Book Review - Truth and Repair - By Judith L. Herman, MD - Publication Date: 14 March 2023

 Truth and Repair's "full name" has the following tag, "How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice".  This is exactly what one will learn about from Judith L. Herman, MD, the authoress.  The trauma survivors' perspectives rather than the perpetrators.  This is very necessary instruction for one and all, I'd say.

This book has broadened my understanding of victims of violence and what they wish could be done for them so that they are not repeatedly violated, by the "so-called," justice system, post the time of trauma, should they wish to sue for justice through the courts.  Key terms are "Survivors' Justice" and "Survivors' Agenda".  Details of active and potential ways to put the focus on the victims and their healing, rather than on pampering the perpetrators, are so much more helpful and reduce re-victimization of the already deeply and traumatically injured party, I learned.  Makes good sense to me.

The range aspects for the Survivors' Agenda appear to be comprehensive, covering such areas of the why's and wherefore's of the tyranny of dominance (male) over subordination (female); acknowledgement of the act of tyranny, accountability, healing, restitution, prevention and more. 

I believe this is a well thought out, log of survivors' concrete wishes and hopes, and how bystanders, who also have responsibility, can be instumental in making or breaking the victims in achieving some modicum or more, of justice and healing.

People who have been violated, know there is help and hope for you, you can find out more through reading this book.  If you are someone who knows someone who has been violated, read this book and help your loved one or friend.  If you are the perpetrator of violence, read and find out how one of your victims feels.  Spend time in their shoes.  See what you have done.  Also, know how you can make a huge difference when learning to live a life of accountablity for your actions.  If you are a bystander who would like to 'do something' to help the sufferer, educate yourself by reading this book towards attaining greater truth and repair work that you could act upon for the good and benefit of those who have been sexually violated and in more ways than one; catch the trauma survivor's vision for justice.

                                            ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                           September 2022

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and Basic Books publisher.

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