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In this raw, powerful memoir, Jeannette Meijer invites readers into the darkest corridors of her life to witness a journey of pain, abandonment, and ultimate resilience. From an early age, Jeannette was plunged into a world of chaos: her mother murdered, her stepfather imprisoned, and her family shattered. What followed was a childhood filled with trauma, years of abuse, silence, and isolation in the very systems meant to protect her.
Surviving, The Only Option unflinchingly reveals the lifelong effects of childhood abuse and societal neglect, while also illuminating the quiet, persistent flame of hope that burns within the human soul. Through poetry, reflection, and vivid storytelling, Jeannette explores what it means to grow up unwanted, to search for identity, and to reclaim one's voice in a world that looked away.
More than a memoir, this book is a call to action. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths, to listen to the silenced, and to recognize the strength of survivors. Jeannette's story is not just about what happened to her, it's about what she made of it. It is an ode to those who keep going, even when survival is the only option.
About the author
Jeannette Meijer is a courageous survivor, a truth-teller, and a resilient voice for those silenced by trauma. Born in the small village of Nieuwe Schans in the north of Holland, Jeannette's life began in the shadows of abuse, loss, and betrayal. Orphaned at a young age after a family tragedy, she endured a tumultuous journey through foster care, systemic neglect, and harrowing abuse.Despite unimaginable suffering, Jeannette transformed her pain into power. Through her writing, she sheds light on the long-lasting wounds of child abuse and the deep silence that often surrounds it. Her voice echoes with unwavering honesty, advocating for healing, justice, and the unbreakable human spirit. Jeannette's life is a testament to the truth that survival is not only possible, it is the only option.
