Toni Morrison once said: “This is precisely the time when artists go to work…. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.”
With her declaration in mind, and with many of our hearts heavy from a recent spate of lives lost to domestic violence—women whose stories ended too soon—I’ve found myself thinking about how the subplot of a woman in an abusive relationship is woven through my first three novels: Speak to My Heart, Nothing But the Right Thing and Watercolored Pearls.
Each storyline was born out of a desire to give voice to what so many women endure in silence—an issue I also spent a decade reporting on as a journalist, including interviewing nearly a dozen women who fled and sought help in a shelter.
Nothing But the Right Thing in particular showcases the fictional story of Erika, a woman navigating the complicated journey out of an abusive marriage — and the professionals and friends who become her lifeline.
There is more in this space worth your time, as well. My author friend Micki Berthelot Morency’s The Island Sisters follows a character’s journey through domestic violence amid a circle of friends she must learn to trust. My author friend Dr. Samone Brown’s novel (and Amazon Prime movie) Beneath the Scar shares the journey of a new bride facing abuse. There are also the novels Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen and Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult.
If you enjoy books and movies, I’m sure you can add to this list.
Words alone can’t heal, but if you or someone you love is searching for understanding, courage or simply the reminder that there is a way forward, I pray these stories offer a measure of support.
You Are Not Alone: If you or someone you love needs help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams 