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Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Thistles and Thorns by Jessica Lee Peterson is a powerful and gut-wrenching memoir of a mother’s tragic struggle to overcome trauma following the death of her children, Amara, Sophie, and Cecilia, who died at the hands of their abusive father. Her harrowing account of domestic violence begins as she introduces readers to her three wonderful angels, who felt secure in her love. The bliss of their innocent little lives was shattered when Jessica’s ex-husband called and asked to see the kids. She agreed, thinking that Blake may have been trying to be a better father. What happened next would shatter her world and shock an entire community, as she waged a battle that would take her to courtrooms and force her to deal with a deep psychological wound that could fester forever.
My heartfelt respect goes out to Jessica Lee Peterson. She wrote her painful memoir to show that she is not just a survivor, but to demonstrate that the process of healing takes time, especially true in her case where the level of violence was unspeakable. She assesses her ordeal to reveal how courage played a crucial role in her survival. It is utterly painful for any parent, especially a mother, to lose a child but even more so when one loses them at the hands of someone they once trusted. She may have moved on, but her journey toward healing continues. Reading her story will draw you into the depths of despair, but it is a step for you and her toward the light. Thistles and Thorns is a must-read for anyone interested in domestic violence, victimization, anti-violence crusades, and trauma discourses.
