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Tower Over Me
Alice didn't leave her abusive home at only fourteen years old to now be threatened by her boyfriend's mood swings.
But Danny has changed, and where once a broad smile dug dimples into his handsome face, there is now only an angry mask.
Are his new friends responsible for this strange, moody version of him? Or does it have to do with the secret business he tries so hard to hide from her?
Alice knows it's time to cut ties with him and his new life... but what if it's already too late?
But Danny has changed, and where once a broad smile dug dimples into his handsome face, there is now only an angry mask.
Are his new friends responsible for this strange, moody version of him? Or does it have to do with the secret business he tries so hard to hide from her?
Alice knows it's time to cut ties with him and his new life... but what if it's already too late?
680 pages, Paperback
Published November 6, 2024
3 people want to read
About the author
Dominique Simona Binggeli
1 book5 followersDominique Simona Binggeli, born 1994 in Bern, Switzerland, has always been passionate about writing. She wrote her first book, an illustrated story about a princess, at six years old.
In 2016, she left everything behind to travel around the world. She started writing Tower Over Me when volunteering on an organic farm in Botswana. Five months and eight countries later, she finished the story in a guesthouse in the Himalayan mountains.
A first version of Tower Over Me was published in 2018. The book has since been rewritten.
Next to writing novels, Dominique works for the biggest union in Switzerland and is politically active for women’s rights and animal rights.
In 2016, she left everything behind to travel around the world. She started writing Tower Over Me when volunteering on an organic farm in Botswana. Five months and eight countries later, she finished the story in a guesthouse in the Himalayan mountains.
A first version of Tower Over Me was published in 2018. The book has since been rewritten.
Next to writing novels, Dominique works for the biggest union in Switzerland and is politically active for women’s rights and animal rights.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 6, 2026
This is a powerful, emotionally consuming novel that will stay with me long after I finished it. Despite being over 650 pages, I finished it in a little over a week. Dominique Simona Binggeli’s writing is that captivating.
This story tackles multiple extremely heavy subject matters, and it does so with care, nuance, and emotional honesty. It is not an easy read, but it is an important one. The author never treats trauma casually or for shock value; instead, she allows the reader to fully sit in the emotional complexity of the experience.
What stood out to me most was how often Alice did try to leave. Again and again, she made the right decision, only to be pulled back by manipulation, fear, and the people and circumstances surrounding her. As a reader, that made this story incredibly frustrating at times... not because she wasn’t trying, but because I wanted so desperately for her to be safe. I wanted her to get away, even if “away” meant death.
There were moments, particularly in the hospital, where help felt within reach, and watching those opportunities pass was heartbreaking. I found myself wishing she would, or could, speak up, that someone might intervene. That frustration, however; felt intentional and painfully realistic. The author captures how fear, shame, love, and trauma can all silence someone even when escape seems possible.
Some part of this book hit very close to home for me, which made the experience both challenging and deeply impactful. I found myself rooting for Alice and also a younger version of myself at the same time. This is not a story that offers easy answers or perfect choices, and I feel that discomfort is part of its power.
If you’re looking for a raw, emotionally rich novel that doesn’t shy away from the realities of abuse and survival, then this is the book for you. I would encourage future readers to go into this book with care for themselves, but also with an appreciation for the honesty and intention behind the story.
This story tackles multiple extremely heavy subject matters, and it does so with care, nuance, and emotional honesty. It is not an easy read, but it is an important one. The author never treats trauma casually or for shock value; instead, she allows the reader to fully sit in the emotional complexity of the experience.
What stood out to me most was how often Alice did try to leave. Again and again, she made the right decision, only to be pulled back by manipulation, fear, and the people and circumstances surrounding her. As a reader, that made this story incredibly frustrating at times... not because she wasn’t trying, but because I wanted so desperately for her to be safe. I wanted her to get away, even if “away” meant death.
There were moments, particularly in the hospital, where help felt within reach, and watching those opportunities pass was heartbreaking. I found myself wishing she would, or could, speak up, that someone might intervene. That frustration, however; felt intentional and painfully realistic. The author captures how fear, shame, love, and trauma can all silence someone even when escape seems possible.
Some part of this book hit very close to home for me, which made the experience both challenging and deeply impactful. I found myself rooting for Alice and also a younger version of myself at the same time. This is not a story that offers easy answers or perfect choices, and I feel that discomfort is part of its power.
If you’re looking for a raw, emotionally rich novel that doesn’t shy away from the realities of abuse and survival, then this is the book for you. I would encourage future readers to go into this book with care for themselves, but also with an appreciation for the honesty and intention behind the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and ended up reading it in just a few days. The premise immediately drew me in, and the story itself was compelling and emotionally layered. The characters felt well developed, especially the protagonist, who I felt deeply connected to from start to finish. Her journey is heartbreaking at times, and it’s impossible not to feel for everything she endures.
The supporting cast added a lot to the emotional weight of the story. One character in particular was written in a way that perfectly captured someone driven by ego, ambition, and a need for validation, even at the expense of others. Another character showed a quieter depth—more reserved and guarded—and while we do get insight into why he is the way he is, I found myself wishing his backstory had been explored even more.
This is not an easy read. The book does not shy away from portraying physical, emotional, and mental abuse, and as those themes intensify, it can become uncomfortable and heavy. Some scenes were especially difficult for me on a personal level. That said, I understand why the author chose to include them—they serve an important purpose in showing the full impact of abuse and how deeply it affects every aspect of the protagonist’s life.
My biggest critique is the length, as the intensity of the subject matter made certain sections feel particularly long. I also found myself hoping for a more uplifting resolution after everything the main character goes through. Still, despite those personal preferences, this was a strong and impactful read with a lot of emotional depth.
Overall, a good book that tackles difficult themes head-on and leaves a lasting impression.
The supporting cast added a lot to the emotional weight of the story. One character in particular was written in a way that perfectly captured someone driven by ego, ambition, and a need for validation, even at the expense of others. Another character showed a quieter depth—more reserved and guarded—and while we do get insight into why he is the way he is, I found myself wishing his backstory had been explored even more.
This is not an easy read. The book does not shy away from portraying physical, emotional, and mental abuse, and as those themes intensify, it can become uncomfortable and heavy. Some scenes were especially difficult for me on a personal level. That said, I understand why the author chose to include them—they serve an important purpose in showing the full impact of abuse and how deeply it affects every aspect of the protagonist’s life.
My biggest critique is the length, as the intensity of the subject matter made certain sections feel particularly long. I also found myself hoping for a more uplifting resolution after everything the main character goes through. Still, despite those personal preferences, this was a strong and impactful read with a lot of emotional depth.
Overall, a good book that tackles difficult themes head-on and leaves a lasting impression.
January 29, 2026
Sehr spannende Buch!
July 24, 2025
As the author of this book, I find myself avoiding it completely for months or longer even, unable to bear the topics it addresses, feeling too unstable to dive into its darkness.
OR - I get eaten up by self-doubt, thinking the book sucks, feeling embarrassed for having written it.
BUT every time I actually do take it into my hands and read through it, I feel pride.
Tower Over Me is not for everybody, but if it is for you, you will enjoy it and most likely get through it in only a couple of days.
Most readers read it in only three days - despite the 700 pages. Because they found themselves unable to put it down and needed to know how it was going to end.
A few found it too long - but that's the point. How else are you going to relate to the main character, unless you feel trapped yourself?
Well, give it a try and let me know what you think :) All feedback is appreciated.
OR - I get eaten up by self-doubt, thinking the book sucks, feeling embarrassed for having written it.
BUT every time I actually do take it into my hands and read through it, I feel pride.
Tower Over Me is not for everybody, but if it is for you, you will enjoy it and most likely get through it in only a couple of days.
Most readers read it in only three days - despite the 700 pages. Because they found themselves unable to put it down and needed to know how it was going to end.
A few found it too long - but that's the point. How else are you going to relate to the main character, unless you feel trapped yourself?
Well, give it a try and let me know what you think :) All feedback is appreciated.
November 9, 2024
I don't often pick up fictional tomes, and at almost 700 pages I wasn't sure how I would do with "Tower Over Me." I needn't've worried as this book is absolutely engrossing and I was never sure what was going to come next.
We follow the main character, Alice, as her relationship continues to take darker and more controlling turns. There is an element of mystery and psychological thriller as Alice's partner, Danny, is involved in something dangerous and potentially illegal...we don't quite know what it is, but he becomes even more controlling over Alice. I appreciated how the author realistically portrayed an abusive relationship without glorifying violence or unnecessarily over-detailing abuse.
Will certainly read other works by this author in the future!
We follow the main character, Alice, as her relationship continues to take darker and more controlling turns. There is an element of mystery and psychological thriller as Alice's partner, Danny, is involved in something dangerous and potentially illegal...we don't quite know what it is, but he becomes even more controlling over Alice. I appreciated how the author realistically portrayed an abusive relationship without glorifying violence or unnecessarily over-detailing abuse.
Will certainly read other works by this author in the future!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews