The Unknown Face: A Memoir of Marriage, Mental Illness, and the Search for Why

by Gregory Duncan

A marriage with an imperfect love story goes tragically wrong one summer in a small college town in Virginia, and the husband is left picking up the pieces of pain and regret. How did it end in suicide instead of divorce? What he discovers six months later is both heartbreaking and astonishing. In a time when extreme events and behavior are more prevalent, this in-depth psychological account of a seemingly normal relationship describes how things kept hidden underneath provide one’s greatest downfall, and shows what one can learn from loss after the walls come tumbling down.

Genres: Nonfiction

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2023

About the author

Duncan is a writer, musician, and educator, currently living in New York city, after stops in Philadelphia, Seattle, Chicago, Texas, Virginia, and Spain. When not taking care of his two compassionate, energetic dogs, he is usually playing the trumpet, reading, or writing. He has previously been a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association and the North Carolina Writers' Network.

Duncan has previously published in the online publication “Psych Central” and for the mental health organization NAMI. After twenty years in the music business and touring the world, he has released four jazz recordings, all of which have received radio play throughout the country and the world.

Reviews

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Unknown Face: A memoir of marriage, mental illness, and the search for why" by Gregory Duncan takes readers on an emotional journey. This memoir details the lives of Greg and his wife, Rachel, in a modern college town in Virginia. Despite having his own red flags in their relationship, Greg became engaged to Rachel.

Balancing his roles as a husband, musician, and second-year teacher with a forty-minute commute, Greg found himself losing a part of his identity. The couple sought marriage therapy to address their emotional disconnect. Their therapist advised Rachel should learn to not push so hard and Greg needed to learn to respond better to those pushes. However, implementing these changes proved challenging for them. This poignant narrative explores how Rachel's tragic suicide profoundly affected Greg.

Duncan's raw and gripping writing highlights the importance of open communication and mental health awareness in today's hectic world. This heart-wrenching story is a powerful reminder to prioritize our well-being and that of our loved ones. I am deeply moved by Greg's candid sharing of his painful experience.

[Catherine Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first met Gregory Duncan at the Louisville Book Festival, where we were part of a panel of authors presenting our books. Listening to him share a part of his story interested me, and when he gave me his book, I was excited to read it.

As I began reading the book, I was taken on an emotional journey and right away, was hooked. The story detailed the lives of Greg and his wife, Rachel, in a modern college town in Virginia. In the story, we learn what happened to Rachel that led to the tragedy of her committing suicide and how it affected Greg. His style of storytelling moved me and the writing highlighted the necessity for open communication. I found myself deeply connected.

It was a very poignant story. Greg shared his pain and tries to analyze why things unfolded the way they did. Although it was a tragic account of love and a couple's struggle to understand each other, I felt this was a compelling story and I'd highly recommend this book.

[Mikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not for anyone who's afflicted with mental illness and struggles, but I would recommend it to those who know a person who is, and many of the insights from the author's explorations will help you to help yourself find a modicum of understanding. It's not an easy read, especially as it deals with unexpected and unexplained suicide and the aftermath. It also explores why some people have real difficulty finding and expressing their true feelings openly and honestly.

[dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sad story, but one that I couldn't stop reading. The author pours out all of his pain and tries to understand why things happen as they do. He also shares why we can't see the little problems and share them before they become insurmountable. A true account of love and a person's struggle to cope with mental illness.

[Aletha Pagett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author lays his soul bare in this raw, painful exploration of mental health issues in both him and his wife and the impact on their marriage. This wonderful, brave ebook was received from Goodreads.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book