A story of hope,
redemption, and strength.

Based on real-life accounts, Imelda’s Secret brings into focus the horrors of World War II as experienced by two cousins. The “comfort women’s” brutal history began when they were abducted from their families, forced into sexual slavery, and stripped of their dignity. Forever emotionally scarred, the “comfort women” struggled with the trauma caused by the systemic barbaric subjugation even decades after. Imelda’s Secret exposes the experiences of “comfort women” and their secret shame in the hopes of sparking awareness and advocacy in all who read it.

Author

Liza Gino

Liza Gino is an author, entrepreneur, advocate, and change agent. She grew up in a small town in the Philippines to a large family with no shortage of uncles, aunts, cousins, or grandparents. After hearing accounts from friends and family about the experience of comfort women, Liza was inspired to write Imelda’s Secret. She hopes to draw more attention to the plight of Filipina women during a dark time in history, as well as remind us of the fact that sexual slavery is an issue that continues to exist to this day.

Reviews

“Fascinating - and sad. Thanks for sharing this history not to be forgotten. It reminds of the horrors of war and the sufferings of innocent women - in every war. So the message is more universal than [Liza] perhaps initially anticipated.
I think [Liza’s] format with a lot of conversation gives the figures life. It’s a very good script for a movie as well! [Liza’s] descriptions of locations and activities makes one see the scenes like in a film - well done!”

— Dr. John Grubbström, President of Honour, FAI - Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, Maison du Sport International | Lausanne

“The weight of the shame and pain suffered by comfort women over time is incomprehensible. Everyone who survived on both feet had unique and separate experiences made heavier by decades of silence. Today, sex trafficking is still an ongoing trade , facilitated by modern infrastructures that conceal deep networks. Telling this story may help prevent future victims. We must support the underground railroads that rescue those fortunate to get saved.”

— Yolanda Ortega Stern, Chairman - One World Institute, www.theoneworldinstitute.org

“Riveting. A love story. Survival. Hopeful.
Honored to read a Manuscript of Liza Gino’s #novel “Imelda’s Secret” a story of Imelda and Gloria, cousins living in the family hacienda set in Lipa, Batangas, a privileged life at the onset of war / Japanese occupation in the Philippines; shattered by crimes committed against the Comfort Women. Devastating. Amidst the atrocities, compassion by an enemy, of survival.
I love Liza’s writing style, the flashbacks seamlessly flowing from the past into the present. A love story intertwined with twists and turns; a surprise and shocking end.
The book raises awareness about the sufferings of the girls and women victimized then, and the survivors still suffering from physical and mental ill-health, isolation, humiliation, shame, stigmatization and often extreme poverty for decades. The Japanese Government needs to apologize to the Comfort Women now!
Proud of Liza Gino for bringing the stories based on real life events. And so thrilled to see the art of Angeli Clarisse Lata on the cover! Awesome artists!”

— Sonia Delen

“[The] book is a movie script. I enjoyed reading it even though it’s sad, in general. [Liza] is a great novel writer! I can’t wait to get copies of the book. I want to get more copies in time for The Christmas holidays to give to my female family members and friends. The sexual slavery suffered by the “comfort women” must not be forgotten. It’s one of the horrific historical events in war.”

— Daz Lamparas

Go here to read articles and stories of comfort women and women’s issues.

Upcoming Events

October 20, 2020

Available for Pre-Order

Imelda's Secret Formats

Paperback

eBook

Order Now

November 20, 2020

Imelda’s Secret Book Launch

Friday

4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

WebEx Event

A story of hope,redemption, and strength.