PERFORMING ARTS

Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice

Thomas Nelson. Nov. 2022. 352p. ISBN 9781400332908. $28.99. TV
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Fisher, formerly of the family singing group The Willis Clan, draws on her childhood journals and songwriting skills to speak her truth and address the trauma inflicted upon her, her siblings and their mother by their controlling and abusive father in this touching memoir. Fisher, the oldest of the 12 Willis siblings, wrote the majority of the group’s songs, served as the bandleader and fiddle player, and was the first to be sexually abused by her father, Toby Willis. She also becomes the first to escape, fleeing four months before her father’s arrest, shattering the wholesome image of a religious, tight-knit family that was presented on their TLC reality show or during their appearances on America’s Got Talent and the Grand Ole Opry stage. Fisher begins her memoir with trigger warnings, as much of her story concerns specific and disturbing abuse she suffered as a child. She also shares details about her personal journey through various forms of therapy.
VERDICT Fisher is mounting a comeback as a solo artist and receiving press attention, so there will be interest in her story. Her words will likely provide comfort to fellow survivors and encouragement to those needing to escape their own situations.
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