A review by linkalipski
La démesure: soumise à la violence d'un père by Céline Raphaël

challenging dark emotional informative sad tense fast-paced

4.5

The book is short and easy to read (style wise) so there is no excuse not to read her memoir.

Similarly to my personal life, I felt most upset at others reactions to her, such as depicting her as a liar. Post-trauma betrayal is really difficult and it is important that she shared that reality.

There was a passage where I was holding my breath too. Her father’s violence was felt deeply in those lines.

She shared her story yet at the same she hasn’t because she cannot write all of the daily beatings for all the piano mistakes. It’s impossible and so in a way, even after telling her story, she is truly alone in her memories of it.. and that idea makes me profoundly upset. Sad for her and appreciative of her writing and also angry and disgusted at her father for robbing her of so much.

Her father’s denial is intriguing me a great deal. Not in its psychological mechanics but rather because I wonder if he actually retain awareness of his denial.

I want to know how her sister is doing, if she’s well now. I’m glad Celine has find love and a career she cherishes. I wish I could hug her 🤍

Expand filter menu Content Warnings