A review by itsallaboutthebooksuk
Broken by Angela B. Chrysler
5.0
Oh my goodness, this is one of the hardest books I have ever read. Hardest, as in it took me a while to read as I kept having to put it down so I could get my head around what I was reading. Hardest, as in the subject matter’s really messed with my mind and hardest, as in sometimes I just couldn’t believe what I was reading.
Broken is Ms Chryslers memoir but it is written like a novel with the story being told through her protagonist—Elizabeth, in a kind of interview style in the present but we’re also taken back to when the actual events happened. The subject matter is not for the faint hearted, there’s animal abuse, torture, violence, strong language and graphic rape scenes and none of these have been dramatized and makes for a heart wrenching read.
I often had to stop and take a moment to remind myself that this wasn’t one of my usual reads like psychological fiction, this was real life. What I was reading was true, this really happened and I think I found it hard because I’m not sure I would be strong enough to go through what the author has been through and then write a book about it. Deep down I honestly just wanted this to be fiction. I take my hat off to Ms Chrysler.
Having never been in any of the situations mentioned in the book this was an eye opener, don’t get me wrong I’m not all fluffy clouds and bubbles, I watch the news and know there are some nasty vile people in this world, it was an eye opener because I found myself so emotionally invested in Elizabeth. I was so absorbed in her story that I just wanted to reach out to her, it was like I was reading about a friend. I couldn’t believe how emotionally involved I got with her story. Quite remarkable really and that’s all down to the way it’s written, the realness and the no sugar coating approach.
I could probably ramble on all day about this book so I’ll stop now and say that I do highly recommend this book, but as stated above, there are a lot of unpleasant topics through out the book that may be triggers to some people who have had any of the experiences mentioned. If you do take the chance to read this remarkable story then make sure you have a few hankies at the ready, be prepared to have your heart in your mouth and the wind completely knocked out your sails.
Once you have read Broken you will get the chance to go to the authors website where you can read side notes, follow the authors healing progress and learn about her diagnoses.
Many thanks go to Booklover Catlady and the author for the copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Broken is Ms Chryslers memoir but it is written like a novel with the story being told through her protagonist—Elizabeth, in a kind of interview style in the present but we’re also taken back to when the actual events happened. The subject matter is not for the faint hearted, there’s animal abuse, torture, violence, strong language and graphic rape scenes and none of these have been dramatized and makes for a heart wrenching read.
I often had to stop and take a moment to remind myself that this wasn’t one of my usual reads like psychological fiction, this was real life. What I was reading was true, this really happened and I think I found it hard because I’m not sure I would be strong enough to go through what the author has been through and then write a book about it. Deep down I honestly just wanted this to be fiction. I take my hat off to Ms Chrysler.
Having never been in any of the situations mentioned in the book this was an eye opener, don’t get me wrong I’m not all fluffy clouds and bubbles, I watch the news and know there are some nasty vile people in this world, it was an eye opener because I found myself so emotionally invested in Elizabeth. I was so absorbed in her story that I just wanted to reach out to her, it was like I was reading about a friend. I couldn’t believe how emotionally involved I got with her story. Quite remarkable really and that’s all down to the way it’s written, the realness and the no sugar coating approach.
I could probably ramble on all day about this book so I’ll stop now and say that I do highly recommend this book, but as stated above, there are a lot of unpleasant topics through out the book that may be triggers to some people who have had any of the experiences mentioned. If you do take the chance to read this remarkable story then make sure you have a few hankies at the ready, be prepared to have your heart in your mouth and the wind completely knocked out your sails.
Once you have read Broken you will get the chance to go to the authors website where you can read side notes, follow the authors healing progress and learn about her diagnoses.
Many thanks go to Booklover Catlady and the author for the copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.