The Long Road Home by Danielle Steel (1998)- A journey of resilience and recover (Christian Callaghan)

 The Long Road Home by Danielle Steel (1998)- A journey of resilience and recover

Gabriella grows up in an abusive, violent home. Her mother is emotionally destructive to her, while her father is absent and helpless to protect her. As a young girl, Gabriella is blamed for everything that goes wrong in the household and is made to feel worthless.

This is book is regarding the 2004 Battle of Sadr City during the Iraq War. A group of American soldiers were ambushed during what was supposed to be a routine mission. The book is about their fight to survive and the efforts made to rescue them. It also focuses on the soldiers' families back home, showing the impact war has both on the battlefield and in the living rooms of those waiting for news.

During the story she is sent away to a place called the covent as Gabriella is believed to be causing issues within her household. While she is away, she connects with herself and the environment around her but unfortunately continues to reflect on her time alone in isolation.

This piece of text reveals to us the necessity to strive past our challenges even if that means leaving behind the ones we love. Resilience.  

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