Customer Reviews

Undying Will

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Actually I could not put the book down. Donna's details of her experience just kept me reading on and on. Hence I read the book in one evening. Every woman who is trusting of others should read this. I had my daughter read it just so she will be aware of crazy people out there that appear to be harmless. A must reading for all women.

I found this to be a well-written chronicle of this woman's survival and recovery after a mind-boggling attack that almost killed her.
The long struggle to overcome the physical and mental after-effects was an arduous one, and speaks to the strength of will of this survivor. Since this crime happened in my own back yard, I was doubly interested to know how it unfolded. It was also an interesting look into our justice system of 30 years ago.
To Donna, I'm so sorry that you went through this, so sorry that some family members didn't have the wherewithal to support and comfort you, and so glad that you made it despite everything. I was also so glad that the monster who did this was put away. I know that you surely would rather that your strength wasn't tested in this way, but you must be so proud that you overcame. I wish you all the best.
MB

Donna's experience of trauma and survival is enlightening and incredibly inspiring for all survivors and families. This book gave me insights and knowledge that I have used in my life, that I couldn't have learned anywhere else. All HEALTH CARE Providers should read this book. It is a great teaching tool. Should top everyones list.

Upon reading UNDYING WILL, I became engulfed in Donna's vibrant use of language as she revealed to her reader, the tumultuous accounts of her experiences during and after her horrific rape. As her truly remarkable struggle to gain back her innocence, while fighting for justice, begins to unravel; I became absorbed in her accounts and it became even more riveting to me, and I was unable to put the book down until I had finished it. Being a rape survivor myself, I could not help the trigged emotions I was feeling, and was overwhelmed by the sudden rush of my own memories. Ms. Ferres was so articulate in her writing that I actually felt that I was right there with her, able to feel her every emotion. For someone who has never experienced such a treacherous event in their life they are soon able to feel what the experience was like for her, as she journeys through the accounts of that dreaded day, all the way through to the prosecution of the perpetrator. Like most victims Donna felt scared, hurt, lonely, bitter, and (Sadly enough) guilty, unfortunately these are the feelings that most survivors experience. These accounts truly bring survivors feelings to the forefront, letting others know that it is not only normal, but most of all that it is O.K. to feel this way. It should be mentioned that for any survivor of a sexual crime this book will trigger emotions that are not felt in their every day life and therefore should be in a "safe" place.
Marlena (mrs88888)

This is the first book I have read actually written by the victim. Ms. Ferres is an excellent story teller with the book unfolding with her inner feelings and strife. Coming to within and inch of her life at the hands of a maniac she manages to get through the physical part of the trauma, being stabbed and beaten only to have the emotional beating nearly cause her demise later. Her accounts of the interaction with family, friends and people she doesn't even know brings to light our tremendous lack of understanding of the full impact of violence on our lives. While she relates that it just never goes away, the book is wonderfully written as it tells of the life she goes on to create for herself despite the obstacles she faces. I have never read a story like this. The messages in this book need to get out to the public. It will serve to create a better understanding and possibly stop the violence and misunderstanding of victims once and for all. This book is one that I read cover to cover on an emotional roller-coaster but ending on a high note of vindication and validation for all women and crime victims. It was a great experience and increased my understanding of victims tremendously. It is well written and packed full. All other books I have read on this line were written after the fact. This is different. This needs to be on Oprah.

The book starts out slowly as Donna takes you along with her on several visits to her Psyciatrist. However, once she begins to come to terms with what happened, the story begins to unfold and takes you on such a graphic journey that you can almost feel her agony. This book is a must for anyone who has ever had the misfortune of being a victim because as you read it, you can relate to her feelings. The fear and bitterness, hatred, lonliness, the feeling of being misunderstood and the guilt. The guilt Donna felt for something that she had no control over. She also shares the horrible aftermath she endured. Something most people would never anticipate happening, and how she was able to deal with it. The disappointment and sickening frustration she felt when she learned that her perpetrator had recanted his guilty plea, and the false accusations and physical assault from a family member or friend of her perpetrator. This book is also very helpful to any woman because when Donna finally reveals her deepest secret, she helps us to realize how vulnerable we all really are. She shares with us the thoughts that raced through her head as this thing was coming down on her. Before, during and after. She helps the reader understand how important it is to notice what your surroundings are and how important it is not to allow a stranger to talk you into going anywhere, even if it is just outside the door for a 2 minute helpful deed. Donna's account also helps makes you aware of the strain on family members that something like this causes. It helps us to see how crime committed not only affects the victim of the physical violence, but also how it has an affect on the whole family. This book also provides insight to the perpetrators family about the victims and their families, and just how the violent actions of their loved one has affected the lives of all involved, forever.