Rising Up

A TRUE STORY OF CHILDHOOD ABUSE

Nancy Pusateri's book is a powerful, raw journey through unimaginable pain and resilience. The book begins by introducing Nancy's roots, tracing her family's migration from Greece to the United States, setting the stage for the story shared ahead in the book.
The early years of Nancy's life seemed like a normal childhood until her family shifted to a new house. Then began the series of harrowing experiences, shattering the innocence of her early years. As she shares her story, she reveals the dark undercurrents within her family home: a father who abuses his authority in the cruelest ways and a mother whose silence and withdrawal only serve to deepen Nancy's isolation.
With each chapter, we follow Nancy through the years, witnessing the growing violence and abuse that, unfortunately, would define her childhood and the later years of her life. Her story isn't just about the horror and pain of the abuse itself; it is about the crushing loneliness of carrying such a heavy secret, the longing for escape, and the desperate hope for someone to notice her situation and intervene.
Amidst the darkness, there are fleeting moments of light—instances of rebellion, the comfort found in brief escapes to her grandparents' house, and the comfort of her own imagination. These moments offer her a brief respite but also show the stark contrast between the life she endures every day at home and the normalcy she craves.
The story captures the complexities of family dynamics, showcasing how cultural expectations, secrecy, and fear can paralyze those caught in their web. At the same time, it is a testament to the resolution of a little girl who, despite every reason to break, continues to fight for a semblance of dignity and normalcy.
As the story continues, Nancy shares how she eventually realizes her own strength. She understands that survival is more than just enduring under the shadows of her troubled past; it is about finding a way to rise above them. Her journey is a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the reality of surviving abuse and the difficult path toward healing and reclaiming one's life.

Honesty.

I just want to hug you. I am so happy you gave a loving husband, the person you deserve to have by your side.