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"Breakaway: How I Survived Abuse" is Nadia Sahari's remarkable true story of obstacles she overcame to become a success. Nadia was born in Lebanon to Arab Shia Muslim parents. She immigrated with her parents to the United States at age two and grew up in the Detroit area. Besides being sexually abused at age five by her grandfather, she was repeatedly beaten by her father as a means to keep her from speaking English and assimilating into American culture. Her father feared if she associated with Americans she would lose her virginity; she was more valuable as a virgin so she could marry an Arab.
Breakaway: How I Survived Abuse
Nadia Sahari
Pink Butterfly Press (2009)
ISBN 9780982041307
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (2/09)
In “Breakaway: How I Survived Abuse” the author Nadia Sahari tells us the story of her life. Unfortunately, many of the events that she experienced in her early years were heart-wrenching because they involved sexual and physical abuse. She bares her soul to us as she describes horrific events that she experienced. I think that it was important for her to do this, so that if the reader is going through the same experiences, they will know that they are not alone and that there is hope. For a person who is not experiencing abuse, Nadia’s story will give them an understanding, and answer many of the “why” questions that run through the heads of people that have not had these experiences, such as, “Why didn’t she tell anybody?”
In addition to dealing with the abuse, Nadia also had issues regarding being from a different culture. Being of Lebanese descent, her family was not receptive to her mixing with the Americans. She endured a great deal of abuse from her father, for going against him on this issue. Her family also tried to keep her very naïve about life, which set her up for being in situations where she did not know how to handle herself. The fact that she was a good person at heart, really shined through the pages, and made my heart go out to her. She endured abuse and betrayal by family members, then a spouse. In the end though, Nadia came out on top. This will give women who are in similar situations much hope. She also offers a list of resources to access for more information and help.
I loved reading “Breakaway: How I Survived Abuse” because it taught me how strong someone can be, and also to never give up hope. Others will see this message as well. I hated that it had to be a true story, because of the amount of pain and suffering Nadia was forced to endure. This is not something that a person could wish on anybody. By sharing her story with the world, Nadia Sahari has made her life story one that will inspire others. I admire her for being willing to do this. I think that everyone should read this book.
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