This is a very painful and insightfully written memoir of a severely emotionally and physically abusive childhood. While the author wasn't beaten by his parents, he was very badly physically harmed by their lack of good judgement, and the emotional scars he picked up from the toxic atmosphere created by his parents were no doubt permanent.
Fortunately, this book has a happy ending, with the author being able to escape his toxic childhood home and go on to be happy and successful, with strong relationships in his life. A self-aware person came into his world at the right time and helped him to become self-aware, too, which made all the difference. He has even been able to develop some understanding and compassion for the pain his parents (especially his mother) were going through that they placed on him, which is really quite an achievement for someone who has suffered that much.
This would be a moving and satisfying read for anyone who has had to deal with a dysfunctional family, especially of the emotionally stunted and cold variety, where honesty is the worst sin of all.
You can really see how painful these memories are for the author when you compare his drawings of real people to his drawings from his imagination that he used to escape into as a youth. There is a happiness and vivacity in the characters he draws that is sorely lacking in the images of the hurt and twisted people of his memories. This really makes clear how much of a sanctuary and saving grace art has been for him.
Tough read, but very worthwhile. It's good to see someone's journey to positive personal growth after abuse.
Fortunately, this book has a happy ending, with the author being able to escape his toxic childhood home and go on to be happy and successful, with strong relationships in his life. A self-aware person came into his world at the right time and helped him to become self-aware, too, which made all the difference. He has even been able to develop some understanding and compassion for the pain his parents (especially his mother) were going through that they placed on him, which is really quite an achievement for someone who has suffered that much.
This would be a moving and satisfying read for anyone who has had to deal with a dysfunctional family, especially of the emotionally stunted and cold variety, where honesty is the worst sin of all.
You can really see how painful these memories are for the author when you compare his drawings of real people to his drawings from his imagination that he used to escape into as a youth. There is a happiness and vivacity in the characters he draws that is sorely lacking in the images of the hurt and twisted people of his memories. This really makes clear how much of a sanctuary and saving grace art has been for him.
Tough read, but very worthwhile. It's good to see someone's journey to positive personal growth after abuse.
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