Fragments of Home:
Piecing Life Together after Childhood Sexual Abuse
Cover design by Monique Lisbon, based on an illustration by Rob Leach Published by Braidwood Press, 2008 |
Monique's new multimedia product, containing a 174-page book and 16-track audio CD, was released in May 2008. A synopsis of the book can be downloaded here in PDF format. The book was launched to a sell-out crowd in Melbourne on 19 July by Rev Dr Alan Niven of the Churches of Christ Theological College, Victoria. Click here to download Alan's speech in PDF format. This speech can also be found at Rowland Croucher's website, John Mark Ministries. MonoMusic is now taking expressions of interest if your church or group would like to host a dinner to promote Fragments of Home in your area. Click here for more information about hosting an event with Monique Lisbon, or contact MonoMusic if you would like to discuss the possibilities. |
Feature Article and Other Endorsements
Australian Women Online Magazine recently ran a feature article about Fragments of Home, and Monique's writing and music about healing from childhood abuse.
Click here to read the feature article.
The Spring 2008 edition of Zadok Perspectives features a review by Anne Mallaby of Monique's 2006 CD, Wounded Beauty as well as a review by Mick Pope of Fragments of Home.
Click here to download both reviews in PDF format.
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Rev Dr Alan Niven Vice-Principal and Head of Pastoral Studies Churches of Christ Theological College, Victoria, Australia |
This book is more than just a record of one person’s path towards healing from sexual abuse. It journals the tough disciplined task of self-exploration and deep reflection where the anxiety of doubt and even the threat of death are frequent companions.
We witness the complex and fragile patterns of a relationship with God presented in such a way that those who have been through similar experiences will recognise it as a story of redemption, courage and hope.
There is no slick ’God-talk’, no easily-found (and just as easily-lost) grip on spiritual insights. This is a realistic story of a faith that now settles down for the long haul, and knows it is OK to be on the road.
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Dr Cathy Kezelman Chair, ASCA (Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse), NSW, Australia |
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.
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Nicky Chiswell, Singer/songwriter; Registered Psychologist; Music Pastor, Glen Waverley Anglican Church, Victoria, Australia |
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.
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Fiona D. Hill Author of PhD Thesis, Disarming the Bible-bashers: Claiming the Bible for Australian Abuse Survivors, Victoria, Australia |
It is both a joy and sacred privilege to be invited into Monique Lisbon’s story of hope and healing. I have long admired her courage in sharing her personal story through writing this book, as well as through her music and public speaking ministries. Monique gives voice to experiences that all too often remain shrouded in secrecy and silence but constitute the lived reality of many survivors of abuse.
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Prof. Freda Briggs AO, Emeritus Professor in Child Development, University of South Australia, Magill Campus, SA, Australia |
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.
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Jackie B., Child Abuse Survivor, Queensland, Australia |
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’.
Bulk orders
For retail sales, please click here to purchase the book/CD securely online with your credit card or to download an order form.
Special rates are available for bulk orders (e.g. for bookstores or churches).
Discounts for bulk purchases follow this sliding scale:
| 1-5 copies | No discount |
| 6-9 copies | 25% discount |
| 10-49 copies | 30% discount |
| 50+ copies | 40% discount |
Contact Braidwood Press for more information if you wish to purchase in bullk.