“Sylvie Lariviere-Traub’s powerful and courageous introductory book reaches deep into her heart – and ours – and, in 220 pages, lays bare her life story in meticulous detail, pulling the reader into a journey of pain, loss and, in the end, redemption. Her honest, graphic and blunt retelling of child abuse is a shocking, yet mandatory read for all who have also travelled down her road and who are in need of being heard. Sylvie’s book is a triumph of the human spirit.”

—Frederic Serre, Journalist and Writer, Montreal, Quebec (Canada)

This is the story of Sylvie’s childhood—a journey that begins in the warmth of an idyllic, loving family but slowly descends into the hardship of her mother’s prolonged illness and eventual death, followed by her father’s alcoholism and abandonment. Sylvie was left to navigate the Canadian children's protection system, an experience that would shape her but never break her.

For years, these memories remained locked away, sealed tightly in the past. But the passing of her beloved husband, her soulmate, cracked open that door, unleashing long-buried pain and demanding a voice. From the very beginning of this journey, I was with Sylvie, meeting weekly as she began to pour out her childhood experiences. At the end of each session, she could hear her husband's voice softly whispering, as if he was still by her side: “Now go home and capture it on paper.”

Week after week, Sylvie bravely unearthed more of her past. With tenacity and courage, she transformed her pain into the words you now hold in your hands. She eventually moved east, closer to her daughter, carrying the strength of her experiences with her.

The manuscript is nothing short of stunning. Sylvie’s story, told with raw honesty and remarkable resilience, is one of hope—a reminder that no matter the darkness, there is always a way forward. I urge you to let her story inspire you to take your own journey, to find the bravery within to recreate yourself, no matter where you begin.

--Patricia Lynn Strickland

Drama Director & Filmmaker

Director/Acting Teacher, Rubicon Theatre Company 2010-2023

California, USA

“When Sylvie Larivière-Traub writes, she shows her true strength by pouring all of her heart blood, her emotions, her tears, and above all, her love onto the pages. And those pages become one of the most impressive, authentic, and touching life stories you will ever read.”

--Natja Igney

International journalist, Riviera-Buzz, Cannes, France