What lies in the mind of an innocent child who cannot sleep? From the young age of three, Esperanza suffers endless nights of deprived sleep, set on a path of struggle against her perverted father, Hector, and her enabling mother, Carmen. Unable to rely on the two most important people in her life, to care for, protect, and love her, Esperanza instead grows up with regular physical and sexual abuse from her father. Esperanza's four brothers knew little to nothing of the torment going on down the hall. As they grew up and had children of their own, planting roots in Southern California, Hector's evil nature remained a well-kept secret - until an unexpected echo of "me too"s caused a familial uprising, breaking decades long silence.
At the age of 57, Esperanza shares her life story with her 32 year old daughter, Amelia, who takes it upon herself to investigate further. With her mother's guidance, Amelia dives heart-first into their family's dark history, unveiling the truth about pain, cultures of silence, the impact of long-term abuse, and the beauty in the ability to overcome it.
Esperanza and Amelia take us through the darkest side of humanity, but show us the light that is always within reach. Chillingly beautiful, Where Silence Ends is a true story of a Mexican family that inspires and draws readers to the beauty of speaking out.
"Where Silence Ends exemplifies why speaking up about sexual abuse is so important. Angela and Mary Ruiz do a wonderful job examining the trauma abuse can cause, as well as the effect it has on future generations. Hopefully this book will encourage others to share their stories and break the stigma." - Samantha Johnson, Entrepreneur & Literature Major
"This book was unlike any other I have read! It took me on a journey of truth and healing. One that requires mental preparation as the horrifying truth will bring you to tears and you will wish you could step into the book and save this little girl. By the same token, you will feel proud of the justice and peace found by this family. It is inspiring beyond words!" - Linda Peña, Real Estate Investor
"Where Silence Ends is a gut-wrenching, emotional roller coaster ride through the darkest moments of abuse. What is unbelievable is how a woman who was abused her entire childhood could turn her life around and eventually put the past behind her. The book begins in Mexico,100 years ago, showing how a multi-generational family coped with various forms of abuse up until present day. Where Silence Ends is an amazing first book by Angela Ruiz that catches the reader's attention with little effort." - Sara Hildebrandt, Retail Executive
The heartbreaking truths revealed through WHERE SILENCE ENDS prods at the tender ancestral wounds that are globally-felt yet historically-silenced, generation after generation. The novel is equally an inspirational story of triumph as it is an invitation for others to speak their own truths. With the heavy weight of the experiences shared, Ruiz impressively brings the reader intimately in to the storytelling while gently unfolding the details and keeping pace with the momentum of intense emotions. I couldn't put the book down! And, when I finished, I found myself reflecting on it for days- weeks, in fact. I am in awe of the courage and resiliency of Esperanza, the main character. Her ability to overcome a terrorized childhood with unimaginable betrayal and to usher in light and healing for generations to come is beyond comprehension. Dare I say "a miracle!" To all those that plan to read WHERE SILENCE ENDS, prepare to be astounded, humbled, and immensely inspired! - Wannessa Badger, Childhood Development Entrepreneur