Unclutter (Inner Voice Book 1) by Winnie D Pagora – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Unclutter: A Survivor’s Story by Winnie D. Pagora
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unclutter is Book One in the Inner Voice Series. This is the debut novel by this talented author and was so beautifully written that I anxiously await more novels written by her. This book touches on difficult topics such as abuse and self harm but was done in a way that is realistic and honest yet done in a respectful and empathetic manner. The story centers around the character of an eighteen-year-old girl named Tina who has never felt like she belongs. After a traumatic incident with an abuser young Tina is labelled as a liar, slandered, and bullied. She must find the inner strength and courage to stand up to her abuser and overcome her inner demons. This was a powerful and poignant read about the journey that victims of abuse struggle through and as a survivor of abuse, this story really hit home for me. I know how difficult it is to find the courage to not only move forward but to find the strength to face your bully or abuser. It is imperative to create a support system as Tina did and have those that will support you through the highs and lows. I loved the character of Tina who was vulnerable yet strong, smart, feisty, determined, and resilient. I loved that she found the inner strength she needed to come forward. Unfortunately, society is often too quick to judge and label victims of abuse while allowing the abusers to get away with what they have done. This creates a cycle of revictimizing the victim which adds to the trauma they have already suffered. This book contained themes of trauma, abuse, gaslighting, cover-ups, injustice, friendship, hope, and faith. A great book and I look forward to reading more by this author.

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