A Harrowing Escape

"A Harrowing Escape" weaves the gripping journeys of Shiloh, a mother fleeing abuse in Croatia, and James, an Australian boy enduring a cruel upbringing. Their unrelated stories converge unexpectedly, revealing the shared humanity of survival. This poignant novel inspires resilience, offering hope and healing to those overcoming trauma and searching for connection.

In "A Harrowing Escape", Shiloh, a mother in Croatia, risks everything to abduct her children and escape an abusive husband. Returning to the United States, they confront cultural alienation and the lingering scars of their ordeal. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, James, a bright young boy in Australia, endures years of cruelty at the hands of an abusive father. The novel initially presents their stories as separate yet equally harrowing accounts of survival. But as the narrative unfolds, Shiloh and James's paths unexpectedly intersect, forging an unlikely bond that helps them confront and overcome the ghosts of their past. This evocative story of survival, resilience, and healing highlights the strength of the human spirit in the face of extraordinary adversity. Readers will be captivated by its raw emotion, nuanced characters, and an enduring message: even in darkness, connection and hope can lead to profound transformation.

Maude von Ahlen has a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her experience working with trauma victims inspired this story which is a fictional depiction of the realistic plight of survivors living with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her interests include writing books that not only entertain and inspire, but also challenge stigma, expand awareness, and elicit compassion.