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After All...
She grew up thinking she deserved neglect. Can a young girl escape a loveless home to seize elusive peace?
Portugal. As a baby, Maria Trautman was abandoned at birth by her mother and was raised by her adoring grandmother. But when her grandmother passed away, the distressed child was sent to live with her cruel and cold-hearted mother.
After enduring years of physical and emotional attacks, Maria built up the courage to leave her country and emigrated to Canada to seek sanctuary with her aunt. But when her uncle continued the very abuse she was so desperate to stop, Maria feared she would be forever trapped in a never-ending cycle of violence.
In a passionate true account exposing unimaginably damaging upheavals, this heartfelt narrative follows Maria’s entry to adulthood and her quest to find one thing that always evaded her: happiness. And through vivid recollection of her own daunting challenges and tragic memories, Maria creates a beautiful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.
Discover the poignant truth of a courageous woman seeking healing through tremendous faith and forgiveness.
If you like moving personal accounts, testaments of perseverance and powerful journeys, then you’ll love Maria Trautman’s memoir. Follow her heart wrenching story as she goes from suffering to living in happiness in her shocking memoir, After All...
After All... Winner of the Literary Titan Gold book award
Buy After All� to reach the freedom that lies ahead today!
Portugal. As a baby, Maria Trautman was abandoned at birth by her mother and was raised by her adoring grandmother. But when her grandmother passed away, the distressed child was sent to live with her cruel and cold-hearted mother.
After enduring years of physical and emotional attacks, Maria built up the courage to leave her country and emigrated to Canada to seek sanctuary with her aunt. But when her uncle continued the very abuse she was so desperate to stop, Maria feared she would be forever trapped in a never-ending cycle of violence.
In a passionate true account exposing unimaginably damaging upheavals, this heartfelt narrative follows Maria’s entry to adulthood and her quest to find one thing that always evaded her: happiness. And through vivid recollection of her own daunting challenges and tragic memories, Maria creates a beautiful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.
Discover the poignant truth of a courageous woman seeking healing through tremendous faith and forgiveness.
If you like moving personal accounts, testaments of perseverance and powerful journeys, then you’ll love Maria Trautman’s memoir. Follow her heart wrenching story as she goes from suffering to living in happiness in her shocking memoir, After All...
After All... Winner of the Literary Titan Gold book award
Buy After All� to reach the freedom that lies ahead today!
- GenresMemoirNonfictionAbuse
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
1,248 people are currently reading
1,343 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 6, 2021
Almost didn't want to finish.
I hope Shelby never reads her step mother's book. A child of divorce has complicated emotions, and while the dialogue between stepmother and child was written kindly, Maria's contempt for her eldest stepchild is apparent in the sentences surrounding. Describing her as spoiled for being uncomfortable with the new woman brought into her life through no choice of Shelby's own is so rude. She was a kid. It really made it hard to like the author after getting through her description of how she wished Shelby wasn't around!
I hope Shelby never reads her step mother's book. A child of divorce has complicated emotions, and while the dialogue between stepmother and child was written kindly, Maria's contempt for her eldest stepchild is apparent in the sentences surrounding. Describing her as spoiled for being uncomfortable with the new woman brought into her life through no choice of Shelby's own is so rude. She was a kid. It really made it hard to like the author after getting through her description of how she wished Shelby wasn't around!
October 1, 2020
Maria Trautman's memoir is a powerful story of triumph and forgiveness after enduring a cruel childhood at the hands of her own mother. Growing up impoverished in Portugal, abandoned by her mother, raised by her grandmother (only to be cast back to her mother after her grandmother's death at the age of eight.)
Maria is treated with such cruelty it is hard to imagine how she not only survives, but thrives. Despite it all, she perseveres after emigrating to Canada. This is where she begins to process her trauma and look for answers on her long road to finding her roots and ultimately finding forgiveness.
Maria is treated with such cruelty it is hard to imagine how she not only survives, but thrives. Despite it all, she perseveres after emigrating to Canada. This is where she begins to process her trauma and look for answers on her long road to finding her roots and ultimately finding forgiveness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2021
Great uplifting story of survival from a very humble, hard beginning. I read this as research for. my own memoir and it was just what I needed.The honesty in the reading has helped me accept my own writing. I would also recommend this for someone searching for their truth.
April 13, 2022
Although the story was compelling and her strength and determination to survive was honourable, the writing was not to my liking. It felt very juvenile, child like. The book should have ended before it did, as the last few chapters were difficult to endure. I believe her faith in God provided much of her ability to find a way to forgive her Mother. Many people would not have continued to pursue. She was able to cure her heart of all the wrongs that had been done to her. This is a book that could have been so much better if the author had hired a writer to assist with the writing.
October 5, 2020
Inspirational
I found this to be a story that shows how a strong loving relationship with her grandma gave her the strength to get through extremely difficult situations. The fact that she survived is a testimony of her strength. I think the fact that she was able to have a loving relationship with any man and her family says a lot about her.
I found this to be a story that shows how a strong loving relationship with her grandma gave her the strength to get through extremely difficult situations. The fact that she survived is a testimony of her strength. I think the fact that she was able to have a loving relationship with any man and her family says a lot about her.
October 12, 2020
Some Crosses are heavier than others!
Maria, thank you for having the courage to tell your journey to the World! Your words expose the true reality that showing compassion benefits both the giver and receiver equally.
Successful people will do the things that unsuccessful people refuse to do!
Maria, thank you for having the courage to tell your journey to the World! Your words expose the true reality that showing compassion benefits both the giver and receiver equally.
Successful people will do the things that unsuccessful people refuse to do!
April 21, 2021
I chose this rating because it was an incredible book, it has to have been very hard to write, and was so impressed by her empathy for a mother who treated her so awful as a child
I would recommend this book to any one but especially to those who had a horrible childhood at the hand of someone who was supposed to care for them
I would recommend this book to any one but especially to those who had a horrible childhood at the hand of someone who was supposed to care for them
April 22, 2022
Terribly disappointed in the book - it was disjointed, and appeared to be written by a high school student. Personally, I don't think I would recommend it but just because it was not "my" thing, does not mean someone else wouldn't enjoy it.
July 28, 2022
I always enjoy a good memoir. I love being able to view other's memories and experiences through their individual perception. It makes you reminisce on your life and how although everyone's experiences are different we all share certain things in common. I LOVE personally reading other's stories about perseverance. Memoirs are the gritty stuff, the little shards that may not fit together perfectly because life doesn’t either.
July 24, 2022
Not impressed
If here is really nothing to say. This read like someone's diary. I give credit for the forgiveness the women was able to give but that is about all.
If here is really nothing to say. This read like someone's diary. I give credit for the forgiveness the women was able to give but that is about all.
June 8, 2021
A Sad beginning with a beautiful ending
Maria had a terrible life. She truly believed in God and prayer. Her prayers were answered later in her life. Her first marriage ended in a divorce. Her second marriage to Dan was great. She accomplished a lot in her life, pursuing her education being able to take care of herself when her Mother treated her so bad. A well written life story. I'm sure it was hard for her to write. I would definitely recommend this book.
Maria had a terrible life. She truly believed in God and prayer. Her prayers were answered later in her life. Her first marriage ended in a divorce. Her second marriage to Dan was great. She accomplished a lot in her life, pursuing her education being able to take care of herself when her Mother treated her so bad. A well written life story. I'm sure it was hard for her to write. I would definitely recommend this book.
July 21, 2022
It was a good book but I felt it dragged in some places. I probably would not recommend it to my friends.
September 19, 2022
A true story about Maria and her rough start to life.
Maria is faced with every kind of abuse possible and still manages to keep her chin up and make the best of her life. She is even able to forgive the people in her past and show compassion towards them.
A story across time and countries of a young girl finding herself and the life she creates.
A few quotes from the book that I liked:
"Four angel statues rise from the top of these columns, representing belief, honour, freedom and thankfulness, four things I desperately wanted in my life."
"Each time I left the church I felt as though I had been sitting with a good friend, someone who cared. I felt renewed and reassured that someday I would be fine."
"After a lot of soul searching, I realized that forgiveness was not about excusing their behaviour, it was about letting go so my soul would be free of bitterness."
Maria is faced with every kind of abuse possible and still manages to keep her chin up and make the best of her life. She is even able to forgive the people in her past and show compassion towards them.
A story across time and countries of a young girl finding herself and the life she creates.
A few quotes from the book that I liked:
"Four angel statues rise from the top of these columns, representing belief, honour, freedom and thankfulness, four things I desperately wanted in my life."
"Each time I left the church I felt as though I had been sitting with a good friend, someone who cared. I felt renewed and reassured that someday I would be fine."
"After a lot of soul searching, I realized that forgiveness was not about excusing their behaviour, it was about letting go so my soul would be free of bitterness."
March 14, 2023
This was a sad story at the beginning what she had to endure as a child after her grandparents died was bad from her mother and the man who abused her while his wife was out, I’m so glad she went to life with her aunt in Canada but then the aunt’s husband wanted to abuse her. Maria finally gets her life sorted after a failed marriage she has lovey friends finds the man with his daughters to make her life complete then goes back to find her dad who was dead but finds half sisters and brother also makes peace with her mum she a lovely story easy to read really enjoyed it give it a go
March 16, 2023
Maria's story is one of incredible strength and I am amazed by the forgiveness she has for those who abused her.
The writing style of this book didn't feel sophisticated and definitely dragged a bit. I also feel terrible for her step daughter Shelby and felt she was portrayed so unfairly. The poor girl was clearly dealing with trauma from her parent's divorce and I was shocked she was called a "determined and spoiled kid". Doesn't a child deserve the forgiveness Maria gave everyone else in her life?
The writing style of this book didn't feel sophisticated and definitely dragged a bit. I also feel terrible for her step daughter Shelby and felt she was portrayed so unfairly. The poor girl was clearly dealing with trauma from her parent's divorce and I was shocked she was called a "determined and spoiled kid". Doesn't a child deserve the forgiveness Maria gave everyone else in her life?
September 5, 2024
This book broke my heart reading of this poor girls sad lonely cruel fate that she lived in her early years. How any mother can treat her child this way leaves me speechless but despite all of this she grew into a kind hearted lady who found her hea which she so deserved. The only thing I didn’t enjoy so much was towards the end of the book when it felt like we lost the story a bit as we went on to meet all other extended members of family from all over the globe. I just felt it went of track but if that’s how her life went then I guess it’s her story to tell but I kind of lost interest.
May 28, 2021
Great book!!
This author seems to be such a loving forgiving compassionate person!! I enjoyed reading about her life!! It is so Amazing that she is such a wonderful person after everything she has been through! I pray that I can be as compassionate and forgiving as Miss Maria!! She is my Hero and she is right, if you don’t forgive you are robbing yourself from peace and happiness. God Bless Your Special Heart
This author seems to be such a loving forgiving compassionate person!! I enjoyed reading about her life!! It is so Amazing that she is such a wonderful person after everything she has been through! I pray that I can be as compassionate and forgiving as Miss Maria!! She is my Hero and she is right, if you don’t forgive you are robbing yourself from peace and happiness. God Bless Your Special Heart
February 5, 2022
A journey through what one would think the worst pain imaginable only to teach us that there is always hope no matter what. Through faith, love, and resilience, you can accomplish anything. Holding on to anger and resentment only burdens our own souls and hearts. Though the author was severely abused by the one person in the world who was supposed to love and protect her. At a young age she still showed empathy. Why? Hurt people, hurt people. A truly inspiring story.
March 17, 2022
MOVING
As a victim of childhood sexual abuse, I related very closely to how isolated Maria Trautman felt as a child. But unlike her, I wasn’t expected to eat old leftover food scraps and treated horribly by my mother. Maria’s determination to leave her situation and the eventual happiness, success and love she found in Canada was inspiring. Nicely written and enlightening memoir
As a victim of childhood sexual abuse, I related very closely to how isolated Maria Trautman felt as a child. But unlike her, I wasn’t expected to eat old leftover food scraps and treated horribly by my mother. Maria’s determination to leave her situation and the eventual happiness, success and love she found in Canada was inspiring. Nicely written and enlightening memoir
February 20, 2021
Honest and Profound
An amazing woman who did rise above fond success, love, family and true forgiveness. I am happy I got to know Maria through her book. When times you could have given up and held onto anger your choice was to save your soul and forgive. An unforgettable lesson you taught all who read this.
An amazing woman who did rise above fond success, love, family and true forgiveness. I am happy I got to know Maria through her book. When times you could have given up and held onto anger your choice was to save your soul and forgive. An unforgettable lesson you taught all who read this.
October 28, 2021
A Beautiful Journey
Sadness and heartache can work one of two ways. It can make you bitter or more compassionate. I loved your forgiveness and how you learned to live in spite of all your difficulties. May God continue to bless you as you share your story, He never makes a mistake.
Sadness and heartache can work one of two ways. It can make you bitter or more compassionate. I loved your forgiveness and how you learned to live in spite of all your difficulties. May God continue to bless you as you share your story, He never makes a mistake.
August 18, 2023
Overall this was boring and read like a diary. I don't think this needed to be a published book. I really enjoy memoirs but this one really did not move me. There were moments I was disturbed, and moments I smiled, but I do not feel that finishing this book was a good use of my time. I hope my next book selection is better.
March 17, 2024
Heart breaking
So many times you read books that are heart breaking. But at least this woman acted better than I did. I didn't speak or write to my mother for 18 years. I am very happy to know that in spite of all the problems she had in her life growing up she still had respect and love for her people. Something we all can learn. Forgiveness. Thank you for writing.
So many times you read books that are heart breaking. But at least this woman acted better than I did. I didn't speak or write to my mother for 18 years. I am very happy to know that in spite of all the problems she had in her life growing up she still had respect and love for her people. Something we all can learn. Forgiveness. Thank you for writing.
December 16, 2024
A must read story of suffering, survival and forgiveness
I could not put this book down. Maria’s story reminds of letting go of the misfortunes in our lives. Despite the unforgivable harm she endured, she reminds us the importance of forgiveness to allow us to move past those memories to form new ones with an open mind.
I could not put this book down. Maria’s story reminds of letting go of the misfortunes in our lives. Despite the unforgivable harm she endured, she reminds us the importance of forgiveness to allow us to move past those memories to form new ones with an open mind.
April 11, 2021
Beautiful
This woman, you dear Maria, is a beautiful soul. I am so happy you found peace and love in your life. Your story touched me in many ways, but mostly astonished me of what a strong and amazing human you are. God bless you and your mother up in heaven.
This woman, you dear Maria, is a beautiful soul. I am so happy you found peace and love in your life. Your story touched me in many ways, but mostly astonished me of what a strong and amazing human you are. God bless you and your mother up in heaven.
July 13, 2021
Wonderful book!
A book about forgiveness and finding yourself in the process. About the impact family has on us; and on opening our hearts to them. By taking risks, she ended up with so much more.
A book about forgiveness and finding yourself in the process. About the impact family has on us; and on opening our hearts to them. By taking risks, she ended up with so much more.
November 13, 2021
Your strength and courage is inspirational
Your book truly touched me. I cried in many parts. But your strength enspires me. I'm not very good with words. But I think this book and your life will always be in my mind and heart xx
Your book truly touched me. I cried in many parts. But your strength enspires me. I'm not very good with words. But I think this book and your life will always be in my mind and heart xx
January 16, 2022
very good and heartfelt story. it was told very well!
Very well told story. It was told from the heart, and the author was very good with the detail in her life story. Would definitely recommend!
Very well told story. It was told from the heart, and the author was very good with the detail in her life story. Would definitely recommend!
January 17, 2022
Well developed family read -
Well developed family read - lots of emotional aspects. The writer is fluent in their relationship development and I was in tears at the end.
Overall great book.
Well developed family read - lots of emotional aspects. The writer is fluent in their relationship development and I was in tears at the end.
Overall great book.
March 31, 2022
Heartfelt Story
I was enchanted by the story, the sad memories as well as the author's grateful ones. She is a brave unselfish person who thought well during her life. I admire her greatly and her kind, understanding husband. I'll remember her story.
I was enchanted by the story, the sad memories as well as the author's grateful ones. She is a brave unselfish person who thought well during her life. I admire her greatly and her kind, understanding husband. I'll remember her story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
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