On May 7, 1988, Michelle got married. Shawn, the man standing before her, was her abuser, her controller, and the only serious boyfriend she'd ever had. In that moment, she felt like this wedding ceremony would mark the end of her life; it turned out to be the beginning of something worse.
This is an autobiographical account of abuse, assault, and escape in which Michelle-Meridith Moore chronicles her experience with a deeply abusive and manipulative partner. The story begins with their first encounter and catalogues the progression of Shawn's increasingly toxic, controlling, and abusive behaviour. During the early stages of their relationship, Shawn slowly broke down Michelle's self-conception as a happy, smart young lady, ultimately conditioning her into thinking she was lowly, stupid, and worthless. In the two decades that followed, Shawn would sink his clutches deeper into every aspect of Michelle's life until her very survival was at stake. Driven by the need to protect herself, and with the steady help of her closest allies, Michelle was able to escape, seek legal recourse, and tell her tale.
Michelle's story is harrowing and raw. It pulls back the curtains on an incredibly painful, and often unseen, corner of domestic life. But it also shows the power of perseverance, love, and allyship. It is a testament to how, even in the pits of despair, we can escape our living nightmares.
