Author of – The Shadow of Death Confessions Of A Drug Lords Daughter: A Memoir of Survival and Resilience, inspired by True Events
By JULES LAVALLEE
Raquel, an Author and an Entrepreneur, has unveiled her highly anticipated memoir, “The Shadow of Death.” This poignant and powerful book delves into her personal journey of growing up with a drug lord father, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and unwavering spirit that shaped her life.
Overview of Book
At a young age life was not easy. For most kids childhood is pretty typical. a home, a bed, school,there are toys and at times, books on the shelf, and the faint scent of home-cooked meals wafting through the air.
My dad, a hardworking man, often took business trips overseas. I remember standing at the window, watching him leave with his suitcase, feeling a mix of pride and longing. It felt normal, even if there were moments of absence. But then everything changed. The fighting between my parents began, escalating from raised voices to heated arguments that filled the house with tension.They separated. Then came the storm. I tried to shield myself from it, retreating into my room or finding solace outside, but the chaos seeped into every corner of my life. The physical abuse followed.
Then sexual abuse—a violation that left scars deeper than I could articulate.
Yet, amid this turmoil, my dad was still there for me, a comforting presence in a world that felt increasingly chaotic. He offered guidance, love, and moments of laughter that I clung to desperately.
Then, the unthinkable happened. A series of events unfolded that brought my world crashing down around me, leaving me feeling lost and shattered. Everything I had known and relied upon seemed to disappear in an instant, and I was left grappling with a profound sense of emptiness.
But through all of this, I have come to realize that I am not merely a product of my past. I am more than the events that have shaped me. I am resilient, I am strong, and I am determined to carve out my own narrative. This is not just a story of survival; it is a testament to my journey of healing and self-discovery. I am me, and this is my story—one of hope, strength, and the unyielding pursuit of a brighter future.
Your story of growing up with your father being a Drug Lord must have felt like a Hollywood movie. Take us back.
When I was a child, I had no idea what my father did for a living, but life was still amazing. He enrolled me in one of the finest schools in Florida. I remember he had his house built but didn’t like it, so he had it torn down three times before it finally met his standards. There was nothing I desired that my father didn’t provide for me. He truly gave me the world. My life with him felt like a fairytale, even in the few short years we spent together.
What was a pivotal moment in your life?
A pivotal moment in my life was when my father came to rescue me.
Was writing your book therapeutic?
It was very therapeutic and healing for me, but most importantly, it was inspirational to share my story. I want to help others who are in similar situations and show them that there is a way out. Life is beautiful—just survive and learn how to stay strong.
What has been your biggest regret?
The biggest regret I have is not opening the door on November 17, 1984, when my father was knocking.
Tell us about the recurring themes in your book, addiction, violence, and the enduring power of hope. What is your mission for your book?
I grew up in an environment filled with violence, making it hard for me to pinpoint a specific part of my life to discuss. As a little girl, I learned to shut it out. I was always very strong, and my father took me to therapy to help me cope with my experiences. My life felt like a roller coaster, full of highs and lows; one day everything would be fine, and the next, problems would arise. We could never predict what would happen next.
Despite my father’s choices in life, he tried to ensure that my childhood felt as normal as possible. I can say that during the years I lived with him, I did experience some semblance of a normal childhood.
My mission is to share my story with others. I want to raise awareness about the struggles of children who have been sexually abused—those who have been shattered, sheltered, and ultimately broken because they don’t know how to deal with life. Often, this happens because their parents have been broken themselves, and they unintentionally shelter their children instead of helping them confront their realities.
Any plans for a movie deal?
This would be a dream come true for me if someone would pick up my book and would love to make a movie out of it so that I can help the other people in the world.
You can purchase The Shadow of Death, Confessions Of A Drug Lords Daughter here on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFWS669Q
