In "My Father", Dr. Maryam F. Chettri unravels the dichotomous life of Nicolas, a man revered by many as a charismatic Christian leader, a dedicated husband, and a community hero. Behind this public facade, however, lurks a series of chilling secrets that have scarred his family for decades.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Mary, Nicolas's daughter, who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her estranged mother Anna's untimely death. As Mary delves deep into a trove of 30-year-old archives, she discovers a haunting legacy of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse that her mother had endured.
The book sheds light on the harrowing extent of abuse that can be concealed behind social masks, underscoring society's often willful ignorance to glaring signs of harm. Chettri deftly critiques the dangerous comforts of the status quo, especially within religious and community circles where silence often trumps justice.
Yet, this is not just a story of trauma. It is also a tale of resilience and redemption. As Mary confronts her family's dark history, she finds strength in the stories of other survivors, gradually learning to redefine herself beyond the labels that society has thrust upon her.
Dr. Chettri's book is a stirring call to action, urging readers to challenge societal apathy, to recognize and combat abuse, and to champion a future built on empathy, awareness, and hope.