First, Do No Harm

When I saw the title of this book, I was immediately drawn. Then I read it was about rape, and I swallowed. I had to read this one with care, and open myself to something that well, I obviously didn’t want to experience.

But I did, and now I feel I have to write a review knowing that I cannot express the gravity of what I just read. So instead, I’ll focus on the part that I can relate to, and which I think Freya handled skilfully and masterfully. The part that not only I, but most of us can relate to...

The physical aspects of what happened to April hardly cover more than a page or two. It was the trauma that surrounded her that I think were well captured by the author. She portrayed a frightened girl who feels the walls of reality, the walls of her sanity, close in on her as she endures an ever-increasing amount of stress, fear, and anxiety. And yet she keeps on fighting...

This is indeed a story worthy to be told, both as a story of compassion as well as a cautionary tale. A courageous story to publish, but not one for the faint of heart. With her debut, Freya Kissane boldly shows that she doesn't need anyone to catch her. But I do know I'll be following her to see what her pen brings next.