Nancy French’s memoir “Ghosted” details her childhood sexual assault by a Churches of Christ preacher and its impact on her life and relationships.

Nancy French’s memoir “Ghosted: An American Story” recounts her traumatic experience of sexual assault by a preacher during her childhood in a Churches of Christ congregation. The book highlights how the abuse, committed by a young man who was a preacher at a nearby church, altered the course of her life. French describes the perpetrator, known only as Conrad, as someone who was not yet old enough to be a preacher but was chosen for his enthusiasm and charisma, traits valued in the denomination’s hiring practices.

Churches of Christ play a central, though often negative, role in French’s life narrative. She grew up in a congregation where the preacher’s actions were not only tolerated but also seemingly accepted within the community. The book also explores her time at Lipscomb University in Nashville, where unresolved trauma from the abuse contributed to her difficult experience. French’s theological preferences, which lean toward a more direct experience of the Holy Spirit, contrast with the university’s more traditional approach.

French’s relationship with Lipscomb University takes a positive turn when she meets her future husband, David French. Their connection leads to a life of public service and writing, with David becoming a prominent conservative lawyer and New York Times columnist. The memoir, however, shifts focus to the challenges the couple faces as they become vocal critics of Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign.

French reflects on the irony of the Republican Party’s support for Trump, given his past remarks about women, which she compares to the abuse she endured. She questions how a party that promotes “family values” could rally behind a figure who made explicit references to violence against women. The book intertwines her personal journey with broader political and cultural themes, offering a deeply personal account of trauma and its lasting impact.

The memoir also includes lighter moments, such as the couple’s humorous misadventure with the old phone number for Van Halen’s David Lee Roth. Despite these moments, the book remains a serious exploration of abuse, justice, and the complexities of faith and politics. French’s story serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and the importance of protecting the vulnerable. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility—values that French’s narrative underscores through her personal and public struggles.

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