Coming Out of Egypt – Angela R. Joseph

Introduction to the BookComing Out of Egypt – Maryann Diorio – Spoken Script (~450–500 words)

Have you ever imagined growing up carrying a secret so heavy it could shatter your entire life if anyone found out? // That’s the reality for two sisters in Maryann Diorio’s Coming Out of Egypt, a story that blends tragedy, faith, and the struggle to break free from the chains of the past.

At the center of the novel are Cicely and Marva, two sisters whose lives are marked by abuse, loss, and survival in a small Caribbean village. // Cicely, the older sister, carries the crushing weight of protecting Marva while trying to build some kind of future from the ruins of their childhood. // Her dreams feel so far away, yet she refuses to give up — not for herself, and certainly not for Marva.

But when a shocking crime forces them to flee the only life they’ve ever known, the sisters are thrust into a journey that is both physical and spiritual. // Their escape isn’t just about getting away — it’s about leaving behind a life of pain, fear, and silence to discover whether redemption, healing, and hope are even possible.

What gives Coming Out of Egypt its power is not just the story of survival, but the emotional depth and moral complexity Diorio weaves into every page. // This is not a simple tale of running from danger — it’s a portrait of what happens when shame, faith, love, and justice collide. // Cicely is torn between guilt for the past, fear for the future, and a longing to believe that there might still be beauty and purpose ahead.

The novel also draws on the powerful metaphor of Egypt as bondage — the place of slavery, both literal and spiritual, that the characters must leave behind. // Yet even as they run, the sisters discover that freedom is not just about changing your circumstances — it’s about confronting the chains inside your own heart.

Diorio doesn’t shy away from the darkness of abuse, betrayal, and brokenness, but she also refuses to leave her characters there. // Threaded through the story is a quiet but persistent faith — the sense that God’s grace can reach even the most wounded places, bringing light where there was only despair.

So — why should you read Coming Out of Egypt? // Because it’s a story of courage and hope, perfect for readers who want depth, emotion, and characters who feel achingly real. // It reminds us that no matter how deep the pain runs, there is always the possibility of healing, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

In the end, Coming Out of Egypt isn’t just about leaving the past behind. // It’s about finding the strength to walk into a future shaped not by fear, but by faith and love. // And that is what makes this novel both heartbreaking and deeply uplifting — a story that lingers long after the final page.

Reading 1 (Part 2)

Thunder rumbled in the distance, and Marva Garcia looked through

the window at the tall trees silhouetted against the sky. On a clear day, she

could identify most of the trees by name, but with the growing darkness she

couldn’t tell which was cedar or mango, breadfruit or samaan or any of the

stately trees that flanked the estate. It was as if they had all banded together

to disguise themselves against the threatening storm. Only the coconut and

gru - gru palms were distinguishable by their long, slender trunks and

fringed branches.

Nearer the house, the smaller fruit trees were still visible, but their

leaves hung down as if bracing for what was to come. The door of the

storage shed where they stored their produce – grapefruit, oranges and

bananas – rattled as the wind blew through it. Marva had heard it multiple

times, but tonight the sound grated on her nerves. She looked at her younger

sister, June, sitting huddled on a stool, head buried in her arms like a

sleeping chicken. Occasionally, a sob escaped from beneath the bush of

hair. If only she didn’t have to experience any of this.

Marva cast another anxious glance at the heavy rain clouds hanging

like wet sheets on a clothesline. Might as well do it now before the storm

hit.

She tugged at June’s arms. “Come on. It’s time.”

The girl raised her head, showing eyes reddened and wide like those

of a frightened deer. She opened her mouth as if to speak then closed it and

stumbled to her feet.

Marva softened her tone. “You don’t have to come if you don’t want

to.”

June nodded, indicating she would go.

Marva closed the window. Steeling herself, she opened the bedroom

door and crept forward, June following right behind her.

He lay on his stomach on the floor in the same position in which he’d

fallen, head at a

rakish angle, arms flung out in front him, one knee slightly bent. June

gasped, and Marva glanced over her shoulder. June’s lower lip trembled,

her face pale, arms crossed over her bosom. Marva hesitated before turning

back to the body on the floor. Her heart pounded so hard, it sounded in her ears, and for one

frightening moment she thought she would faint. But fainting was a luxury

she couldn’t afford right now. She leaned against the wall for a second to

quiet her heart then with a grimace, bent low and spread her arms.

Something swelled in his back pocket. She pulled out the wallet, flung it on

the bed, then straightened and looked back at June, peeking from behind her

fingers. Lord, I can’t do it.

Marva ran into the kitchen, June close behind, and returned with the

broom. Using the handle, she tried to push the body toward the door, but

with no success. She threw the broom aside and clamped her sweaty palms

on the dead man’s ankles through his pants. As long as her hands didn’t

touch his body… She yanked, but something was causing a resistance.

Sweat formed on her brow.

“Help me, nuh!” It was more a plea than a command. June sprang

closer to her sister, but stayed behind her.

“Let’s ... roll him over,” Marva panted.

Reading 2 (Part 3)

“So this is where they are,” David said softly.

“I wonder how they’re paying rent in a place like this.”

David shifted into first gear. “We’ll soon find out.”

“What are you going to do now?”

He pulled away from the curb. “I have a few ideas. One is you

postponing your vacation.”

“But you too bold. Reuben and I have been planning this vacation for

two years now.”

David smiled at her use of the dialect expression. “All right, all right.

But as soon as you return from your little romantic interlude, you’re coming

down south to work with me. I won’t be able to wrap up this case in two

weeks anyway.”

***

When June got home that afternoon she went straight to the bathroom

where her stomach heaved, but she had nothing more to vomit. She felt

sick, scared. She’d seen the tall detective when he came to her aunt’s house,

and Marva had mentioned him a few times after that, but now a strange,

female officer was coming around asking questions. That could only mean

trouble. She mustn’t tell her sister about it. It would only worry her and

make her more tense just when she was beginning to loosen up. What could

she do?

She removed her tie, flung herself on the bed and tried to sleep, but

the woman’s face floated round and round before her eyes like the MGM

lion they saw at the movies. She must have drifted off eventually, for when

she opened her eyes, it was just past three o’clock. School would be out by

now. She got up and began to unbutton her blouse, then remembered her

books at school. Marva would want to know why she didn’t have them. But

how could she go back to school after what happened today? The teachers

would know a police officer had come to see

her, and her friend Sandra would ask questions. And what about Keith? Had

he noticed anything? What should she do? Marva would be home soon. She

had to decide quickly.

She straightened her blouse and picked up her key. She jumped when

a knock sounded on the door. Heart racing, she sank down on the bed. The

knock sounded once more. Could that be the police again? Where could she

hide? The door was locked. Maybe if she remained still, whoever it was

would go away. The knock sounded once more. Tiptoeing into the living

room, she peeped through the window. Keith stood there, carrying her

school bag. She ran her hands quickly through her hair and went to the

door, forcing a smile.

Reading 3 (Part 4)

David arrived around four o’clock, just as a couple who lived down

the street was leaving. By this time Cicely had had enough of entertaining

and washing glasses. She introduced him to her guests and left him with her

father while she dashed off to change. She hadn’t looked to see if he had

anything hidden behind his back. When she emerged from the bedroom,

wearing a long, flowing skirt and clinging blouse, her father held up a robe

and a pair of bedroom slippers. “Compliments of David,” he said.

She smiled. “That’s very nice.”

Her father held up another bag. “And this one’s for you.”

He gave Daddy my gift? She kept the smile on her face as she stepped

forward to take the bag. She opened it. A plastic bowl?

“It’s actually Solo’s gift.” David glanced at her then at the cat curled

up near his chair. “I thought he could use a new dish.”

How sweet of him, but where’s my gift? She avoided looking at him so

he wouldn’t see her disappointment. “Thank you so much. I’m sure Solo

will appreciate it.”

She moved to the tree and picked up a little box which she handed to

him. “Merry Christmas.”

He took it from her. “Thanks. Merry Christmas.”

He unwrapped the box, then gave her a broad smile. “Cuff links. Just

what I wanted. Thanks again.”

Cicely took the seat opposite. “You’re welcome.” With her father

present, she wasn’t sure what to do next.

He came to the rescue. “Why don’t you offer David something to eat?

I’m sure he’s hungry after the long drive.”

David stood. “I won’t mind. Which reminds me, I’ve something in

the car.”

That’s more like it. He’s going to get my gift. She rose and busied

herself fixing him a plate of assorted meats, pastelles and salad. She was

sure he’d eaten a hearty meal at his Mom’s house. By the time she returned

with the food, two bottles stood on the table and, yes, he was holding

something behind his back.

She rested the plate on the table. “What’re you hiding?”

He held it out with a smile. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you for

last.”

She tried to conceal her eagerness as she tore off the wrapper. A

green, silk scarf, which just happened to go with the blouse she was

wearing. She draped it around her neck. “Thank you. It’s very nice.”

David made his way to the table. “Glad you like it. Mom sent her love

and,” he nodded at the bottles on the table, “ginger beer and sorrel.”

“Give her my love as well. Would you like any of the drinks?”

“You know what I like. Ginger beer.”

Cicely took the bottles. “I’ll have a glass with you. Daddy, I know

you’re dying to have some. I’ll put a lot of ice in yours.”

While she got the drinks ready, the scarf came loose and she tucked it

into her neckline. Not what she would have expected as a Christmas gift

from him, but she loved him just the same.

She sipped her drink and listened to his small talk about what he’d

done at his mother’s house, all the while thinking, today is the least exciting

of all. Eventually, her father excused himself and David turned to her.

“What plans do you have for the rest of the day?”

“Just to be with you.”

He stared into her eyes. “That’s the nicest thing you could ever say to

me.”