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South of Forgiveness
- A True Story of Rape and Responsibility
- Narrated by: Tom Bromhead, Tavia Gilbert
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
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South of Forgiveness
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Summary
One ordinary spring morning in Reykjavik, Iceland, Thordis Elva kisses her son and partner good-bye before boarding a plane to do a remarkable thing: fly 7,000 miles to South Africa to confront the man who raped her when she was just 16. Meanwhile, in Sydney, Australia, Tom Stranger nervously embarks on an equally life-changing journey to meet Thordis, wondering whether he is worthy of this milestone.
After exchanging hundreds of searingly honest emails over eight years, Thordis and Tom decided it was time to speak face to face. Coming from opposite sides of the globe, they meet in the middle, in Cape Town, South Africa, a country that is no stranger to violence and the healing power of forgiveness.
South of Forgiveness is an unprecedented collaboration between a survivor and a perpetrator, each equally committed to exploring the darkest moment of their lives. It is a true story about being bent but not broken, facing fear with courage, and finding hope even in the most wounded of places. Personable, accessible, and compelling, South of Forgiveness is an intense and refreshing look at gendered violence, rape culture, personal responsibility, and the effect that patriarchal cultures have on both men and women.
Contains mature themes.
Critic reviews
What listeners say about South of Forgiveness
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Eva
- 19-09-17
Very moving and inspiring
This book is one of the best books I've ever read about rape, and I'm speaking from the viewpoint of a survivor. I admire how Tom and Thordis had the courage to face their past, and how detailled they describe the whole way they went together. They show us a way forward, to living wholeheartedly without denying the past, and without holding on to anger.
The narrators are both good, but I really didn't like the voice of Tom by the female narrator. In the beginning, I almost stopped listening because of the weird voice and accent, but I'm glad that I didn't. After a while, I almost got used to it.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Placeholder
- 21-04-20
it appears to be a self-help book for survivors
Assuming it's really a true story, Thordis and Tom have done a good job of admitting and submitting to their past follies and made peace with it for a brighter future for both of them and their families, their openness is worth appreciating. Prose is simple and easy to understand, characters are only a few and are neatly described. As is evident, the need of support from families and near-ones stands out clearly. Voice over by Tavis is good however Tom Bromhead's voice gels well with the character. It could be a therapeutic book. If it's not a true story then it's drab and avoidable.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 12-05-24
Not relatable
First, a disclaimer that I didn’t finish the book. I think I reached chapter 7 and afterwards I only listened to Tom’s diary entries.
In my opinion, there is nothing new or insightful about Thordis her perspective. The only thing that’s special about this book is the fact that Tom, reflects on what he has done. This is such an uncommon thing that this book feels totally unrelatable and far from the “accessible” story they describe it as.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Ant
- 03-03-20
Buy the book instead!
I’ve never written a review like this before but felt compelled. This really needs to be re-recorded. I listened all the way through but the terrible narration really took away from the gravity of the story. At times, the story telling didnt correctly convey the emotion or tone because you could tell the narrator was focusing on the accents. The accents were really distracting.
The book itself is a brave and unique story on both sides. I’ve never read or heard of a woman wanting to reunite with their rapist and considering forgiving them. Or a man willing to admit to their wrong doing in the hope of forgiveness. The themes covered are shame, forgiveness, redemption and healing. I would recommend buying the book. Do not under any circumstances listen to this. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- B1g d1k
- 15-07-19
Awful accents
Awful accents - Thordis comes across extremely unlikable so the message is lost within this. Probably better to go to the Ted talk their more known for and save your money/credit.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 22-02-20
Narrator ruined this for me
The narrator was so awful, I just couldn't listen to this. I will have to find a paper copy to read.
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