micheal_h's review

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5.0

Similar to Ciara I heard about this book from the Irishman Abroad podcast and bought the book to learn more about Brendan and JPs story.

The book takes us through the emotions, traumas and reactions that JP and Brendan have as they grow up with their father and new partner after a separation from their mother. The book title highlights one of the most unnatural demands that were placed on Seamas, JP and Brendan by their father in an attempt to divide them from their mother.

I found the perspective enlightening on the control and power that parents can have and how the irrational can be entirely rational when understood from a different perspective. The extent of manipulation that JP and Brendans father achieves is heartbreaking as test after test of loyalty are created before acquiescence is finally achieved but an associated mental tool that manifests in other areas.
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