The Gorilla and the Fairy

Rating:
Summary: Recommended with some reservations
Review: "The Gorilla and the Fairy" is a beautifully illustrated book with an allegorical story about domestic violence. For those who are in a domestic violence situation this is probably a very good book. It details the most common techniques that an abuser uses to separate the victim from their support system and the common fears and thoughts of the victim. With a positive ending it is an encouraging book for those in that situation that shows them that they are not the only ones in that position and there is a choice. It may not be easy, but it is there.

The other group that would probably benefit from this book would be those that have recently come out of a domestic violence situation and are still in the healing process. Healing can take a long time and the book provides encouragement to help them heal.

This is a great book to use as a starting place for a serious discussion of domestic violence with children, teenagers just starting to experiment with relationships and those who are in, just out of, or know someone in an abusive relationship.

I did find something disturbing about the book but had a really hard time putting my finger on what it was. So, I asked a couple of people that had been in those situations to read it and give me their thoughts. I also asked a couple that had been in such a situation and now were happily married. The ones that were out of such a relationship but now happily married also found something disturbing about the book but could not figure out what it was. Finally we sat down and figured out what bothered us about the book. There is absolutely no positive male image in the book at any point. The picture of the rescuing angels are all female, no indication of a male fairy also out in the light and helpful and supportive. I can accept that people in that situation may have lost their faith in members of the opposite sex and need to trust only people of the same sex while they heal. That makes this book an excellent read for them. However, for those that have not been in those situations or have come out and are now healed it is more of a good jumping off point for a serious and animated discussion of the problem.

A very small book that takes a maximum of 30 minutes to read, for those that are in a violence situation and starting to wonder about the relationship, it could be a wonderful read and is highly encouraged. For anyone else, it is better as a discussion starting point.

Rating:
Summary: must read
Review: Although I sympathize with what Ms. Young suffered in an abusive relationship, and applaud her afforts to help other women in the same situation, I think this little book is simplistic and woefully misguided.

For the purpose of her allegory, Ms. Young chooses a gorilla as her villain, and she resurrects negative stereotypes and misinformation about the species that have been dead for years. Ironically, Ms. Young basically spits back the lies that are told by the very kind of men who would abuse women, children, and animals. These are stories made up by the "He Man" types, hunters and exploiters, who instill irrational fears in women, and then try to convince us that we need their protection from the pseudo evil. They project their own faults onto the gorilla, so he will seem "bad", and they can be applauded for their courage in killing him. Ms. Young has played right into their hands.

The truth is that gorillas are, in general, the least violent of all the Great Ape species, including humans. Stories about them attacking other animals (just one of the lies Ms. Young draws on) were disproven many, many years ago. Gorillas are strictly vegetarian, and do not attack other animals, including humans, except in defense.

These magnificent creatures, so very closely related to us, are now on the brink of extinction, and most of the people who are working effectively to save them are women. Why? Partly because women are less threatening than men, and gorillas are more trusting of them, and willing to allow them close to their families. We can not, at this point, afford to risk instilling new fears in our daughters. This is not how we repay the gorillas' trust. Nor, in my opinion, is it an acceptable or effective way of attempting to heal ourselves.

I think that Ms. Young needs to do a bit more self-searching, to uncover the source of these irrational and destructive fears, and get it straight in her head who the REAL enemy is. I believe she is still as naive as she was when she entered into the abusive relationship.

I can not, in good conscience, recommend this book to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful
Review: As a minister and former victim of domestic violence, this book has been a major find. It is moving, gentle, and easily understood. It has affected the people to whom I have shown it in a very positive way. Powerfully written and beautifully illustrated, Carol Young demonstrates great courage, insight and talent in this eye-opening book. I am recommending it to treatment facilities, counselors, teachers, therapists, support groups, ministers and anyone else who needs to read it. Not only adults, but the children from abusive situations can benefit from this wonderful book.

Rating:
Summary: The Gorilla and The Fairy
Review: Dealing with the subject of abuse in a relationship,by it's nature,is a dark and dreaded area to tread. Carol Young has created a gently told story with illustrations that makes this subject approachable. The story is told in a way that makes you believe the author has tapped on self-experience and survived. In her recovery process she has passed on the gift of this story to enlighten others who may find themselves in a similar situation. Ms. Young accomplishes her task in a non-threatening, pallpable manner.

The story begins with light and ends with the hope of escape and recovery from a bad relationship. A list of possible sources of help for someone in need of information is included at the end of the story.

This book is a tool of discovery and recovery in an abusive relationship. If you have even suspected for a moment that you may be in a consuming, controlling or abusive relationship; this book would be an encouraging, helpful read.

Rating:
Summary: The Gorilla and the Fairy, a story of abuse and recovery
Review: I bought this book from a friend who knew the author. My attitude was I am 50 years old and I am really not interested in an Adult Fairy Tale but because my friend beg me to read it I did. I have now read it 10 times and each time I have cried. Any women who has ever experience the trama of an abusive relationship will relate to the Story of the Gorilla and the Fairy. The story is both colorful and discriptive with a message not only adults, but children should see. The author who also did the artwork in the book brought her personal story of abuse and recovery to her readers in such a beautiful way, that those reading it come through it with hope that they too can break away from abuse cycle and go on. I would recommend this book for all ages. I would give it to friends (both men and women)and children. The Pictures are beautiful with great depth and feeling.

Rating:
Summary: INCREDIBLE!
Review: Ms. Young has done an amazing job of writing a gentle story that helps children and adults alike understand the tough subject of domestic violence. Gorgeous illustrations and well written text telling of the relationship between a beautiful fairy and the gorilla that captures her. The story sheds some light into what drives a person to be abusive, and why the victims stay. It offers a hopeful and beautiful resolution as the fairy heals her broken wings and is able to return to her world of light. Gentle and moving, this is a wonderful book to use as a starting point to discuss issues around domestic violence with children of all ages as well adults .
HIGHLY recommended

Rating:
Summary: Hope and Healing
Review: The Gorilla and the Fairy was a healing book for me; I was in an abusive marriage. The author, (and illustrator) Carol Young captures many feelings and brought out emotions that I had pushed down for quite some time. I believe we should work through abuse in order to understand it, only then we can see how emotional and physical abuse drains your soul and prevents you from having a full happy life. The Gorilla and the Fairy is a book goes through the cycle of abuse and in the end has a message of hope and healing.

The illustrations are very unique, beautiful, and meaningful and enhance the story with turn of a page.

While reading this book I remembered what happened to me and how my angels (my family) helped bring me back into the light so I could see a better way. Perhaps by remembering we may be able to see abuse in other women, men or children and show them the light, give them support and hope for a gentle, safe, life. I recommend this book. - Angela Borgen

Rating:
Summary: must read
Review: The Gorilla and the Fairy, Carol Young, Hara Publishing.
Though wonderfully written in metaphor, the message of hope and inspiration to victims of domestic violence is abundantly clear. Its not your fault, you can get help, you can get support, you can get out.
The author keeps the story brief enough that the attractive hard bound book can easily be read in a waiting room; perhaps doctors and clinics should have a couple copies amongst the requisite magazines.
A toll free national hot line number is included at the end of the book: good job.
Bruce H. Everett WA

Rating:
Summary: There is Hope and Healing
Review: This book will bring to light for so many people in this situation that there is hope. And that I am a worthy person,
I deserve better. Helping people to reach inside themselves and
think about their own situations. This book is truly thought provoking. I want to share it with any young woman in my life who is just beginning to get into personal relationships.
The artwork itself was very healing....it spoke to my soul.