Such a Pretty Picture
Andrea Leeb
She Writes Press (2025)
ISBN: 978-1647429942
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/2025)
Andrea Leeb’s moving memoir begins when she is a young child experiencing her father’s inappropriate touch for the first time. Despite her young age, she knows that this is wrong and that she is unable to stop it. Her mother has a severe reaction when she walks in and witnesses this. After her mother recovers, she remains in denial. The refusal to accept the truth – whether it be from fear or loyalty – creates greater feelings of shame and isolation for Andrea. As she grows up, and the abuse continues, the consequences of the abuse and secrecy impact on her friendships and relationships.
Having been abused by the people who should have loved and protected her creates difficulties with trust, especially in her intimate partnerships. Past traumas clearly complicate her emotional connections; they also help set her up for further abuse by others. A turning point comes, as an adult, when she enters therapy. While it takes her a while to find her voice and tell the truth about the abuse, she finally does. An intense two-week therapy retreat propels her forward with her healing. From there, we see her growth continue, and she is finally able to move forward into the life that she deserves.
While it is painful to read such a harrowing memoir, the outcome creates feelings of hope because she was able to seek help and propel herself into a much brighter, healthier future. Survivors will find themselves relating to the realities of what she experienced, especially regarding feelings of fear and control from someone who was supposed to be her protector. And for those who have healed, they will also recognize the resilience that helps lead to recovery. Readers who have not gone on a healing journey will see Such a Pretty Picture as a beacon of hope for their recovery. Professional support and supportive relationships can help survivors heal by learning to speak their truth.
Such a Pretty Picture by Andrea Leeb is a must-read for survivors of sexual abuse. It is incredibly well written and imparts a feeling that the author is telling her story directly to the reader. Counselors, therapists, and friends of those who have endured abuse will also benefit from reading Leeb’s story. For those who have remained silent, I hope this memoir will motivate them to find their voice and seek help.