“No Way Out But Through” by Susan Beckham Zurenda

Susan Beckham Zurenda’s No Way Out But Through tells the harrowing story of Grace, a fifteen-year-old girl forced to marry the older man who raped her. The book is a fictional portrayal but inspired by true experience.  Remarkably, child marriage remains legal for those under eighteen in thirty-three states (with parental or judicial permission), and four states have no minimum age requirement at all. Zurenda’s novel shines a much-needed light on this dark and ugly reality.

The narrative begins at a book event where author Shannon Irwin meets Grace Ferrall, now in her forties—close to the age of Shannon’s own daughter, Millie. Grace is accompanied by Margaret, a wealthy older woman who encourages Grace to ask Shannon to write her life story. Though initially reluctant, Shannon eventually agrees. Margaret offers the use of her beach house on Pawleys Island, providing a safe space for the two women to bond as Grace reveals her troubled past.

The book beautifully intersperses its narrative threads: Shannon’s transcriptions of Grace’s past are woven together with Shannon’s present-day reflections, while Grace’s modern perspective is delivered in poignant italicized passages. Because Grace’s own mother was abusive and neglectful, she begins to view Shannon as the maternal figure she always wished for. In turn, Shannon slowly opens up about her own regrets, specifically her decision to stay with an alcoholic husband for years. Fearing she was a poor role model, Shannon worries that her daughter Millie is now repeating her mistakes by staying with an alcoholic husband of her own.

Grace’s history is difficult to endure. Raised by a mother who beat her and her older brother, Grace’s world darkens further when her brother introduces an older friend named Rafe. They first meet at a rattlesnake derby—a gruesome setting that serves as an apt omen for the revolting events to come. At the derby, spectators pay extra to skin the snakes alive. Grace and her friend Becky are sickened yet transfixed by the spectacle:

“How can they do this?” I said, yet neither of us turned away. Repulsed by the horror yet strangely fascinated too. Like when you pass a bad wreck on the highway and see cars tore to pieces, missing parts, so you know people are hurt bad or dead, but you can’t help looking back.”

Rafe’s cruel nature is evident from the start as he chuckles and eagerly eats the snake meat. Matters worsen when Grace’s mother allows Rafe and her brother to move into their cramped trailer just for the rent money, despite a severe lack of space. Rafe quickly becomes possessive, warning off Grace’s boyfriend and claiming she is too young to date. When the boyfriend attends a group movie outing with Grace, Rafe assaults him. Yet, despite deeming her “too young,” Rafe soon begins sitting by Grace’s bed every night, ignoring her pleas to leave while her mother and brother look the other way. Before long, he rapes her.

From there, Grace’s life spirals further into a nightmare of abuse, pregnancy, and miscarriages. She recalls being forced to sleep in the back of a truck while pregnant, and navigating the delusions of Rafe’s father, who believes he is immortal and will live until the Second Coming.

What prevents this from being just another bleak account of a miserable life is Grace’s incredible resilience. Her ability to survive and transcend her trauma is what convinces Shannon to write her story—and it is this profound strength that will keep readers turning pages.

No Way Out But Through is a remarkable novel, balancing Grace’s ultimate triumph with Shannon’s personal growth as she grapples with anxiety over her daughter. Though Shannon longs to rescue Millie from her own toxic marriage, she comes away from her time on Pawley’s Island with a vital, universal truth she learns from Grace: “You can’t help another person who won’t participate in their own rescue.”

About the Author

Susan Beckham Zurenda

Susan Beckham Zurenda taught English for thirty-three years and is the author of two previous award-winning novels, Bells for Eli and The Girl from the Red Rose Motel. She lives in Spartanburg, South Carolina.