The Obsidian Mirror: An Adult Healing from Incest

Wisechild was sexually abused by her stepfather, grandfather and uncle. Like many incest survivors, she tells her story after years of silence and repression, but this is more than simply a first-person account of abominations. A gifted writer, Wisechild relates the facts of her abuse in brief flashbacks, using most of her narrative energy to personify the various clashing emotions that strive to dominate her personality: Sarah is the sharp-edged, critical judge; Fuckit, the cursing, cigarette-smoking rebel; YoungerOnes, her scared, whining inner children, all different ages; Sure Voice, the stable, intellectualizing adult; and Carrie, the herbal tea-drinking, meditating nurturer. Wisechild also creates allegorical settingsWell, Pit, Dust, Treeto illuminate her feelings of isolation, fear and longing for human connection. The tale is compelling, frightening and powerful: at 13 she attempts suicide; years later she recognizes the devastating effect of the incest on her adult sexual relationships. Wisechild's graphic, biting, funny, painful chronicle of her journey to health and self-love is also a singular literary achievement. (September)