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Life Detonated: The True Story of a Widow and a Hijacker
Life Detonated is the gripping true story of Kathleen Murray, a young mother whose world is shattered on September 11, 1976, when her husband, a NYPD bomb disposal expert, is blown up by a terrorist bomb.
It details her childhood in a South Bronx basement apartment shared with a single mother and seven siblings, where dinner is left-overs from the automat where her mother worked, and a drug-addicted sister who gave her strength.
It is the story of moving from being the unintended target of political terrorism, to being seduced by one of the hijackers, whose persuasive letters offered a link back to her husband. Their correspondence unraveled the complexities of their lives and allowed Kathleen to grow from a child expected to quit school at sixteen, to a woman who took on the NYPD and the City of New York, graduated magna cum laude to become a professor of English, and finally, to stand up to the woman responsible for her husband’s death.
It details her childhood in a South Bronx basement apartment shared with a single mother and seven siblings, where dinner is left-overs from the automat where her mother worked, and a drug-addicted sister who gave her strength.
It is the story of moving from being the unintended target of political terrorism, to being seduced by one of the hijackers, whose persuasive letters offered a link back to her husband. Their correspondence unraveled the complexities of their lives and allowed Kathleen to grow from a child expected to quit school at sixteen, to a woman who took on the NYPD and the City of New York, graduated magna cum laude to become a professor of English, and finally, to stand up to the woman responsible for her husband’s death.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
258 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2017
8 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 22, 2017
Ms. Moran's early years were reminiscent of "Angela's Ashes". She barely had time to pull herself out of her childhood home on the aptly named Faile Street (although I'm not sure how it's actually pronounced) before being plunged into a nightmare that in one way or another dominated the next few decades of her life. LIFE DETONATED is a memoir of such intensity, I can't stop thinking about it and pondering its ramifications--wondering if I would have had the fortitude to soldier through such a confluence of events.
Historically, I was surprised to learn about the hijacking and its aftermath in Ms. Moran's life. And I was very impressed to see how her tragedy led to a better outcome for future law enforcement spouses who have to face the unthinkable loss of their loved one with very little in the way of support from the government.
I would have liked to know more about the reason behind the inexplicably hostile reaction of the very men who should have been Ms. Moran's greatest source of support. And I couldn't help but wonder if she had an emotional setback on Sept. 11, 2001, twenty-five years to the day of her own terrorism-related loss.
I especially loved that this was a tender tribute to a sister who was always there for Ms. Moran in spite of her own emotional demons. "What will you write about?" Gracie asks her sister back when becoming a writer was only a childhood dream. "You," Ms. Moran answers. And she did. Beautifully.
This is a memoir not to be missed.
Historically, I was surprised to learn about the hijacking and its aftermath in Ms. Moran's life. And I was very impressed to see how her tragedy led to a better outcome for future law enforcement spouses who have to face the unthinkable loss of their loved one with very little in the way of support from the government.
I would have liked to know more about the reason behind the inexplicably hostile reaction of the very men who should have been Ms. Moran's greatest source of support. And I couldn't help but wonder if she had an emotional setback on Sept. 11, 2001, twenty-five years to the day of her own terrorism-related loss.
I especially loved that this was a tender tribute to a sister who was always there for Ms. Moran in spite of her own emotional demons. "What will you write about?" Gracie asks her sister back when becoming a writer was only a childhood dream. "You," Ms. Moran answers. And she did. Beautifully.
This is a memoir not to be missed.
June 14, 2017
I picked up an advanced reader copy of Life Detonated at Book Expo in New York a few weeks ago. I started it a few days ago and could not put it down. The author is truly an amazing woman and her experience with the woman who destroyed her life and then tried to a second time by lying to her was such a fascinating part of the book. It made me wonder if I would have had the stomach and the guts to write to someone who had destroyed my life. I really don't know how Julie Busic lives with herself. She was an American and then she helped her husband hijack a plane and set a bomb. And then she tried to use the woman whose husband she killed okay I won't spoil it for you. You HAVE to read this book to believe it. One of my favorite ARCs from Book Expo and I will be recommending it to my book clubs.
July 5, 2017
I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
When I read the excerpt of this in Buzz Books 2017 Fall/Winter by Publishers Lunch (available on NetGalley at https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...) I was very intrigued by the story: Kathleen's survival after such a tragic event; honouring Brian's memory and the mission to obtain justice; and the relationship she developed with Julie Busic. I was saddened to realise the outcome: that Julie had been using Kathleen, but at least it had in someway been useful or cathartic for Kathleen. And it is a travesty to never understand or discover what happened that day; why the bomb exploded, but any disappointment I might have about that of course pales into insignificance against the sadness and helplessness Kathleen must've felt, or still feels, about this! There were a couple of points where Kathleen refers to parts of her history as if they've been mentioned already in the book, but either they weren't (perhaps they had been cut in the writing process?) or I just missed them, which was a shame. Overall, I was quite enthralled with the truth of Brian, Kathleen and everyone connected to them. Thank you for sharing!
When I read the excerpt of this in Buzz Books 2017 Fall/Winter by Publishers Lunch (available on NetGalley at https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...) I was very intrigued by the story: Kathleen's survival after such a tragic event; honouring Brian's memory and the mission to obtain justice; and the relationship she developed with Julie Busic. I was saddened to realise the outcome: that Julie had been using Kathleen, but at least it had in someway been useful or cathartic for Kathleen. And it is a travesty to never understand or discover what happened that day; why the bomb exploded, but any disappointment I might have about that of course pales into insignificance against the sadness and helplessness Kathleen must've felt, or still feels, about this! There were a couple of points where Kathleen refers to parts of her history as if they've been mentioned already in the book, but either they weren't (perhaps they had been cut in the writing process?) or I just missed them, which was a shame. Overall, I was quite enthralled with the truth of Brian, Kathleen and everyone connected to them. Thank you for sharing!
January 24, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. It is heartbreaking and beautifully written. I couldn't put it down. I felt as though I was there with the author and her family through so many phases of their lives. This book is utterly mesmerizing.
September 17, 2017
I was able to read this ebook through Net Galley!
What an interesting, amazing, inspiring life Kathleen Murray Moran has led. She starts out by detailing her husband's death, interspersed with his "saving" her from a childhood reminiscent of Jeanette Walls's The Glass Castle or Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes.
As life continues on around her, she manages to pass and update new laws, get degrees, find love, add to her family, manage a household, and create a questionable friendship. Overall, this is a fantastic read. It's heartbreaking in the beginning, but by the middle, you are seeing Kathy as more than just a widow.
What an interesting, amazing, inspiring life Kathleen Murray Moran has led. She starts out by detailing her husband's death, interspersed with his "saving" her from a childhood reminiscent of Jeanette Walls's The Glass Castle or Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes.
As life continues on around her, she manages to pass and update new laws, get degrees, find love, add to her family, manage a household, and create a questionable friendship. Overall, this is a fantastic read. It's heartbreaking in the beginning, but by the middle, you are seeing Kathy as more than just a widow.
September 24, 2017
Life Detonated is such a good story. The writing flows so smoothly. The author describes her life as a widow and the struggles she endured. She also revealed her tough childhood. Moran also reveals how she coped after her husband's death and took on the NYC system to have questions answered. Through it all, she persevered. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
November 12, 2020
The place is New York City, the date, September 11th 1976. In a decade plagued by civil unrest and political upheaval, international terrorism grips the headlines with hijackings and bombings as the modus operandi of radical fundamentalist extremists. The frontline combatants are bomb technicians. Tasked with keeping the peace in “The City That Never Sleeps” are a close-knit band of detectives assigned to the NYPD Bomb Squad. Among them is a young, six-year veteran, Detective Brian J. Murray whose sworn duty is to protect the innocent from one of the most insidious weapons of terror, the Improvised Explosive Device.
Ironically, twenty-five years to the day that terror from the sky would change New York and the world forever, Croatian terrorists would hijack an airliner bound for Paris and keep U.S. authorities busy with multiple IEDs planted at Grand Central Station including one hidden in a locker. It is here that fate would call upon Bomb Tech Brian J. Murray and his squad to defuse the volatile situation. As the harrowing drama plays out on national television, Murray’s wife, Kathleen, watches with bated breath as her husband methodically removes devices wrapped in a bomb blanket to the squad’s bomb truck for transport to the demolition range at Rodman’s Neck. Kathleen is blissfully unaware of the explosive turn her life will take over the next hour.
Late that night, an unexpected knock at the Murray residence changes Kathleen’s life forever as the bomb squad delivers earth shattering news. At the range, Brian J. Murray was killed and two of his colleagues Hank and Charlie were injured attempting to neutralize the Grand Central locker IED. This shocking news spawned by overwhelming grief triggers a personal crusade for the bomb squad widow to get to the truth of how and why her husband perished, suing the city of New York over a lack of sophisticated equipment for America’s top bomb squad, and embarking on the long path towards forgiveness with one of the hijackers.
Now, Kathleen’s emotional journey is chronicled in the 2018 memoir “Life Detonated.” After listening to this book on Audible, I was very impressed with Kathleen’s honest and heartfelt delivery of a very personal and private event that is sadly experienced by innumerable law enforcement widows around the world. Kathleen’s inspiring courage and determination to make a difference in the wake of tragedy, speaks volume to those who share their loved ones with a dangerous and often deadly profession.
Ironically, twenty-five years to the day that terror from the sky would change New York and the world forever, Croatian terrorists would hijack an airliner bound for Paris and keep U.S. authorities busy with multiple IEDs planted at Grand Central Station including one hidden in a locker. It is here that fate would call upon Bomb Tech Brian J. Murray and his squad to defuse the volatile situation. As the harrowing drama plays out on national television, Murray’s wife, Kathleen, watches with bated breath as her husband methodically removes devices wrapped in a bomb blanket to the squad’s bomb truck for transport to the demolition range at Rodman’s Neck. Kathleen is blissfully unaware of the explosive turn her life will take over the next hour.
Late that night, an unexpected knock at the Murray residence changes Kathleen’s life forever as the bomb squad delivers earth shattering news. At the range, Brian J. Murray was killed and two of his colleagues Hank and Charlie were injured attempting to neutralize the Grand Central locker IED. This shocking news spawned by overwhelming grief triggers a personal crusade for the bomb squad widow to get to the truth of how and why her husband perished, suing the city of New York over a lack of sophisticated equipment for America’s top bomb squad, and embarking on the long path towards forgiveness with one of the hijackers.
Now, Kathleen’s emotional journey is chronicled in the 2018 memoir “Life Detonated.” After listening to this book on Audible, I was very impressed with Kathleen’s honest and heartfelt delivery of a very personal and private event that is sadly experienced by innumerable law enforcement widows around the world. Kathleen’s inspiring courage and determination to make a difference in the wake of tragedy, speaks volume to those who share their loved ones with a dangerous and often deadly profession.
January 19, 2018
Amazing woman who strived in her life even though she was dealt without a lot of hardships in her young life.
October 12, 2017
Once I started reading, I couldn't put "Life Detonated" down. Such a well-written telling of a a very compelling story. Kathleen pulls the lens out to give us an honest examination of her life, from her difficult upbringing, to the heart-wrenching event that shatters her life, to the the steps that she takes to regain some control.
There is much sadness in the tale--other reviewers' comparisons to "Angela's Ashes" ring true--but Kathleen's story is one of strength, hope, and grace.
There is much sadness in the tale--other reviewers' comparisons to "Angela's Ashes" ring true--but Kathleen's story is one of strength, hope, and grace.
October 1, 2017
Fascinating story. Her life, her family, her childhood. Remarkable resilience.
A woman who could have been a bitter victim became a shining beacon.
This story was amazing, all the more for it's truth. Kathleen Murray Moran changed the world and then wrote a book about it. I am awed.
A woman who could have been a bitter victim became a shining beacon.
This story was amazing, all the more for it's truth. Kathleen Murray Moran changed the world and then wrote a book about it. I am awed.
September 24, 2017
Usually memoirs lead us to the significant event (in this case Sept 11,1976). This memoir starts there & deals with all the aftermath & its repercussions on our protagonist's life. The unfairness she had to deal with.
The writing of this sorrowful but hopeful book is intensely aware. Strength of author's character evident in every word, even within the crippling grief. This survivor's story is brutally honest. It does detour from the widow-hijacker theme, but it makes you think & evaluate life. The glimpses of the past, way before the event, fuel the experience of the present.
How is that true stories may sometimes seem more fantastical than fiction? This book is about how one person's tragedy can be a springboard for correcting injustices & advocacy. And yes I admit, tears were welling in my eyes at the end.
The writing of this sorrowful but hopeful book is intensely aware. Strength of author's character evident in every word, even within the crippling grief. This survivor's story is brutally honest. It does detour from the widow-hijacker theme, but it makes you think & evaluate life. The glimpses of the past, way before the event, fuel the experience of the present.
How is that true stories may sometimes seem more fantastical than fiction? This book is about how one person's tragedy can be a springboard for correcting injustices & advocacy. And yes I admit, tears were welling in my eyes at the end.
October 10, 2017
Life Detonated is a stellar memoir about loss and the tenacity of survivors. Moran lost her husband in the first 9-11 bombing. No, not the Twin Towers, but the one years before when two Croatian terrorists planted a bomb at Grand Central Station on September 11, 1976, to distract authorities from their hijacking of TWA flight 355. Her firefighter husband, Brian, was part of the NYPD bomb squad tasked with defusing the device when it went off, killing him.
Moran uses deep memory, newspaper articles, letters, and witnesses to go back over the events that took him from her. She also deftly moves back and forth from her impoverished childhood in New York to current events, creating a satisfying memoir of an incredibly introspective person. No spoilers, but one of the saddest and hardest learned lessons for her is learning which people to trust.
Well worth reading.
Moran uses deep memory, newspaper articles, letters, and witnesses to go back over the events that took him from her. She also deftly moves back and forth from her impoverished childhood in New York to current events, creating a satisfying memoir of an incredibly introspective person. No spoilers, but one of the saddest and hardest learned lessons for her is learning which people to trust.
Well worth reading.
October 13, 2023
This memoir reads like some of the best novels I’ve read. The author does a fantastic job of developing all of the various people in her lives to help readers feel as if they actually know them personally. Her story is one of tragedy and triumph, several times over in her lifetime. To all the brave men and women and their families who who serve as first responders and military that pay the ultimate sacrifice, thank you. To Kathleen Murray Moran, BRAVO for the ways in which you turned your pain into purpose and fought for the support and attention you and other widows deserve.
September 12, 2019
On September 11, 1976, a NYPD bomb disposal expert named Brian Murray was killed defusing a bomb at Grand Central station. A radical Croatian man and his American wife planted the bomb and then later hijacked a TWA jet to spread their political message. Brian’s widow Kathleen was left to grieve with her two young boys, and to try to understand why the supposedly inactive bomb exploded and killed her husband.
In Life Detonated, Kathleen reflects on her upbringing and how her marriage to Brian saved her. She also describes the lawsuit she launched against the city of New York to find out the details surrounding Brian’s death, which later guided her to co-found Survivors of the Shield (SOS).
But central to her story is the correspondence and bizarre relationship she began with Julie Busic; the wife of the Croatian radical, and one of the hijackers responsible for killing her husband.
This was an enjoyable memoir that was well written and emotional. It was clear through reading this story the love and pain Kathleen felt from the death of her husband Brian. I did enjoy reading the pieces of her childhood and early life, however at times there was too much focus on her past. Her sister was a central figure in her life, but perhaps a bit too much in this book.
I would have liked more focused information about the lawsuit against the city of New York, and of Kathleen’s later work in co-founding SOS. The ending felt rather brief, and readers were not able to learn of her present-day life, or much information about those who were involved in Brian’s death.
I would recommend this memoir.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
In Life Detonated, Kathleen reflects on her upbringing and how her marriage to Brian saved her. She also describes the lawsuit she launched against the city of New York to find out the details surrounding Brian’s death, which later guided her to co-found Survivors of the Shield (SOS).
But central to her story is the correspondence and bizarre relationship she began with Julie Busic; the wife of the Croatian radical, and one of the hijackers responsible for killing her husband.
This was an enjoyable memoir that was well written and emotional. It was clear through reading this story the love and pain Kathleen felt from the death of her husband Brian. I did enjoy reading the pieces of her childhood and early life, however at times there was too much focus on her past. Her sister was a central figure in her life, but perhaps a bit too much in this book.
I would have liked more focused information about the lawsuit against the city of New York, and of Kathleen’s later work in co-founding SOS. The ending felt rather brief, and readers were not able to learn of her present-day life, or much information about those who were involved in Brian’s death.
I would recommend this memoir.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
November 1, 2020
I received an ARC of Life Detonated a while ago and have only just gotten around to reading it. I can’t believe I left it so long!
Life Detonated is a powerful memoir from Kathleen Murray Moran after the loss of her husband in a terrorist attack on 11 September 1976. It explores her early childhood, family relationships and her life before and after it was torn apart by this terrorist act.
My heart broke in the first chapter; mostly because it was so close to home for me, with my husband working for the emergency services (details omitted due to confidentiality).
Kathleen writes beautifully; about her childhood, about her sister and the dysfunctional relationship with her mother, the poverty and squalor she survived. She writes about her own children, the experience, grief and frustration of losing her husband. She writes of her life after the event.
I am in awe of Kathleen and her honesty, tenacity and bravery, of her fight and persistence. Along with two other women Kathleen fought to ensure other widows would be looked after in the event of loss.
Her relationship with the wife of the terrorist was intriguing, and one which I was unsure about when reading. Although I understood her reasoning, I can never truly understand the pain and suffering she endured during this time.
I would also like to understand more about the colleagues and friends who became distant, those members of the NYPD who refused to make contact, when they should have been showing the utmost compassion and support.
I’m so glad I read this memoir. A powerful story of love, loss, grief, courage, resilience and learning to use your voice.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
Life Detonated is a powerful memoir from Kathleen Murray Moran after the loss of her husband in a terrorist attack on 11 September 1976. It explores her early childhood, family relationships and her life before and after it was torn apart by this terrorist act.
My heart broke in the first chapter; mostly because it was so close to home for me, with my husband working for the emergency services (details omitted due to confidentiality).
Kathleen writes beautifully; about her childhood, about her sister and the dysfunctional relationship with her mother, the poverty and squalor she survived. She writes about her own children, the experience, grief and frustration of losing her husband. She writes of her life after the event.
I am in awe of Kathleen and her honesty, tenacity and bravery, of her fight and persistence. Along with two other women Kathleen fought to ensure other widows would be looked after in the event of loss.
Her relationship with the wife of the terrorist was intriguing, and one which I was unsure about when reading. Although I understood her reasoning, I can never truly understand the pain and suffering she endured during this time.
I would also like to understand more about the colleagues and friends who became distant, those members of the NYPD who refused to make contact, when they should have been showing the utmost compassion and support.
I’m so glad I read this memoir. A powerful story of love, loss, grief, courage, resilience and learning to use your voice.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
April 7, 2019
Title: Life Detonated
Author: Kathleen Murray Moran
Length: 209 pages
Publisher: Amberjack Publication
Publication date: 19 September 2019
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Biography
My rating: 4/5
Summary:
The story is a memoir of Kathleen Murray Moran. Her life journey, losing her husband who was in bomb squad and finding meaning to her life.
My Take:
I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for providing with an ARC in exchange for an Honest review. I’ve always been intriguid by real life events and incidents and this is another such book giving us an insight into the life of the girl Kathy who had a difficult childhood, got a living husband in Brian who lost his life seven years into their marriage while diffusing a Bomb.
The pain of losing a dear one is beautifully portrayed making one empathise with the author. Even the thought of losing someone dear is scary and author went through it. The short and cute love story of Kathy and Brian is adorable. Death of Brian leaves tears in your eyes.
Author was undoubtedly a strong woman whose quest to find out the cause of bomb exploding keeps you glued to the book. It does leave you with a feeling of incomplete as the reason is not known. The transition between her past and present life is seamless and easily distinguishable. Her achievements in life are worthy of praise for sure.
The ending of the book is wonderful and the dialogue of Chris to her Mom just sums up entire thing. She broke down and got up only to climb higher. This is the story of courage and determination of the author who made her life worthy.
A good read.
Author: Kathleen Murray Moran
Length: 209 pages
Publisher: Amberjack Publication
Publication date: 19 September 2019
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Biography
My rating: 4/5
Summary:
The story is a memoir of Kathleen Murray Moran. Her life journey, losing her husband who was in bomb squad and finding meaning to her life.
My Take:
I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for providing with an ARC in exchange for an Honest review. I’ve always been intriguid by real life events and incidents and this is another such book giving us an insight into the life of the girl Kathy who had a difficult childhood, got a living husband in Brian who lost his life seven years into their marriage while diffusing a Bomb.
The pain of losing a dear one is beautifully portrayed making one empathise with the author. Even the thought of losing someone dear is scary and author went through it. The short and cute love story of Kathy and Brian is adorable. Death of Brian leaves tears in your eyes.
Author was undoubtedly a strong woman whose quest to find out the cause of bomb exploding keeps you glued to the book. It does leave you with a feeling of incomplete as the reason is not known. The transition between her past and present life is seamless and easily distinguishable. Her achievements in life are worthy of praise for sure.
The ending of the book is wonderful and the dialogue of Chris to her Mom just sums up entire thing. She broke down and got up only to climb higher. This is the story of courage and determination of the author who made her life worthy.
A good read.
July 30, 2019
"Life detonated" is the incredibly moving story of Kathleen Murray Moran, whose husband, an NYPD bomb disposal expert, was killed by a terrorist bomb. Kathleen takes us through her impoverished childhood in the Bronx with a single mother and seven siblings, one of whom is drug addicted, through to the traumatic loss of her husband and the unexpected aftermath. Her correspondence with one of the hijackers is heartbreaking - you suspect all along that she is being used for the hijacker's own purposes, but want so desperately for Kathleen to find some sort of closure from it. An inspiring and beautifully written memoir that I couldn't put down, and exemplifies the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
NOTE: I was provided with a free ARC copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
NOTE: I was provided with a free ARC copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2017
This was a truly fascinating read! Kathleen had a very difficult childhood, grew up to meet and marry her soulmate, who was killed in a terrorist situation. She struggles with his death and even forms a link with one of the terrorists responsible for his death. The story is sad but inspiring. Kathleen came through it all and changed both her life and the lives of others forever. A beautiful story.
February 19, 2021
Excellent story- very compelling and easy to follow. At times, You can sense the emotional charge that is prevalent in this book. An error in geography stood out to me - but someone not familiar would not get it. The writing craft is raw and a bit edgy- not polished. Tone is perfect for the story. Well done - I look forward to reading more from this author. * this was a book club suggestion from someone who knows the author personally. I would def read another book by this author.
March 9, 2018
Incredible memoir of a policeman's widow. This story just kept pulling you further and further into her thoughts and actions,. Her childhood was so terribly hard that you think you can't bear another situation that she encountered,
Amazing read. There is no way that you can put the book down without thinking of these characters
Amazing read. There is no way that you can put the book down without thinking of these characters
October 11, 2017
A heart wrenching memoir Kathleen shares with us her heartbreaking widowhood back to her growing up& the surprise direction her life took.as she learned to cope with her husbands death.Thanks to Net Galley& the publisher for advance readers copy,
April 25, 2018
What a very brave very strong woman Kathleen was. It is heartbreaking and beautifully written.
I found this book very inspiring read and written with love.
Thanks to NetGalley for advance copy for honest review.
I found this book very inspiring read and written with love.
Thanks to NetGalley for advance copy for honest review.
October 13, 2019
This was an absorbing story. While Kathleen faced unimaginable sorrow she gained strength and a power that changed not only her life and that of her family’s, but other widows who’s spouses died in the line of duty.
November 25, 2017
I remember the hijacking and that era. It is a well written book, a well told story. It brought back some memories. It is a good story of overcoming horrible circumstances and thriving.
September 21, 2019
“Life Detonated” is Kathleen Murray Moran’s memoir about losing her NYPD husband to a terrorist bomb on September 11, 1976, but also about growing up poor in the Bronx in the 1950s as one of eight children of a emotionally distant mother and an abusive father and her life’s struggle to move beyond this difficult childhood. Beginning on the night Moran finds out her husband Brian has died and moving back and forth in subsequent chapters between the immediate aftermath of Brian’s death and flashbacks to her childhood and early life, the book weaves together past and present in a way that makes Moran’s loss of Brian and the stability and safety he represented even more profound. These sections of the book worked best for me—Moran’s writing is searingly honest and her memories of New York City in the 50s, 60s and 70s bring the city to vivid life for the reader.
What was less successful for me was the second half of the book, which spends a lot of time describing how the NYPD, and the bomb squad in particular, hushed up the details of Brian’s death without ever adequately explaining why. I understand that Moran herself never got an acceptable answer to that question, but the book set me up to expect some sort of smoking gun to emerge from her lawsuit against the city that never materialized. I also never fully understood her reasons for a long and clandestine correspondence with Julie Busic, the woman who, along with her husband, was responsible for the bomb that killed Brian. And although the subtitle is “the true story widow and a hijacker,” this is definitely a one-sided account—Julie’s story is told through Moran’s obvious (albeit understandable) bias. Still, the book was an interesting look at how one woman overcame poverty and abuse to build a life for herself, and how—after that life was blown apart—she manages to build another one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amberjack Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
What was less successful for me was the second half of the book, which spends a lot of time describing how the NYPD, and the bomb squad in particular, hushed up the details of Brian’s death without ever adequately explaining why. I understand that Moran herself never got an acceptable answer to that question, but the book set me up to expect some sort of smoking gun to emerge from her lawsuit against the city that never materialized. I also never fully understood her reasons for a long and clandestine correspondence with Julie Busic, the woman who, along with her husband, was responsible for the bomb that killed Brian. And although the subtitle is “the true story widow and a hijacker,” this is definitely a one-sided account—Julie’s story is told through Moran’s obvious (albeit understandable) bias. Still, the book was an interesting look at how one woman overcame poverty and abuse to build a life for herself, and how—after that life was blown apart—she manages to build another one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amberjack Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
January 6, 2018
Life Detonated was super honest and Moran writes well describing a life arc I never would've considered and to be honest, would have dismissed a little. Moran lays herself bare-her errors, her origins, and her reasons-and I ended up with so much empathy. A sign of excellent memoir writing.
January 18, 2018
This fascinating true story of tragedy begins when a husband and father are lost to a terrorist's bomb. The grieving widow is also a young mother of two sons who goes on to rebuild her life, take on the NYPD and the City of NY for their part in her husband's death. As Kathleen searches for answers in this tragedy, a fascinating seduction of Kathleen by Julie Busic (one of the hijackers) takes place. This unusual relationship is detailed through a series of letters and conversations and it is mesmerizing! What struck me about this book was the author's unflinching honesty about herself, exposing sensitive details of this relationship with Busic. The story also tells about Kathleen's childhood and again, the unflinching honesty about herself and her family relationships is astonishing. I found this particular part of the book to be as equally compelling as her relationship with Busic.
April 7, 2019
Title: Life Detonated
Author: Kathleen Murray Moran
Length: 209 pages
Publisher: Amberjack Publication
Publication date: 19 September 2019
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Biography
My rating: 4/5
Summary:
The story is a memoir of Kathleen Murray Moran. Her life journey, losing her husband who was in bomb squad and finding meaning to her life.
My Take:
I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for providing with an ARC in exchange for an Honest review. I’ve always been intriguid by real life events and incidents and this is another such book giving us an insight into the life of the girl Kathy who had a difficult childhood, got a living husband in Brian who lost his life seven years into their marriage while diffusing a Bomb.
The pain of losing a dear one is beautifully portrayed making one empathise with the author. Even the thought of losing someone dear is scary and author went through it. The short and cute love story of Kathy and Brian is adorable. Death of Brian leaves tears in your eyes.
Author was undoubtedly a strong woman whose quest to find out the cause of bomb exploding keeps you glued to the book. It does leave you with a feeling of incomplete as the reason is not known. The transition between her past and present life is seamless and easily distinguishable. Her achievements in life are worthy of praise for sure.
The ending of the book is wonderful and the dialogue of Chris to her Mom just sums up entire thing. She broke down and got up only to climb higher. This is the story of courage and determination of the author who made her life worthy.
A good read.
Author: Kathleen Murray Moran
Length: 209 pages
Publisher: Amberjack Publication
Publication date: 19 September 2019
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Biography
My rating: 4/5
Summary:
The story is a memoir of Kathleen Murray Moran. Her life journey, losing her husband who was in bomb squad and finding meaning to her life.
My Take:
I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for providing with an ARC in exchange for an Honest review. I’ve always been intriguid by real life events and incidents and this is another such book giving us an insight into the life of the girl Kathy who had a difficult childhood, got a living husband in Brian who lost his life seven years into their marriage while diffusing a Bomb.
The pain of losing a dear one is beautifully portrayed making one empathise with the author. Even the thought of losing someone dear is scary and author went through it. The short and cute love story of Kathy and Brian is adorable. Death of Brian leaves tears in your eyes.
Author was undoubtedly a strong woman whose quest to find out the cause of bomb exploding keeps you glued to the book. It does leave you with a feeling of incomplete as the reason is not known. The transition between her past and present life is seamless and easily distinguishable. Her achievements in life are worthy of praise for sure.
The ending of the book is wonderful and the dialogue of Chris to her Mom just sums up entire thing. She broke down and got up only to climb higher. This is the story of courage and determination of the author who made her life worthy.
A good read.
May 16, 2019
This was a beautiful tragic tale. This is the story of a wife who lost her husband to a bomb explosion. She seeks to figure out why the bomb exploded and took her husband's life. It was tragic, but beautifully told.
I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
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