Though the Bud Be Bruised

One word I can say and that would be INCREDIBLE!\\r\\n\\r\\nThis book falls under the category of """"Faction"""", which is really a fiction story based strongly on real-life events of the author. I blush to admit I read this book in just over 24 hours. I am an avid reader, so when I do that, the book is REALLY good!\\r\\n\\r\\nThe story centres around the lives of three central characters. Sam and Zara (parents) and Isobel (or """"Issy"""" as she is more commonly referred to). When it is discovered that a close family friend named Harry has been sexually abusing Issy for four years, it throws the family into a state of utter chaos. Not only was this man a trusted member of their extended family, but he was also a leader in their local church. This makes the betrayal even more horrifying, as the church members refuse to acknowledge the wrong done. If they do, they dance around the issues without actually having many any clear statements to the congregation about the abuse that has been occurring in their midst. \\r\\n\\r\\nHaving been a victim of childhood abuse myself, I found the book quite challenging and uncomfortable to read. Although I have not been sexually abused to my knowledge, my innocence was stolen from me at an early age in the emotional sense. For me, I have suffered symptoms very similar to those of sexual abuse victims. So I could identify somewhat with Issy, the young teenage girl who had been subjected to sexual abuse by a very trusted member of the…

This book was nothing like I expected. I thought it was a fairly light read, entertaining, and easy. I have to say that it was none of these things - but I am SO pleased to have read it. I generally steer clear of anything too heavy. I like to be swept away in a world of mystery, drama and romance, so reading this was a departure from the type of books I would normally pick up. But despite the seriousness of the content and themes, I finished this book feeling as though I had been on a journey with the characters, and that I had learnt a great deal. \\r\\nSo - If you are like me and think this book isn't something you would enjoy - think again. It has an incredible impact. \\r\\n

From reading other reviews, I knew I was in for a powerful read with Though the Bud be Bruised. I didn't know that it would become one of my top reads so far this year. The fact that this story was based on true events had me gasping many times. I'm sure I groaned 'oh my goodness' on several occasions, and I know my hubby heard me sniffing from another room and said, 'don't cry, baby. '\\r\\n\\r\\nThough the content is confronting, dealing with issues that most people like to keep hidden, it is actually filled with hope. While it could seem to be quite a horror story when you look at the events, it is in fact, a powerful testament to the profound love and grace of God. Jo Wanmer did an exceptional job of dealing with this issue, without leaving me feeling weighed down with grief. I was enthralled with the journey the Lord took Zara on as she dealt with her daughter's abuse, and I identified with some of the lessons she learned, even though my own circumstances are quite different. \\r\\n\\r\\nThere is something in this novel for everyone -- from becoming aware of the evils of sexual abuse, to a new understanding of God's love and grace. But, be prepared to have your ideals challenged and your thought processes provoked!\\r\\n

Though the Bud be Bruised is a powerful story based on fact. Written mainly from the mother's point-of-view, the story unfolds, exposing gross indecency, paedophilia and the lesser-known concept of Christian witchcraft. \\t\\r\\nThe book is not simply a tale of sexual abuse, but a poignant description of the family's struggle to cope with the aftermath of the crime. The perpetrator of the evil had persuaded his victim to lay the blame of his actions on her father. The parents, Sam and Zara, suffer - each in their own way. Sam agonizes over the loss of his daughter's innocence, and for his own loss of her love and respect. Zara blames herself for what her child has undergone, and struggles to retain her faith in God. \\r\\nThe author handles a difficult subject with great skill. The opening chapters gripped my attention and, as the story progressed, my sympathy went out to the family, wrenching my heart. The victim's constant tantrums and long drawn-out hospital stays may tend to be tedious at times, but at the same time, it portrays the hardships and sacrifices, the patience and despair undergone by the whole family. Their trials become too strong to bear and, as a consequence, Sam and Zara lose their faith. I leave the reader to find out, for themselves, the outcome of the suffering endured by the family. \\r\\nThough the Bud be Bruised teaches us to be aware of the evil that all children could someday face, and is highly recommended to all parents both as a preventative of…

This was a powerful and thought-provoking book. The main theme is sexual abuse, but the book covered so many other themes as well. One that really made me think was the idea of praying God's will rather than our own. \\r\\n\\r\\nThe book is fiction but based on real life events. Jo Wanmer has taken a very painful life experience and turned it into a compelling novel. \\r\\n\\r\\nThe characters lived and breathed in a realistic way. I really felt the emotions of the protagonist. \\r\\n\\r\\nAs a father, I have been challenged to think about my responsibilities to protect my daughter and my son. \\r\\n\\r\\nA must-read book and winner of the caleb prize for unpublished fiction.