Athalie Collier

A Life Forever Changed

A Voice Rising from Silence

This book tells the story of my life, marked by childhood trauma at the hands of my stepfather, struggles within a controlling family, and a long-distance love affair that was torn apart by cruelty and mental abuse from his relatives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

She was born in Waihi, a historic gold-mining town nestled on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. From an early age, her life was shaped by constant movement, as her family lived and worked on farms scattered across the region. The wide, open landscapes and the demands of rural life instilled in her a strong work ethic, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. However, behind the peaceful exterior of farm life, she faced profound personal challenges that would stay with her for decades.

As a young woman, she became a mother to eight children, raising her family while carrying the invisible weight of trauma from her past. It was during her journey of motherhood — and later, her personal journey of healing — that she found the strength to confront the painful experiences that had long remained hidden. Writing became both a refuge and a catalyst for transformation.

Today, her journey continues as she uses her voice to advocate for survivors, drawing on her life experience to empower others to face their own stories with bravery and hope.

REVIEWS

A courageous woman’s story

This book is a brutally honest account of the author’s life – at its heart is horrific abuse and neglect, but it is also a love story that is painfully human. It is a compelling read, which must have taken great courage to write and share. I agree with everything that was said in the review posted

Angie

On Amazon

An unbelievably true story of decades of abuse

This is an interesting book, made all the more so by being a true story of isolation and family abuse. The author has achieved an amazing book that in times was hard to read, not just in the violent sexual and isolating abuse content, but by the author’s own recognised failings in education and disability.

Lync