I Can't Hear the Birds Anymore by Brenda Portwood is the story of a survivor who was abused psychologically, physically and sexually, but who still managed to find the courage to stand up and take control of her life. The book is not only about helping the abused reflect on the happenings in their lives, but is also helpful to counselors, therapists and educators to recognize, detect and understand someone who has been abused. The author relives her memories of abuse through the story of the five-year-old who was channeling through her. This makes her pour out her story of when everything in her life changed during the summer of her fifth year.

The book is honest, the author's emotions are raw, and her struggle to get her life back in order is heart-rending, yet at the same time inspirational. Many of the abusive scenes are graphic and they might be disturbing for readers. The author asks the abused to reach out for help instead of being ashamed of their experiences, and to start living their lives. Many parts in the book are painful and it exposes the realistic side of abuse and being abused. The pain and trauma endured by the abused has been expressed well by the author. I found the story heartbreaking and sad. Sometimes children are the target of negativity, and the book shows clearly how their lives can be destroyed by a few people due to their perverted minds and unhealthy behavior.

A heartbreaking story of a survivor.

​ Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite