 |
Jeannette decides to relive her memories in search of answers to why she has spent much of her life in unhappiness. Her two sons bring her the only real joy she has ever experienced, but she feels she must make sense of her life and her choices. Her first memory is of being a young girl who experiences a profound feeling that her brother is hurt. As her parents are strict Christians, they view the young girl’s “feelings” or premonitions as demonic. Her father is especially harsh with her during her youth, and when she graduates from high school, she immediately marries a man named Jeff. Their move to Chicago is to be her escape from her father’s cruelty, but their life becomes a nightmare for Jeannette as she soon discovers Jeff is every bit as cruel and narcissistic as her father. Will Jeannette ultimately have the strength to break the hold that Jeff has over her?
This novel effectively illustrates the life of a child raised by a narcissistic parent. Her desire to escape her family leads to a vulnerability which allows her to marry quickly and unwisely. Anderson captures the fear and self-deprecation experienced by Jeannette as a child and as a wife. It is disturbing to read of her complacency with her husband, Jeff, yet the author effectively shows how easily anyone can fall into a situation of being dominated. Jeff’s constant tearing down of her self-esteem is heartbreaking. The novel is written with an understanding of how the narcissist treats the victim and controls with manipulation. The book includes a helpful chart at the end which explains the narcissistic personality. This is a read which will both touch the heart and make the blood boil as Jeannette fights to regain her life and happiness.