Tanisha

From the novel entitled “Freedom”.

 

I believe the most tragic character I’ve ever written is Tanisha. The tragic life I put her through even depresses me more when I realize that although this is a fictional tale, thousands of women live this very existence daily, which is sad.

 

Freedom started as a script I was writing, and probably to the day is the story I did the most research on. Writing about domestic violence, I wanted to get it right and spent hours upon hours reading stories about women who were physically abused. Not only was I truly blown away by some of these stories, but it gave me a better understanding of why some women choose to stay in these situations. It opened up my eyes to a lot of things I wasn’t aware of.

 

While Tanisha’s story isn’t about anyone in particular, what I wanted her to do is be aware of the generational trauma she was born into, and try to get out of it before it affects her child as well. The way her father abused her mother set the foundation. The way she was used and lost her virginity made her keeping a relationship difficult, and even though she was aware of her mother’s battle and swore she would never find herself in such a situation, she fell in love and married a man that has her in a situation.  

 

While Marcus is certainly wrong for the situations he put Tanisha in, Tanisha also has to take some of the blame for bringing the abusive nature into the home. It’s that part of the trauma she wasn’t prepared for as physical fighting between couples is all she saw and all she knew which makes the tale even more tragic.

 

The ending of the book is bittersweet, and while it’s gotten mostly great reviews, there’s always of question about what could have changed in the outcome. It’s a fascinating tale about generational trauma and as much as I liked the story, I hate how much pain and stress I put on Tanisha is this tale. She didn’t deserve it. No woman does.

 

“You are right about one thing. I’m damaged goods right now. My father fucked me up long before you did. I’m no better than you. Tonya though, she still has a chance to make it despite the monsters dwelling within us. She has a chance to live a normal fuckin’ life.” Tanisha to Marcus after an argument.