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Summary: "A remarkable collection of photographs and short essays..."
Review: From The CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/15/98 (Michele Weldon) "A remarkable collection of photographs and short essays, this book presents a chorus of voices, disparate in the specifics and yet similar in their stories of triumph over physical abuse. the power of this book lies in its ability to deliver an honest and immediate portrayal of domestic violence through personal accounts that cross all boundaries."
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Summary: Great book . . .Photography from a pro
Review: I have sent this book to two friends in abusive relationships. The photographs are worth more than a thousand words. This has all the makings for a great documentary film. Where's the sequel?
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Summary: As a male, I disagree with the subsequent review
Review: I'm a married male with two sons, and I found this book to be amazing. Since domestic violence is more often (and more lethally) perpetrated by males (like it or not, I have to be honest about what's happening), that means the emphasis of "helping books" is going to be toward women. While I'd like to see more books oriented toward males as victims, that should NOT discount the significance and quality of books that reflect the real-life realities of mens' violence against women. And since this book exists to represent true portraits, I can't help but be amazed with what it reveales. Instead of pleading for less "us-and-them" dynamics in books that encompass what's actually "us-and-them" forms of violence, I'd like to see more books that reach out to women positively as they escape violence, and more books that assist us men in coping with the violence that we have the choice and power to end, with help. Instead of faulting this book because of what it omits, I'd suggest that this book is valuable, and that the subsequent review below mine should judge this book on its inherent merits, and then simply plead a case for *additional* books that cover the topics he'd like to see, as well. It is not the intent of this book to span the breadth of the domestic violence issue, only to demonstrate what kinds of women experience it commonly.
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Summary: Just Awarded: 1998 Small Press Book Award !
Review: Recipient 1998 Small Press Book Award [category: self-help; recovery; psychology]
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Summary: A Woman Like You
Review: The book includes interviews that tell of abuse stomping down avenues and alleyways, terrorizing woman regardless of class, race, religion or age. Hard words and Harsh contrast link victims of abuse to common ground. Vera Anderson teaches us, through the eye of her camera and poignant interviews, that we must open our eyes to the possibility of abusive situations no matter what woman we are gazing at. It also includes a suggested reading list and contact information for those seeking help. Mandy Baker was sexually abused when she was eight. No one explained to her what had happened, and she was forbidden to talk about that night. Now, eight years later, Mandy is experiencing problems that she cannot solve on her own. She is constantly nauseous, especially around boys. She cannot participate in a romantic relationship, and it is impossible for her to communicate with her family. Increasingly confused by so many conflicting emotions, the girl finally seeks help. When she finds the courage to express what she has held inside for so long, her walls of silence are broken down. Anderson is a photojournalist who escaped an abusive marriage. Her portraits are of women whose looks are remarkable for their familiarity. They are people we see every day, gazing directly at the camera, indistinguishable in their appearance from others in the community; but their stories, briefly told, speak volumes.
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Summary: One-sided with blinders
Review: This book is excellent in portrayal of domestic violence, and through pictures, one realises that domestic violence affects everyone, not simply women. For example, the narrative by the two children in the book can break anyone's heart--particularly for those who have actually experienced the similar traumatic experience like myself. The narratives by the different women are all very touching, and this book can be read and SEEN by everyone, with no selectiveness of the audience. For those working as domestic violence counselors, lawyers, criminologists, law enforcement officials, etc., they should all examine this book to understand the impact of domestic violence within their community. Overall, this book is excellent!
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Summary: Seeing Intimate Violence: Appearances Can Be Deceiving
Review: This book is excellent in portrayal of domestic violence, and through pictures, one realises that domestic violence affects everyone, not simply women. For example, the narrative by the two children in the book can break anyone's heart--particularly for those who have actually experienced the similar traumatic experience like myself. The narratives by the different women are all very touching, and this book can be read and SEEN by everyone, with no selectiveness of the audience. For those working as domestic violence counselors, lawyers, criminologists, law enforcement officials, etc., they should all examine this book to understand the impact of domestic violence within their community. Overall, this book is excellent!
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Summary: One-sided with blinders
Review: This book only perpetuates the stereotype that all domestic violence victims are women and children, and all abusers are male. This kind of one-sided 'women-good, men-bad' thinking makes it impossible for a man abused by his wife/girlfriend to be taken seriously. It also means that law enforcement, the courts, and even the shelters won't take a man seriously when he needs help. This is not a book to celebrate.
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Summary: A Woman Like You: The Face of Domestic Violence
Review: This is a touching, meaningful, and an innovative way to break down the denial concealing domestic violence in this country. In this work, Anderson utilizes interviews and photographs of 30+ women who are survivors of domestic violence. Questions like, "Why would a woman stay in a violent relationship?" and "Couldn't she tell before she married him that he was abusive?" are answered by the women without the question being asked. Second, the book can be used by therapists to help clients look past their own denial regarding their life experiences and find similarities between themselves and the women presented in this book. The last positive attribute to be mentioned here is Anderson's ability to capture the "face" of domestic violence. If one ever thought he or she could determine whether anyone else "looked" like a battered woman, one may have to reconsider his/her position. This book shows that domestic violence can happen to anyone... and it does. Domestic violence happens in all income brackets, racial and/or cultural groups, and in heterosexual and homosexual relationships.
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Summary: Totally gripping & enraging. You must read this book!
Review: Vera Anderson takes a positive spin on domestic violence. She kills many birds with one stone through her compilation of interviews & photos in this awe-inspiring book: She attacks our perception of the battered women; She shows us that crimes are being committed to women even after they escape their abusive partners at home (by us and legislations); And most of all she shows the threat that women & their children live under even after escape! Can you imagine having to change the name you were born with, because you would get killed if you didn't? But wait, what inspires me most is Vera's proactive attitute to give back to women who were less fortunate then herself. She too could have been killed and I admire her for using her resources and God-given talents to inspire the whole nation to change! Kudos to All of the victims for their courage!
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