Sending a message of hope to all those who have been abused, bullied, humiliated and ostracised is author Grace Mongi-Clifton through her first book, Face to Face with the Prince of Darkness. In it she shares heart-stopping real-life experiences in which she and members of her family narrowly escape death. In her book, Mongi-Clifton who was born in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania and now resides in Trinidad and Tobago also reflects the positives and negatives of human nature and the society she has come to know.

She said, "I always amazed at people's initial reaction just from the title of the book. They often ask me is this a devil book?"

"No it is not a devil book. Due to these personal experiences, it has become necessary to expound the evil man's practices against his fellow man, hoping that somewhere, someone with a conscience will say enough is enough and we will all jump in and examine ourselves, identifying our failures and our achievements," she said.

Mongi-Clifton has been residing in Trinidad for the past 30 years with her husband at their home in Claxton Bay. Her path to success and writing has been a long and winding road with various obstacles to overcome along the way however she would not change anything about her life and says all the tests she has gone through have made her a stronger woman today.

Face to Face with the Prince of Darkness is set on an island called Trinity where Mongi-Clifton who plays Rehema the main character recounts what life is like being a foreigner in a strange land. In her book she describes Trinity as a beautiful country with beautiful rolling hills and inviting waters. The majestic island is full of talented people who are kind, friendly and generous but something has gone terribly wrong in the land. Despite the country's vast beauty no one feels safe in Trinity as each day lives are lost to crime, violence and accidents.

For Rehema it is a spiritual journey. Never one to conform and follow the crowd, she became a target for some of her co-workers who did everything imaginable to destroy her. Her first experience takes her to a local hospital where she must summon a great deal of courage and hold steadfast to her faith in God as she weaves through the intricate maze of controversy, hate, discrimination and hostility from all sections of this new place she has called home, Trinity.

Taking just under a year to write Face to Face with the Prince of Darkness has 13 chapters; with the final one being a favourite for Mongi-Clifton.

Riddled with numerous twists, Mongi-Clifton bravely admits that while writing the book she stopped several times because she got many demonic attacks which almost took her life. In the final chapter, entitled — "Shooting with intent to murder" Mongi-Clifton had recently opened a 29-bed private hospital. But her joyous occasion is marred with anguish as she is shaken to her core yet again.

During an interview at Express House in Port of Spain recently, she recalls all the events which made up the final scene for the book.

"It was half past three when I settled into an easy chair and as customary in the quiet moment, I talked to my God telling Him thanks for all He had done for me and the next thing I knew, I heard a popping sound like gunshots," she said.

Mongi-Clifton goes on to share frightening details of being robbed at gunpoint and witnessing her husband being shot at three times. Though being a British-trained Registered Nurse and Certified Midwife with a wealth of experience, Mongi-Clifton could only watch as her husband collapsed on the ground covered in his own blood.

She said, "When I was just about to give up hope, I remembered someone, God."

Mongi-Clifton said her only wish is for all those that have been ill-treated, rejected and abuse to know that no matter what life throws at you just hold on; don't ever give up.

"Even when you feel you are all alone; you are not. God is there for you; have hope."

For more information about the book, call 659-2497.