A review by readswithnatalieb
Sink: A Memoir by Joseph Earl Thomas

5.0

 

I will warn you, this memoir is not like any other memoir you’ll read. Yes, this takes you down a personal journey that includes trauma and abuse, but Thomas has you witness the abuse in ways I’ve never experienced. It’s raw, graphic, honest, and truly uncomfortable. 

 

I really didn’t enjoy this book, only because the content was so graphic. Although I kept reading, I really wanted to learn more about Thomas given the fact he was so willing to tell his truth in ways most people can’t. I felt I owed it to him. He was abused, neglected, treated so unkindly, was introduced to sexual behavior at a young age, and experienced living situations I never wanted to imagine. 

 

I really had a hard time stomaching this content. 

 

On the flip side, the writing is unique and engaging bouncing between second and third person. There’s a balance between those who “got out” of this type of life and those who didn’t, really explaining the difference between the two. 

 

The story abruptly stops, but I understood it in a way that Thomas was able to get out and start the life he hoped for. I’d be interested to read a second memoir from later stages in his life. 

 

It’s worth the read, but you will be uncomfortable. 

 

Big thank you to Grand Central Publishing for this gifted copy. 

 

Content warnings: animal death, child abuse, violence, drug abuse, addiction, adult/minor relationship, transphobia, racism