By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
In memory of her mother, Morselene Wilson, who was killed 40 years ago in a domestic violence tragedy, Guyanese author Tracy Wilson has released her debut memoir, Justice in Her Honor, a deeply personal account of grief, trauma, forgiveness, and the long search for justice.
The book, published in 2025, explores the lasting emotional wounds caused by domestic violence and the impact such trauma can have on children long after the physical violence has ended.
During an exclusive interview with Nightly News, Wilson reflected on her difficult childhood, which was marked by fear, violence, and the devastating loss of her mother.
“It’s a multi-thematic book that covers various subjects — the violence my mother endured and the experiences I had growing up. I tell the story from the perspective of a child,” Wilson said.
Wilson said she hopes the memoir helps readers understand the damaging effects of abusive relationships, particularly on children who witness violence in the home.
“I wanted readers to understand that staying in an abusive relationship, especially where children are involved, does no good for the child,” she said.
Despite the pain she endured, Wilson also speaks openly about forgiveness. She explained that although her stepfather was responsible for her mother’s death, she later cared for him during his illness, describing forgiveness as part of her own healing process.
“When we forgive people for their hurts, we’re really doing it for ourselves. It’s good for our mental health,” Wilson stated.
However, Wilson said her deepest concern remains the lack of justice for her mother. She believes the justice system failed her family and that her memoir is both a personal testimony and a wider call for accountability and reform.
The book also examines grief, mental health, faith, resilience, and the complicated journey toward healing. Wilson recalled that while growing up, mental health and therapy were rarely discussed, and trauma was often suppressed as a means of survival.
She said migrating to Antigua and Barbuda in her twenties exposed her to spiritual teachings and messages that helped her confront her pain and begin the process of forgiveness.
“I fell on my knees, cried, and prayed for healing and the strength to forgive my stepfather,” she recalled.
Wilson advised others who are dealing with trauma to acknowledge their pain and seek help, whether through counselling, therapy, faith-based support, or guidance from people who have survived similar experiences.
She also stressed that forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation.
“Forgiving doesn’t mean reconciliation or resuming a relationship. It means freeing yourself from the burden,” Wilson said.
Wilson is a poet, writer, domestic violence activist, and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She also has advanced qualifications in mental health counseling and psychology.
Justice in Her Honor is available on Amazon. Physical copies are also available; the softcover is priced at $3,000, and the hardcover at $5,000.
The memoir stands as a tribute to Morselene Wilson’s life and a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of domestic violence, the importance of justice, and the possibility of healing after deep personal loss.
