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The Device, The Devil and Me
I have a secret.
I am mad.
Not crazy or bonkers or daft. Just mad. You wouldn’t know it to look at me or talk to me or even be in a loving long-term relationship with me, but I can assure you, I have the darkness...
Witness Lauren Swan’s descent into mental health chaos and demonic possession.
Keeping a secret of her pain and self-harming is taking its toll on Lauren. She finally feels like she might be brave enough to confide in her mother, who reveals a devastating secret of her own. Pushing her own problems deep back inside, Lauren braces herself for battle…
"I was overwhelmed by this book. It's raw, and honest and gut wrenching. And at the same time, it's funny, full of pathos and so cleverly, bravely, exquisitely written. The style is so fresh, so seamless, I can't image the work that went into turning this so personal story into such a perfect work of fiction, of entertainment. Little snatches of life, little moments crafted out of pain and experience and truth into something cinematic, gripping. I loved it, even while being upset by it, being overawed by the courage and talent of the author. I finished it in a flash, and had to order it for a friend of mine far away." Jo - Reader review
"This book is simply exquisite, there are no other words for it. Beautifully, carefully, seamlessly written in a unique style it made me laugh and cry and pulled out a hundred emotions in-between. If you enjoy a book that's real and raw and honest then try this, it's a brave subject matter, the plot is character led and it's one of those stories that will stay with me for years to come. [The author] has certainly used words to their maximum effect." Reader review
"An accomplished and impeccably penned narrative. One of the Mees is a brilliant tour-guide through difficult and challenging human territory. By the time you have read this novel you will emerge more human than you were when you went in. And this is the litmus test of all literature." Christopher Rush
I am mad.
Not crazy or bonkers or daft. Just mad. You wouldn’t know it to look at me or talk to me or even be in a loving long-term relationship with me, but I can assure you, I have the darkness...
Witness Lauren Swan’s descent into mental health chaos and demonic possession.
Keeping a secret of her pain and self-harming is taking its toll on Lauren. She finally feels like she might be brave enough to confide in her mother, who reveals a devastating secret of her own. Pushing her own problems deep back inside, Lauren braces herself for battle…
"I was overwhelmed by this book. It's raw, and honest and gut wrenching. And at the same time, it's funny, full of pathos and so cleverly, bravely, exquisitely written. The style is so fresh, so seamless, I can't image the work that went into turning this so personal story into such a perfect work of fiction, of entertainment. Little snatches of life, little moments crafted out of pain and experience and truth into something cinematic, gripping. I loved it, even while being upset by it, being overawed by the courage and talent of the author. I finished it in a flash, and had to order it for a friend of mine far away." Jo - Reader review
"This book is simply exquisite, there are no other words for it. Beautifully, carefully, seamlessly written in a unique style it made me laugh and cry and pulled out a hundred emotions in-between. If you enjoy a book that's real and raw and honest then try this, it's a brave subject matter, the plot is character led and it's one of those stories that will stay with me for years to come. [The author] has certainly used words to their maximum effect." Reader review
"An accomplished and impeccably penned narrative. One of the Mees is a brilliant tour-guide through difficult and challenging human territory. By the time you have read this novel you will emerge more human than you were when you went in. And this is the litmus test of all literature." Christopher Rush
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2016
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 20, 2017
OK so I am upping my stars to 4. This is because it made me re-read it! And I rarely re-read a book. I've left my first review below - as you can see it's not a comfortable read but it is curious, intriguing and fresh.
This was my original review....
This undoubtedly tackles big, difficult subjects - self harming, bulimia, etc - so it was never going to be an easy read, so far from mainstream "chick lit".
The writing style is staccato. This is effective in conveying the troubled thoughts of the girl. My criticism would be that the staccato style is relentless - there are no breaks for descriptive writing or relief from other characters. As a result, I found it difficult to maintain momentum through the book, and to relate to some of the characters.
Overall it's brave and original.
This was my original review....
This undoubtedly tackles big, difficult subjects - self harming, bulimia, etc - so it was never going to be an easy read, so far from mainstream "chick lit".
The writing style is staccato. This is effective in conveying the troubled thoughts of the girl. My criticism would be that the staccato style is relentless - there are no breaks for descriptive writing or relief from other characters. As a result, I found it difficult to maintain momentum through the book, and to relate to some of the characters.
Overall it's brave and original.
April 21, 2017
What a fantastically well written book which takes you through the rollercoaster of emotions of Lauren during her self-harming through to her road to recovery. I was hooked from the very beginning and was overwhelmed by the reaction when she finally opened up and admitted her issues, well of course mum’s know everything don’t they, even when you tell them you are fine. Each step of the journey is perfectly sewn together into an emotionally charged perfect piece of work. I wont give too much away as you really need to read this for yourself but coming from a close family myself I cried with Lauren on many an occasion and will hopefully not take anything for granted anymore.
April 21, 2017
I enjoyed the story. Lauren was obviously struggling and needed support. I guess anyone who self harms wants to keep it private and try to battle on by themselves.
As the story unfolded we were able to follow Lauren's progress and discover whether she was able to move on and heal.
As the story unfolded we were able to follow Lauren's progress and discover whether she was able to move on and heal.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews