A book which showcases the resilience, courage and strength of women is what the book titled The Horror of Trust, written by warriors, is all about.
It is this concept which resonated deeply with Saldanha resident and community activist Esmarelda Mckay to join the writing process and become one of these warriors.
Compiled by Latifah Jacobs from Cape Town, The Horror of Trust raises awarenss around gender-based violence and carries the stories of survivors with powerful testimonies.
According to Mckay when the concept of the book and its purpose was shared with her, she immediately felt aligned with the vision. “I saw it as more than just a writing opportunity, it felt like a calling to contribute my lived experiences, reflections, and healing journey in a way that could serve others. The collaborative nature of the project and the intention behind it made it easy for me to say yes.”
Mckay’s contribution focuses op personal growth, healing, and resilience particularly from the perspective of navigating life through challenges such as motherhood, identity, faith, and rebuilding after difficult seasons. “My piece is honest and reflective, sharing lessons learned through lived experience rather than theory. It speaks to finding strength in vulnerability, choosing self-awareness, and learning to rise without losing compassion for oneself or others.
“The actual writing process took a few weeks, but the message itself was years in the making. While the words came together within a set timeframe, the substance behind them is rooted in real-life experiences, reflection, and growth. I allowed myself the space to write intentionally and authentically rather than rushing the process.”
Mckay said one of the biggest highlights during the writing process was the freedom to write truthfully knowing her story will resonate with someone else who may feel unseen or unheard. Although she found joy in the writing process, one of the challenges was revisiting certain emotional moments which required vulnerability and courage to relive and articulate experiences that were once painful, yet she saw the challenge as part of healing as well.
Reading the book with various stories of powerful women, Mckay wants readers to walk away knowing that they are not alone and that healing is not linear. “My message is that survival does not diminish your worth, and softness can coexist with strength. I hope readers feel encouraged to choose self-compassion, trust their journey, and understand that growth often comes quietly, through everyday resilience.”
This also inspired her to publish her own book after realising how many people can connect with her writing. “My upcoming book will explore inner restoration, identity, and choosing peace after chaos. It will be a blend of storytelling, affirmations, and reflective insights aimed at empowering readers, particularly women, to reclaim themselves and live intentionally.”
