Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

I Won't Be Silent by Anonymous Jane is a poignant memoir about the author’s horrible experience at St. Joseph’s High School. From her first day of freshman year, Jane knew she was going to be bullied. The atmosphere of her school was toxic, with both students and staff talking about her looks and shy nature. For four years, neurodivergent Jane only wanted understanding and kindness, but she became the victim of sexual harassment and slander. She highlights the patterns she noticed, from hypocritical teachers allowing indecently dressed students to go scot-free without a reprimand to how she was gaslighted into thinking she was to blame for how she looked. She talks about the Catholic Church, some changes that schools can implement to protect bullied students, and her feelings toward those who tormented her for years.

I Won't Be Silent is not just a memoir about abuse; it is also an inspiring story about resilience and taking back the power that was stripped away from an innocent girl. Anonymous Jane’s writing is full of anger and disappointment about what she went through. She calls the school she attended Sodom and Gomorrah, and those who abused her vile pedagogues and snakes. It is sad that from the heads of the school to the teachers and students, no one stopped to ask her about her side of the story and check if the rumors were true. New teachers came into the system and joined in the harassment; students pretended to repent but continued with the same behavior. Jane talks about puberty, mental health, and how the behavior of those in higher authority determines that of the people they are in charge of. This book is a form of catharsis and also a reminder that you are not at fault or to blame if you are going through a similar situation. I highly recommend reading this book because it is lesson-packed, encouraging anyone who has ever been silenced to find their voice and speak out.