Danielle Landau knows she should feel lucky, but she can't feel anything
but dread. Not only did she pass the New York Bar, but she married the
man her father says is just right for her and lives in a fashionable new
loft in Queens. But the man who seems like the perfect catch is a
perfect nightmare at home. Jacob tries to control her career, her daily
routine, and even what she eats. He ignores her desires and belittles
her every chance he gets. Soon, Danielle doesn't recognize her husband
or herself, and she struggles to find a way out.
As we follow
Danielle on her journey of terror and recovery, we see her story
intersect with the diary entries of a young girl from more than fifty
years ago, and the full weight of the family's secrets becomes clear.
This is a story of survival, self-discovery, justice, and ultimately
about love.
- Paperback: 247 pages
- Publisher: Frederick Fell Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2012)
- ISBN: 9780883912799
- AMAZON US
AUTHOR BIO:
Growing up in Long Beach, NY, young Ben Berkley was fascinated by daily
black-and-white re-runs of the TV lawyer show Perry Mason. After getting
a B.A. in Speech and Hearing from Adelphi University in Garden City,
NY, Berkley earned his law degree from Western State University in
Fullerton, CA. For the past 34 years he has conducted a busy general
practice which includes divorce, estate planning, family law, social
security disability appeals and bankruptcy. His books include Before
You Say I Do Again,
A Buyer's Beware Guide to Remarriage;
My Wishes:
Your Plan for Organizing and Communicating Your Family's Needs;
The
Complete Executor's Guide and
Winning Your Social Security Disability
Case. Against My Will is his debut novel.
MY OPINION:
Without rehashing my own past nightmares, I will tell you a couple times this book hit home for me. I actually had to put it down, walk away and come back to it after I calmed. It's such a dreadful life to have to live, and I'll be honest, I'm surprised a male author was able to evoke the right emotions in me when the story is told from a female perspective. But he did, and very well at that.
Not everyone will love this story, it has some flaws, but the women who have lived it won't be able to look away. It's like watching a car crash. Horrifying, but you can't blink.
Be prepared for some very graphic moments in the book, but read it anyway.
4/5
Recommend? Yes.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy for review. I was not compensated. All opinions are my own.
AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY...
Fill in the Rafflecopter form to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'm not sure I'd be able to read this book. Looks like it ends well, though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Freda for your kind review. And if anyone has any questions that they would like to ask me, I am available all day today. Happy reading. Ben Berkley.
ReplyDeletea fantastic read...
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking part in the tour. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. Thanks for sharing your experience!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very disturbing topic. I guess one might have to experience it to feel the full force. I would like to read the book though. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
I don't have personal experience with domestic violence but I've seen the damage it does to people.
ReplyDelete