“The compendium before you is simply remarkable. It relates a story so deep, so courageous, so transforming that I don’t think I have anywhere encountered its equal. It is an insightful and articulate documenting of the painful, undulating and winding journey from breakdown and devastation toward a life lived with hope. It is inspirational!”
– Rev. Andrew Woff
From the Foreword of HOPE: An Evolving Story
"Monique's journey of self-exploration, putting the pieces together after a childhood of sexual abuse – beautifully written with great vignettes and quite profound reflections... is an incredible gift to all of us... an incredibly brave and courageous work."
– Rev Tim Costello AO
Former CEO, World Vision,
2006 Victorian Australian of the Year
Book launch, 'Fragments of Home'
"Monique Lisbon has utilised the trauma of her childhood abuse to guide the reader through the issues, feelings and reactions faced during the healing process.
Monique’s candid vignettes and reflections provide the reader with not only a window into her own body and soul, but insight into the ravages of abuse on both the abused child and the adult grappling to deal with the ongoing legacy. Her clarity of thought, delivered with the gift of a creative talent embracing several disciplines, provides a rare insight into this most personal of journeys.
Fragments of Home stands as a testimony to strength, courage and resilience, and is a gift for all survivors of child abuse and for those who walk alongside them."
– Dr Cathy Kezelman AM
President, Blue Knot Foundation
"Once I started reading this book I was unable to put it down. There were numerous times where the thoughts expressed described my own thoughts which I have been unable to share.
As for the ’God-stuff’, this is the first book that mentions God and child abuse, that I have read through. Normally once I start to read about God and forgiveness I stop reading in anger and never look at the book again.
Monique’s explanation of where God was in the midst of the abuse has saddened me but resonates with what I believe. Although I still struggle with the concept, it has provided ’food for thought’."
– Jackie B.,
Child Abuse Survivor, Queensland, Australia
Response to 'Fragments of Home'
"Fragments of Home is weighty and yet completely accessible, and not the slightest bit ’intellectual’ or unreachable. Neither is it in any way ’sensationalising’ of the author’s experiences – a very, very rare combination.
It is sacred and rings true in every part. I almost felt relieved reading it! I'm not sure why – I just felt like I was reading something at last that I had been looking for!
I have not been sexually abused but still found my heart being spoken to and somehow given a voice that was so deeply satisfying. I felt relief for the people I have worked with whose hearts I have been able to be let into. I don’t know any book quite like it and I think the problem of suffering, and the question of where is God in it, is spoken of in a way I have never heard put so movingly and clearly – the theology and psychology are great but not done in way that leaves heart, mind or gut unsatisfied.
What an extraordinary work – of Monique and God together – to give the world such a sacred treasure that will help the hearts of many."
– Nicky Chiswell,
Singer/songwriter;
Registered Psychologist
"This book is a beautifully and sensitively written detailed account of Monique Lisbon’s personal struggle with the ongoing harmful effects of sexual and psychological abuse. It will be of particular interest to counsellors and therapists working with adult survivors of childhood abuse."
– The Late Prof. Freda Briggs AO,
Former Emeritus Professor in Child Development,
University of South Australia, Magill Campus, SA, Australia
Feedback to 'Fragments of Home'
"... A painful, yet courageous articulation of the journey of realizing complicity in abuse,
Keeping Mum is agonizing to the reader and, in the end, exhilarating.
A brave engagement with a complex, difficult issue which is often avoided."
– Dr Diana Kelly-Byrne
Psychologist and Educator, Melbourne
