The Devil's Daughter

“They called me Satan’s child, but I was never theirs to name.”

In The Devil’s Daughter, Rebecca Rijsdijk delves into the shadows of her upbringing as a Jehovah’s Witness, pulling back the curtain on a world governed by strict rules, fear of the apocalypse, and unyielding obedience. Through a collection of raw, defiant, and deeply personal poems, she chronicles her journey from childhood innocence to rebellion, from silent doubt to liberation.

Raised in a faith where questions were seen as betrayal, Rebecca struggled with the weight of expectations that demanded she conform, obey, and never stray. Her poems give voice to the silenced child, the questioning teenager, and the woman who finally chose herself over servitude.

The Devil’s Daughter explores the scars left behind by religious control: the fear of divine punishment, the shame of desire, and the weight of generational trauma. Yet it also celebrates the quiet triumph of walking away, even when it meant leaving everything behind. It is a testament to survival, resilience, and the unyielding power of self-reclamation.

For those who have experienced religious trauma, struggled to break free from oppressive systems, or sought meaning beyond the boundaries they were given, this collection will resonate deeply. Equal parts confession and rebellion, The Devil’s Daughter is a journey into the fire—and what it means to rise from its ashes.

• The intersection of faith, identity, and rebellion.
• The lingering effects of religious trauma.
• The courage it takes to question and ultimately walk away.

If you’re looking for poetry that cuts to the core of human experience, this collection will stay with you long after the last page.