Living Without Liesl
by Bredenhann, Douwleen
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On Jan 14, 2012, Judy_Croome said
A true-life story of a mother’s experience of the brutal murder/attempted rape of her 8 year old daughter by a 16 year old neighbour’s 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 don’t 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 child’s 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 Liesl’s family.
Available Copies
Living Without Liesl: A True Story
by Bredenhann, Douwleen
- Condition
- Used - Near Fine
- Edition
- 1st Edition
- Published
- 2010
- Binding
- Soft cover
- ISBN
- 9780624048329
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
Johannesburg, ZAF
- Item Price
-
$11.00
Show Details
Description:
Tafelberg, 2010. 1st Edition. Soft cover. Near Fine. the wraps are shelf rubbed and bit edge worn. a little cocked. a bit marked. internally clean and tightly bound. [P.O.]. Our orders are shipped using tracked courier delivery services. Item Price
$11.00
Living without Liesl: A True Story
by Bredenhann, Douwleen
- Condition
- Used - Fair
- Edition
- 1st
- Published
- 2010
- Binding
- Softcover
- ISBN
- 9780624048329
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
Johannesburg, ZAF
- Item Price
-
$11.00
Show Details
Description:
Tafelberg, 2010. 1st. Softcover. Fair. wraps are shelf rubbed and lightly creased.no inscription,light marks.well bound.[J.K]. Our orders are shipped using tracked courier delivery services. Item Price
$11.00