“Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor’s Story” Lynn C. Tolson blog

Review of Whose Face is in the Mirror: The Story of One Woman’s Journey from the Nightmare of Domestic Abuse to True Healing by Dianne Schwartz

Whose Face is in the Mirror was one of the first books I read on the topic of domestic violence. Since I am an author of a similar memoir, Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor’s Story, Whose Face is in the Mirror was recommended to me by a professor of social work who had heard Dianne Schwartz speak. At the time of my initial reading, in 2001, the book seemed to be one of a small number of real-life stories of recovery from abuse. It is a heart-wrenching story about domestic violence, and equally important is its heart-warming message of hope.

The book is divided into three parts. In Part I, Dianne shares the abuse she endured from her husband (at the time). She tells the story so that other victims realize they are not alone. Part II covers Dianne’s journey to healing through therapy. She reveals the lessons she learned from her therapist. Her insights help others understand the causes and effects of domestic abuse. Schwartz also admits mistakes she made as a mother, as she reflects on how domestic abuse affects children. In Part III, Dianne explains the ongoing process of a healing journey. She encourages readers to find a mission based not on ego and pride, but on love and compassion.

While reading this book, you will see how domestic abuse emerges and escalates. You may also realize that the reasons for staying in an abusive relationship are perhaps excuses that prevent change. Dianne reveals the advice that did not work (such as pray, fast, and submit). Then, she tells how she left her abusive husband, and what she did to reclaim her identity. She explains how the use of bright, feminine colors helped her to define herself authentically, and not as an appendage of an abusive man. In chapter 18, “Lies and Truths”, Ms. Schwartz explains the stereo-types and myths that keeps us trapped in toxic relationships, and how to improve our perspective.

Whose Face is in the Mirror is a memoir about domestic violence that is not graphic, dramatic, or sensationalized. We might expect a former Mrs. Arizona, Dianne Schwartz, to write about her glamorous life of a celebrity. Instead, we learn of a generous survivor of domestic violence who founded an organization to educate on the topic: Educating Against Domestic Violence