot of courage to come forward like she did.

[trajoe1206]

Thanks for a great review. I find it interesting that she chose to write about how the rape affected her friends and family as well as herself. This is not normally something that would happen, but I think is a great idea as these are the people who are going to be her life support.

[Jude Austin]

Thanks for a great review. I find it interesting that she chose to write about how the rape affected her friends and family as well as herself. This is not normally something that would happen, but I think is a great idea as these are the people who are going to be her life support.

You're welcome I feel the same way as you; it's rare to find a book that talks about the impact on the victim's friends and family as well as the victim, but I think it's vital to understand these things

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

This is a very important subject to talk about and to read about. The aftermath of rape is devastating and much more complex than it seems. I´m glad the author was able to canalize her experience into a positive outcome and helping others. I´m glad the book approaches not only the consequences for the victim, but for all that surround her/him. It´s a problem that affects us all as a community and as a society.
Great, insightful review. Thank you.

[Connie Otwani]

It is commendable to see a survivor of such a heinous act rise above the setbacks and become the champion of others going through the same. It's also an eye opener to hear how friends and relatives are also affected. I like the Coaster Consent Campaign. Thanks for the deep, thought-provoking review.

[Sahani Nimandra]

"Voices of Hope by Kristine Irwin tells the true story of how the author was raped, the effect it had on both her and her loved ones, and how she finally succeeded in moving on not just as a woman, but as an advocate for other victims of sexual assault." This part keep me reading all over again. Wow! I wonder what you felt when you read a true account of a raped victim. Worst is that society lables then. I would definitely like to read this book. Thank you for sharing it through your review!

[Britty01]

I admire the author for telling her story. I like the fact that the book also includes recollections of the time surrounding that ordeal from friends and family. I like the thoughtful review, though I do not think this is a book I would want to read.

[stacie k]

The impact of rape is indeed devastating. I’m glad that the author was able to move forward and share knowledge and inspiration with others.

[Dolor]

Voices of Hope by Kristine Irwin tells the true story of how the author was raped, the effect it had on both her and her loved ones, and how she finally succeeded in moving on not just as a woman, but as an advocate for other victims of sexual assault. This is the first book I've seen that explains the impact of rape on the victim's friends and family, as well as the victim herself.

I like your introduction. It gives me ideas of all this book's contents. I feel sorry for the author and the victims of rape. This memoir will surely be helpful and inspiring the the rape victims. I am not the target audience for this book. Thanks for sharing your review.