The Burning Light of Stars: A Mother-Daughter Story is the story of a daughter incested by her maternal grandfather. It is Laura Davis’ story.
I first learned about author Laura Davis in early 1992. I was in my early 50s and my memories of childhood incest were just surfacing. Truly, I believed without doubt I was going crazy. After all, I had a mentally delayed and mentally ill sister diagnosed as schizophrenic. Was this what she was going through?
Davis had previously co-authored with Ellen Bass the book, “The Courage to Heal.” Then she authored the workbook “The Courage to Heal Workbook: For Women and Men Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse.”
I purchased “Courage” as soon as I knew of its existence. Unequivocally, Davis’ workbook was immeasurably helpful to me. She journeyed with me through the shock, terror, and disbelief of the trauma that was surfacing. Later, I would see how it profoundly affected the lives of my teenage children and spouse, a book I have yet to write. I cannot put into words how much her quiet, wise company helped me heal.
Thirty years later, I’ve been riveted to read the healing of Davis’ mother and her daughter incested by her maternal grandfather.
Clearly, Davis and I have never stopped working at healing (and most likely never will.) Sharing Davis’ story in this brilliantly written memoir of her mother-daughter relationship has profoundly graced and affirmed my own story. Her story in many ways parallels varied situations I have recognized and sought to work through in recent years with my own now-grown three children.
I treasure that I’ve encountered these two of Davis’ books. Each has spoken so well and validated my own experiences in two profoundly challenging times of my adult life.
From the bottom of my heart, please know I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. To parents – or – children of parents who have lived in a family with the trauma of sexual abuse, you will learn and grow.