Maria Shriver is candidly reflecting on her “brutal” divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger in her upcoming poetry book, I Am Maria: My Reflections and Poems on Heartbreak, Healing, and Finding Your Home, set for release on April 1, 2025. The renowned journalist and author separated from Schwarzenegger in 2011 after 25 years of marriage, following his admission to fathering a child with their housekeeper, Mildred Baena.

In excerpts obtained by People, Shriver, 69, describes the deep emotional turmoil she endured, stating, “It broke my heart, it broke my spirit, it broke what was left of me.” She shares how she was “consumed with grief and wracked with confusion, anger, fear, and sadness,” leaving her uncertain about her identity and place in the world.

Despite the personal hardships, Maria Shriver highlights the strength of her four children—Katherine, 35; Christina, 33; Patrick, 31; and Christopher, 27—praising their resilience and grace as they navigated the family’s shifting dynamics.

The divorce was officially finalized in December 2021, a decade after it was filed. Schwarzenegger has publicly expressed regret over his actions, calling the affair a significant personal failure.

I Am Maria explores Shriver’s journey of self-discovery and healing, offering readers an intimate look at her experiences of heartbreak, resilience, and renewal. The book is available for preorder and will be released on April 1, 2025.