After all… by Maria Trautman is the author’s story of the abuse she endured and her path to forgiveness. Maria was born to a mother who simply didn’t love her. To her mother, Maria represented a time in her life she couldn’t get past. Maria was a source of pain for her mother and her mother let that pain bleed into every moment of her child’s life. Maria’s grandmother was the only one who showed her true love in her childhood. After her grandmother passed away Maria went back to live with her mother. Throughout her stay with her mother, Maria long suffered abuse and manipulation from the hands of people that she should have been protected from in the first place, starting with her mother. Through desperation and conscientious acts, Maria moved to Canada to live with her aunt.

Despite knowing this is a memoir, nothing could have prepared me for the harsh reality that the author faced. The story of Maria is a heart wrenching story that will make you feel helpless, anger, and empathy with every word. Trautman’s writing is powerful, raw, and inspiring. I commend her for being able to share her traumatic story with the world and still find peace through faith. Her story gives hope to readers and shows us that no matter what we face we can still be a better person. The first half of the book is difficult to read and I had to put the book down a few times to compose myself. Don’t let this stop you from reading the book as this shows just how shocking Trautman’s story is and just how effective her words are.

This book hits close to home for many readers but there is hope and Maria is proof of this. Through faith and forgiveness Maria is able to rebuild herself as a person and start a life. You get a feeling of redemption and happiness when you finish reading the book.

Prepare yourself for the harsh reality of this book. The raw anguish, the struggles, and strife. After all.. It just might be worth every heartbreaking moment.

Pages: 221 | ASIN: B08KBSH81R