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A true-life story of a mothers experience of the brutal murder/attempted rape of her 8 year old daughter by a 16 year old neighbours son. Clearly written as a much-needed catharsis, LIVING WITHOUT LIESL is a harrowing read, translated from the original Afrikaans. While there are moments of deep wisdom, the overall tone of the book is bitter and furious, although in the last twenty pages a tone of quiet acceptance begins to creep in. Some advice is detailed for other grieving parents and reflects a projection of a smouldering anger onto the unsuspecting folk who dont know quite know how to react to the tragic circumstances, or who react clumsily. These (mostly) well-intentioned folk are often berated for being insensitive to the grieving parents needs, or for making inane comments. Apparently a common reaction of persons suffering deep grief, this attitude did distract me. The final pages contain a heartrending letter to the murderer of young Liesl. After reading the book, I was left with a lingering despair at the dark depths to which humanity will sink. The telling of this story raises many questions: where is the justice in a legal system that counts a childs life, given up in final moments of unimaginable terror, worth only twelve years in prison? The youthful murderer Piet Strydom served only five years; he was around twenty-one when he was released, with a lifetime of possibility ahead of him, while his victim lies dead in the ground. Can a mother ever overcome such a fundamental breach of all her hopes and dreams for her beautiful daughter? A personal story, LIVING WITHOUT LIESL offers a starting point for other parents who have suffered as grievously and who may identify with the pain still permeating the lives of Liesls family.
Imprint | Tafelberg Publishers Ltd |
Country of origin | South Africa |
Release date | April 2010 |
Availability | Supplier out of stock. If you add this item to your wish list we will let you know when it becomes available. |
First published | March 2011 |
Authors | Douwleen Bredenhann |
Dimensions | 212 x 136 x 12mm (L x W x T) |
Format | Paperback |
Pages | 164 |
ISBN-13 | 978-0-624-04832-9 |
Barcode | 9780624048329 |
Categories | |
LSN | 0-624-04832-2 |