I remember when the story of the Stanford Rapist made international news. My heart hurt so deeply for Emily Doe, and for every woman who was Emily Doe. I have also been Emily Doe, so when her powerful victim impact statement went viral I felt like I was reading my own experience. I felt like I knew her.

Throughout the trial, I was right there along with Emily. The disgustingly light sentence Brock Turner received was like a punch in the face for every woman who’s ever been the victim of unwanted, non-consensual sexual advances. It also served as a disgusting reminder that the patriarchal, racist “justice” system does not care about women and will do anything to protect their own (cis-het white men).

When Know My Name came out, I was almost nervous to read it. Finally having a face to put to the name who I’d resonated with so strongly was scary. It made what happened to Chanel, REAL, which also made the horror of her experience all the more confronting.

This memoir was stunning.

I knew this story would be important and powerful, but what I didn’t realise was what an incredible writer Chanel Miller is. This is one of the greatest books I’ve ever read, and one of the most challenging.

She takes us back to that night and through all of the horror and humiliation of the aftermath and trial. But mostly, she takes us inside her state of mind and what it was like to wake up and discover someone, a stranger, had taken advantage of her unconscious body. Millar holds nothing back. Her story shows the widespread impact an event like this has, not only on the victim but all those close to them.

Through this moving memoir, Miller reclaims her identity and takes control of her own narrative.

This was one of the most difficult books I’ve ever read. Not just for the pain Chanel went through but for the sheer injustice of it all.

This memoir is an ode to all those who’ve been assaulted and feel invisible. Miller reminds you that you are important. Your pain is real and we believe you.