The Path from Victim to Survivor: Psychiatrist Pens Inspiring Novel on Recovery from Sexual Abuse

CHICAGO, March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of children are abused each year in the United States. While many will struggle for years, others make strides in their recovery. They embrace therapy and empower themselves to forgive and re-author their experiences.  We have one such story here in the new book, The Ghosts that Come Between Us.

In her novel, author and psychiatrist Bulbul Bahuguna gives a face to sexual abuse. "To be brave is to be honest," according to Bahuguna, and she invokes this honesty in the voice of her protagonist, Nargis. A victim of abuse, Nargis' tale is less focused on tragedy and more centered on her inspirational recovery. With India, the Soviet Union and Chicago as the backdrop, Nargis' unparalleled strength captivates and touches the reader. As Nargis confronts the "ghosts" of her abuse through her relationships as an adult, she starts the process of forgiveness and healing.  

Bahuguna, born and raised in Northern India, began her studies in medicine at the prestigious All India Institute of Medicine and finished them in the Soviet Union, funded by a full merit scholarship. She completed her residency in psychiatry at Northwestern University. For the last 22 years, she has been on staff at Evanston Hospital, affiliated with University of Chicago and Mayo clinic. She is a national trustee of the non-profit American India Foundation, which advances the ties between the US and India.

Bahuguna is available to share her insights on the following topics, including the:

• Psychological experience of  sexual abuse
• Ways to reduce the number of sexual abuse cases in society
• Ways to recognize the signs of sexual abuse and the need to destigmatize abuse in society
• Most effective methods to overcome childhood trauma
• Influence of Bahuguna's work as a psychiatrist on the writing of this novel
• Evolving role and views of women in Indian society
• Need for female empowerment across cultures
• Indian-American immigration experience

The book debuts March 15 and already has received strong praise from reviewers and experts, including:

"The strength of Nargis's voice is especially apparent when she dissects other characters, creating mental sketches of the people who surround her, and giving the reader a look into her emotional interior."
--Foreword Clarion

"An insightful, graceful read"
--Kirkus Reviews       

SOURCE Media Connect