Book Review: Fiercely Me

Reviewed by Lisa Parker Hayreh | Content Warnings: Physical & sexual assault

An inspirational memoir about transforming overwhelming trauma

Stephanie Rowe relays her journey of recovery after growing up in Australia under the shadow of oppressive experiences. She recounts a barrage of horrific events which include multiple instances of physical and sexual assault, bullying at school, learning difficulties, poverty, parental substance abuse, and mental illness. Yet through it all, her quest for healing and her ability to love shine through.

Fiercely Metakes us through Stephanie’s early years and her efforts to make sense of the agony she encountered. We see all experiences through Stephanie’s eyes. We taste the brutality and harshness she encounters from her caregivers and extended family. We feel the blows of the violent assaults she sustains. We savor the refuge she discovers through beauty in nature. We watch her struggle to complete schooling, find employment, combat mental illness, and seek connection with others. We bear witness to the torment she endures for years as she labors to change through therapy. We celebrate her transition from self-loathing to self-love. And we follow her efforts to use her voice to empower others and lift them up. 

Told with candor and compassion, this memoir is an extraordinary account of resilience and transformation in the face of devastation and despair. Though there are other memoirs from survivors of child abuse, Fiercely Meproves a rare gem among them. Stephanie Rowe has endured some of the worst of humanity and has succeeded in channeling her suffering into forgiveness, kindness, self-acceptance, and love. She emerges from multiple tempests as a brilliant butterfly. She realistically portrays her abusers yet consistently expresses compassion and forgiveness for them as well. All the while, she seeks to offer hope to others caught in the throes of traumatic anguish.  This memoir delivers a beacon of inspiration to those searching for proof that healing after childhood trauma is truly possible.

Though graphic details of physical and sexual abuse both in childhood and in adult years are revealed throughout the book, most sections are thoughtfully prefaced with clear warnings to alert the reader to this content. This memoir offers an especially powerful perspective by using the author’s distinctively authentic voice.

Fiercely Me provides unshakeable testimony that redemption and healing can absolutely be wrought following many years of abuse and despair. Without a doubt, this book will leave you dancing for joy in celebration of the healing capacity of the human spirit.

---

Thank you for reading Lisa Parker Hayreh’s book review of Fiercely Me by Stephanie Rowe! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.