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sammipants08's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Emotional abuse, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Addiction
wormlibrary's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Incest, Fatphobia, Sexual content, Self harm, Rape, and Drug abuse
pagelikebooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75
Originally Posted on Library Journal on 6/1. Thanks LJ for the advanced copy!
In 2003, Nikolidakis’s father, who had abused her much of her young life, killed some family members and died by suicide. For years after, the author struggled with complicated grief, trauma, and addiction. This leads her to the last place she thought she would go: Crete, Greece, her father’s childhood home. To learn more about the man who caused so much pain, she seeks out his family to see if there were any prior signs of the incoming violence throughout his childhood. This dark and gripping memoir leads readers through Nikolidakis’s childhood, past her father’s death, and to a place of hope and healing. This book grapples with the cycle of abuse, the toll that trauma takes on one’s body, and most importantly, how to move forward. This memoir holds nothing back. It is brutally honest, heart-wrenching, evocative, and soul-searching. While Nikolidakis is honest about the darkness she’s endured, she also opens up the metaphorical window and gives the readers light.
In 2003, Nikolidakis’s father, who had abused her much of her young life, killed some family members and died by suicide. For years after, the author struggled with complicated grief, trauma, and addiction. This leads her to the last place she thought she would go: Crete, Greece, her father’s childhood home. To learn more about the man who caused so much pain, she seeks out his family to see if there were any prior signs of the incoming violence throughout his childhood. This dark and gripping memoir leads readers through Nikolidakis’s childhood, past her father’s death, and to a place of hope and healing. This book grapples with the cycle of abuse, the toll that trauma takes on one’s body, and most importantly, how to move forward. This memoir holds nothing back. It is brutally honest, heart-wrenching, evocative, and soul-searching. While Nikolidakis is honest about the darkness she’s endured, she also opens up the metaphorical window and gives the readers light.
VERDICT A gripping, brutally honest memoir that deals with some heavy themes but will leave readers feeling hopeful and reflective by the end. Readers who enjoy examining the human spirit will be drawn to this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Addiction, Murder, Child abuse, and Alcohol
Moderate: Toxic relationship
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