Underwater Daughter: A Memoir of Survival and Healing

As a child, Antonia perceived her father’s nighttime visits as special acts of love. On some deeper level, though, she knew what was happening wasn’t right. To escape she began creating imaginary worlds and used dreams to transport her away from her fears. As she got older, Antonia traded those fantasies for dance- but despite her outlets she remained trapped underwater, without a lifeline to make her feel fundamentally safe. This book masterfully conveys not only the effects of childhood trauma but also the hope that with honesty and work healing is possible.

Paperback. 280 pages. 2023, She Writes Press. By Antonia Deignan.