Voices of Hope: One Rape Survivor Story - Book Review

Rape Leaves a Deep and Lifetime Wound

Most rape cases are perpetrated by someone known to the victim. Sadly, when talking about this crime, many people would readily fault the person who was raped.

Voices of Hope:
One Rape Survivor Plus Her Family and Friends Share Their Empowering Road to Recovery
By Kristine Irwin

Book Review

Voices of Hope is a nonfiction book. It tells the story of the author herself. Kristine Irwin purposely shares her experience for at least two reasons. First, she hopes that by speaking up, she would be healed from the trauma. Kristine determines that rape is not going to define her life. And second, she encourages other rape victims to speak up and seek help.

Kristine’s Story

The author is from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She’s a 19-year-old freshman in college. In the summer before entering college, Kristine takes part-time jobs. She works at a Red Lobster restaurant, and as a cashier at a convenience store.

It’s in the latter workplace where she got a crush on one of her co-workers, named Steve. In order for her to get close to the guy, Kristine begins to hang out with him and their other co-workers. Her high school buddies, however, notice that these co-workers are a bad influence for her. They try to keep her away from the alcohol-drinking guys but fail.

One day, one of her co-workers invites Kristine to a party. In order for him to convince her to go with him, Karl drops Steve’s name. Unbeknown to Kristine, Karl has evil plans. He brings her to a cemetery where she’s forced to drink hard liquor. And the rape incident occurs.

The Fateful Day

On the morning of October 4, 2004, a woman sees a car stop near her house. And, as soon as the car door opens, a seemingly lifeless body drops on the side of the road. This prompts the woman to call 911 for help. Kristine wakes up later in a hospital where she learns that she’s been raped.

From this day forward, Kristine’s life changes completely. The rape incident creates a strong impact not only on her, but also of her family and friends. Each person associated with Kristine deals with the crime differently. Her father even goes as far as losing his Christian faith. While her mother puts up a strong front for everyone in the family.

“The violence of rape ripples out from the victim to that person’s family and friends.”

Meanwhile, Kristine goes through varied phases in her life trying to move forward. She even suffers from bulimia. Until she finally decides to speak out.

Rape Survivors Never Fully Recover, But…

With the support of her husband and family, Kristine takes the brave step to speak up. Despite the fear of rejection, she believes that sharing her story will help her heal from the trauma. It also encourages other rape victims to stay strong and not allow the crime to define their lives forever.

In reality, rape survivors never fully recover. The crime leaves a deep and lifetime wound. But family, friends, and a support group are a tremendous help. A solid support system allows them to still live a full life.

The Book

Kristine Irwin tells her story in a brief and direct-to-the-point manner. Although she’s not a professional writer, she scribbles every detail like a pro. Her descriptions are vivid, bringing the reader right into where the event takes place.

What I like most in Voices of Hope is that she includes other people’s reaction to her ordeal. I can never fathom the depth of the pain her parents went through. But her father’s reaction creates a huge impact on me.

On the technical side, I notice only a negligible typographical error. It doesn’t affect the flow of the story and so I can forgive that. I give Voices of Hope a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend it to all men and women.

Watch and listen to Kristine in one of her speaking engagements.