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broken
When her young mother vanishes, four-month-old Anna Mae McBride is thrust into the unwilling hands of her alcoholic uncle, Walter Lipinski, and his doormat of a wife, Sarah.
As Anna Mae grows up, she finds herself subject to blackouts, and she’s not sure why. Her psychiatrist thinks she might have traumatic amnesia, but all the diagnosis does is complicate her already troubled life, affecting her relationships involving family, friends, and love.
At first she tries to deal with it, but she soon discovers that she will have to overcome it once and for all. For she can’t remember the crucial information she witnessed during a recent blackout.
And her life depends on it.
As Anna Mae grows up, she finds herself subject to blackouts, and she’s not sure why. Her psychiatrist thinks she might have traumatic amnesia, but all the diagnosis does is complicate her already troubled life, affecting her relationships involving family, friends, and love.
At first she tries to deal with it, but she soon discovers that she will have to overcome it once and for all. For she can’t remember the crucial information she witnessed during a recent blackout.
And her life depends on it.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2014
23 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 20, 2015
This is one of those randomly picked books that I decided to give a try and I am glad I did! Seriously, what a nice surprise! I was totally captivated from start to finish.
The year : the early ’50’s.
The setting/location : a small mill town in Pennsylvania’s legendary Steel Valley.
This is the story of Anna Mae McBride. Abandoned by her mother when she was four months old, entrusted to the UNWILLING hands of her alcoholic uncle, Walter, and his dormant wife, Sarah.
Growing up, Anna Mae realizes that she suffers from blackouts, where she loses time, or days, or even weeks of memories. Her psychiatrist calls it traumatic amnesia. As to why and when this started? Well, I would recommend you read her story. ;)
This is not a typical broken-character-driven-story. In fact, I really love Anna Mae’s character. I never felt her feeling bitter… it only emphasizes on her kindness and very forgiving heart.
This is not a love story. Although there is that too. This is a beautifully written, realistic, gut-wrenching growing up on an abusive environment story of Anna Mae, with psychological aspect. There is a lots of angst. I hated so many characters in this book…
And the ending, totally unexpected! I love reading court scenes so that was a plus for me. But that ending totally took me by surprise. I would never have guessed! I love it when they do that! ;)
I would recommend you give this book a chance too.
Review also shared here : http://slitsread.com/2015/05/20/broke...
The year : the early ’50’s.
The setting/location : a small mill town in Pennsylvania’s legendary Steel Valley.
This is the story of Anna Mae McBride. Abandoned by her mother when she was four months old, entrusted to the UNWILLING hands of her alcoholic uncle, Walter, and his dormant wife, Sarah.
Growing up, Anna Mae realizes that she suffers from blackouts, where she loses time, or days, or even weeks of memories. Her psychiatrist calls it traumatic amnesia. As to why and when this started? Well, I would recommend you read her story. ;)
This is not a typical broken-character-driven-story. In fact, I really love Anna Mae’s character. I never felt her feeling bitter… it only emphasizes on her kindness and very forgiving heart.
This is not a love story. Although there is that too. This is a beautifully written, realistic, gut-wrenching growing up on an abusive environment story of Anna Mae, with psychological aspect. There is a lots of angst. I hated so many characters in this book…
And the ending, totally unexpected! I love reading court scenes so that was a plus for me. But that ending totally took me by surprise. I would never have guessed! I love it when they do that! ;)
I would recommend you give this book a chance too.
Review also shared here : http://slitsread.com/2015/05/20/broke...
May 11, 2015
Lots to digest...in a good way.
Took me a few days to get through this, as it wasn't something I'd normally pick up to read. But it had been chosen for a book club I'm in, and fit into my challenge...so I jumped in.
It was interesting to grow up with A.M. and her generally dysfunctional family. And although irritated at the characters lack of realizing the constant abuse...had to keep reminding myself of the time it took place, and how hush, hush and warped sense of acceptance it used to be. Most annoyed with her Aunt...again, I had to remember that the author made this story take place in a time that people were forced to look the other way, and the emotional impact is what created Aunt S. to believe and see things as she did. Not until she was truly freed, was she able to realize the cruel reality of her life, and her children.
Due to lack on personal interest...I had to force myself to finish. But once the climactic ending had begun with the trial...I was hooked!!! This story was raw and emotional, and gives a huge glimpse into how complicated our brains are, and how it can handle situations from person to person. Leaving you hoping that, not only the broken girl...but her family...could be healed in time, always remembering and carrying the scars...but push forward to be help others.
Took me a few days to get through this, as it wasn't something I'd normally pick up to read. But it had been chosen for a book club I'm in, and fit into my challenge...so I jumped in.
It was interesting to grow up with A.M. and her generally dysfunctional family. And although irritated at the characters lack of realizing the constant abuse...had to keep reminding myself of the time it took place, and how hush, hush and warped sense of acceptance it used to be. Most annoyed with her Aunt...again, I had to remember that the author made this story take place in a time that people were forced to look the other way, and the emotional impact is what created Aunt S. to believe and see things as she did. Not until she was truly freed, was she able to realize the cruel reality of her life, and her children.
Due to lack on personal interest...I had to force myself to finish. But once the climactic ending had begun with the trial...I was hooked!!! This story was raw and emotional, and gives a huge glimpse into how complicated our brains are, and how it can handle situations from person to person. Leaving you hoping that, not only the broken girl...but her family...could be healed in time, always remembering and carrying the scars...but push forward to be help others.
November 27, 2014
What a deep, heartfelt story!
We follow the life of young Anna Mae from her very early age till she's nineteen years old. All this time she grows up with her Uncle, a drunk and abusive steel worker, and her Aunt who doesn't protect Anna Mae from the beatings by her husband.
The book is mainly about Anna Mae's coping mechanism from the abuse; dissociative or traumatic amnesia.
Mrs. Gouze's writing is addictive, the little steel workers town and its people are described so they come to life in the readers mind.
Although the story is a sad one there is so much sparkling life here that it is a joy to read. And the end is beautiful.
Very much recommended.
We follow the life of young Anna Mae from her very early age till she's nineteen years old. All this time she grows up with her Uncle, a drunk and abusive steel worker, and her Aunt who doesn't protect Anna Mae from the beatings by her husband.
The book is mainly about Anna Mae's coping mechanism from the abuse; dissociative or traumatic amnesia.
Mrs. Gouze's writing is addictive, the little steel workers town and its people are described so they come to life in the readers mind.
Although the story is a sad one there is so much sparkling life here that it is a joy to read. And the end is beautiful.
Very much recommended.
June 2, 2015
Broken was so easy to read. It was hard to put down. I was very invested in the main character Anna Mae and many of the characters in the novel were very believable. Although undeniably sad, I enjoyed rooting for the strength of Anna Mae even through the throes of some terrible tribulations. I say go for it!
May 12, 2016
Couldn't put this down
Excellent book that kept me interested for page one. The only negative I have is not the book but the character of Sarah. She was a total doormat and she just made me so mad. Other than that which did make for a good part of the book I really enjoyed this book. Walter was a beast. Not was a page turner from the atart
Excellent book that kept me interested for page one. The only negative I have is not the book but the character of Sarah. She was a total doormat and she just made me so mad. Other than that which did make for a good part of the book I really enjoyed this book. Walter was a beast. Not was a page turner from the atart
May 10, 2015
Great Book
A page turner from beginning to end....Loved It! Would advice suspense readers to read, good read,can't wait for next book.
A page turner from beginning to end....Loved It! Would advice suspense readers to read, good read,can't wait for next book.
September 5, 2015
Such a compelling story! Unfortunately, the story teller's writing was rather mediocre. Still worth the read, but could have been phenomenal.
June 18, 2015
Good read
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews