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Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
In Raising Hel, Cynthia J. Bogard tells a reflective and inspirational story, set against the 1970s wave of the feminist movement. Hel believes her friend Thorpe saved her life. When Thorpe witnesses Hel being assaulted by her husband Ed, she packs her bag and leaves their house. Worn down by years of abuse, it has never occurred to Hel to pack up and go, until she witnesses Thorpe’s action. This decision sparks a journey of self-discovery, revealing strength and capabilities she didn’t know existed. However, Hel’s newfound happiness is soon threatened when a violent attack from Ed nearly costs her life and her confidence. Will Hel recover from this setback and get forgiveness from someone new she has come to love?
In Raising Hel, Cynthia J. Bogard's main theme is women's empowerment: friendships, breaking free from oppressive circumstances, and the transformative power of female solidarity. A powerful concept that resonated with me in Hel’s story is how much we can learn through observation and example. Sometimes, something as simple as a fellow woman's confidence, presence, and words can inspire change in another’s life. I loved the sense of community that surrounded Hel as she went through this transformation and each of the characters impacted her growth spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. However, there were moments within the story that showed how in finding one’s community, one must confront uncomfortable truths about oneself and others. Hel’s story will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of women filled with courage, resilience, growth, and the role of community in personal transformation.
