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Downeyoshun
Sally Osterhoff is a genius. When she grows up, she wants to be a mathematician, a teacher, and a carpenter; and she plans to swim in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics.
Her mother has other ideas, and will emotionally and physically abuse Sally to fit them. After all, she only wants what is best for her child. But between her father trying his best, the family next door who practically adopts her, and her Aunt & Uncle down in Ocean City where she spends her summers, Sally just might have the support and love she needs to make all of her dreams come true.
Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights struggles, the Vietnam War, and the early Feminist movement, the story explores the power of found family, and how unconditional love can come from the least expected places. Downeyoshun is a not-always-sentimental vacation to the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. Bring your swimsuit.
Her mother has other ideas, and will emotionally and physically abuse Sally to fit them. After all, she only wants what is best for her child. But between her father trying his best, the family next door who practically adopts her, and her Aunt & Uncle down in Ocean City where she spends her summers, Sally just might have the support and love she needs to make all of her dreams come true.
Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights struggles, the Vietnam War, and the early Feminist movement, the story explores the power of found family, and how unconditional love can come from the least expected places. Downeyoshun is a not-always-sentimental vacation to the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. Bring your swimsuit.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
398 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2025
2515 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 24, 2025
Downeyoshun is historical coming-of-age fiction.
The story traverses the 1950s, 60s and 70s and is set around a young girl as she grows up. The tale takes place in two main settings: Baltimore and Ocean City.
During the school year, Sally lives with her parents; her loving father is a master carpenter, while her mother’s strict and cold nature causes difficulties for Sally. As soon as school finishes each year, Sally goes to spend the summer with her aunt in Ocean City.
The reader soon discovers that Sally is a child genius and a quick learner, both with academic matters and physical abilities. She learns to swim and dreams of taking part in the Olympics, while also setting her heart on teaching mathematics.
Sally’s best friend in Baltimore is Marie, who lives next door and whose family make up for any hardships that Sally suffers at home. Marie is also very clever and the girls become so close that they are often referred to as sisters.
Sally’s story is set to a background of world historical events which are highlighted through Sally’s school projects, her swimming accomplishments and her relationships with other characters.
The story is a long one and sets a relentless pace across the years. While there is much to admire in the content and the story premise, the writing style relied heavily on ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing’, which made it rather a slog at times. Some of the scenarios didn’t always seem feasible—I was unable to suspend my disbelief in them which took away some of the enjoyment of the tale. Fiction has to seem as if it could possibly happen in real life.
Overall, this story does have some interesting parts and it feels in some way like a memoir or a nod to an era which was dear to the author’s heart.
The story traverses the 1950s, 60s and 70s and is set around a young girl as she grows up. The tale takes place in two main settings: Baltimore and Ocean City.
During the school year, Sally lives with her parents; her loving father is a master carpenter, while her mother’s strict and cold nature causes difficulties for Sally. As soon as school finishes each year, Sally goes to spend the summer with her aunt in Ocean City.
The reader soon discovers that Sally is a child genius and a quick learner, both with academic matters and physical abilities. She learns to swim and dreams of taking part in the Olympics, while also setting her heart on teaching mathematics.
Sally’s best friend in Baltimore is Marie, who lives next door and whose family make up for any hardships that Sally suffers at home. Marie is also very clever and the girls become so close that they are often referred to as sisters.
Sally’s story is set to a background of world historical events which are highlighted through Sally’s school projects, her swimming accomplishments and her relationships with other characters.
The story is a long one and sets a relentless pace across the years. While there is much to admire in the content and the story premise, the writing style relied heavily on ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing’, which made it rather a slog at times. Some of the scenarios didn’t always seem feasible—I was unable to suspend my disbelief in them which took away some of the enjoyment of the tale. Fiction has to seem as if it could possibly happen in real life.
Overall, this story does have some interesting parts and it feels in some way like a memoir or a nod to an era which was dear to the author’s heart.
October 31, 2025
If you grew up enduring narcissistic abuse from a mother...
This book will "see" you.
Maternal abuse has, for too long, been a taboo topic that silences survivors.
Furthermore, there is far too little fiction that honestly explores a toxic mother-child relationship - without a cheap redemption arc that undermines the painful reality that most of these relationships do not repair, do not heal, do not get better.
Downeyoshun is a story, both beautiful and sad, that tells the truth about what it's like to grow up, the daughter of a mean mother.
it refuses to varnish the tragic reality that children like Sally must grapple for years with the complicated grief of losing a mother before she dies.
The story looks that hard truth right in the eye - and it is painful, yet healing.
It points to the only real redemption, which is the beauty and solace in "found family", personal passions, and beloved places that hold your heart for a lifetime.
Downeyoshun is a tender, tragic, and magical masterpiece, in the tradition of Roald Dahl's Matilda, with a Dickens-esque grand tale woven across the years tapestry.
Required reading for anyone reckoning with narcissistic abuse from a mother.
Downeyoshun is the kind of book you don't want to leave - and never have to - because it will forever be part of your heart.
This book will "see" you.
Maternal abuse has, for too long, been a taboo topic that silences survivors.
Furthermore, there is far too little fiction that honestly explores a toxic mother-child relationship - without a cheap redemption arc that undermines the painful reality that most of these relationships do not repair, do not heal, do not get better.
Downeyoshun is a story, both beautiful and sad, that tells the truth about what it's like to grow up, the daughter of a mean mother.
it refuses to varnish the tragic reality that children like Sally must grapple for years with the complicated grief of losing a mother before she dies.
The story looks that hard truth right in the eye - and it is painful, yet healing.
It points to the only real redemption, which is the beauty and solace in "found family", personal passions, and beloved places that hold your heart for a lifetime.
Downeyoshun is a tender, tragic, and magical masterpiece, in the tradition of Roald Dahl's Matilda, with a Dickens-esque grand tale woven across the years tapestry.
Required reading for anyone reckoning with narcissistic abuse from a mother.
Downeyoshun is the kind of book you don't want to leave - and never have to - because it will forever be part of your heart.
July 31, 2025
a very nice read of 2 families.. American and very Italian..set in Baltimore and Ocean City,MD..so very relatable!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews