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Phoenix: 1st Act
A Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde-tale of sorts.
Set within the international circles of Brussels and expanding over a period of four and a half years, the novel depicts a young woman's gradual descent into alcohol addiction and her strategies to camouflage her double life. She struggles to escape the addiction's ever-tighter grip, with the help of a well-known fellowship, family and friends, the symbolism conveyed through operas and other music, as well as philosophical teachings from antiquity - Stoicism and Epicureanism.
The text contains an analysis of the fellowship's 12-step programme based on the Christian faith and the attempt to create a revised, strictly secular 8-step programme based on ancient philosophical teachings.
Set within the international circles of Brussels and expanding over a period of four and a half years, the novel depicts a young woman's gradual descent into alcohol addiction and her strategies to camouflage her double life. She struggles to escape the addiction's ever-tighter grip, with the help of a well-known fellowship, family and friends, the symbolism conveyed through operas and other music, as well as philosophical teachings from antiquity - Stoicism and Epicureanism.
The text contains an analysis of the fellowship's 12-step programme based on the Christian faith and the attempt to create a revised, strictly secular 8-step programme based on ancient philosophical teachings.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2021
3 people are currently reading
1965 people want to read
About the author
Ursula Mirbach
2 books24 followersUrsula Mirbach has worked for many years at an international organisation in Brussels. She is now into writing prose and poetry.
In May 2021, she has published her first novel, 'Phoenix - 1st Act', available on Amazon. It is about a descent into alcohol dependency and the path to recovery. It contains a critical analysis of the 12-step programme used by Alcoholics Anonymous as well as an attempt to create a renewed, non-religious 8-step programme, based on the teachings of the Epicureans and Stoicists to help alcoholics coping with daily life and remain sober.
The novel is addressed to fellow alcoholics, physicians and psychologists involved with alcohol addiction issues and everybody else interested in the subject of alcoholism and life within the Brussels international community.
In May 2021, she has published her first novel, 'Phoenix - 1st Act', available on Amazon. It is about a descent into alcohol dependency and the path to recovery. It contains a critical analysis of the 12-step programme used by Alcoholics Anonymous as well as an attempt to create a renewed, non-religious 8-step programme, based on the teachings of the Epicureans and Stoicists to help alcoholics coping with daily life and remain sober.
The novel is addressed to fellow alcoholics, physicians and psychologists involved with alcohol addiction issues and everybody else interested in the subject of alcoholism and life within the Brussels international community.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 4, 2022
(Thank you in advance to Goodreads for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review.)
This book definitely took me longer than my typical read to finish, and here's the breakdown:
I had to adjust to the writing and reading style- I don't typically read memoirs and I needed time to get myself wrapped up in the read.
This book tackles alcohol addiction and the lengths one woman goes to in order to hide it from everyone in her life (and the back and forth within her own mind over it).
Although the beginning of the book dragged on for me, once I hit page 150 I was well adjusted and flew through the rest of it. This was a well written debut novel, and I'm looking forward to recommending it to my friends who I know will enjoy it.
This book definitely took me longer than my typical read to finish, and here's the breakdown:
I had to adjust to the writing and reading style- I don't typically read memoirs and I needed time to get myself wrapped up in the read.
This book tackles alcohol addiction and the lengths one woman goes to in order to hide it from everyone in her life (and the back and forth within her own mind over it).
Although the beginning of the book dragged on for me, once I hit page 150 I was well adjusted and flew through the rest of it. This was a well written debut novel, and I'm looking forward to recommending it to my friends who I know will enjoy it.
June 21, 2022
I received a free Kindle copy of this book as a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
Written in a shorthand-type style and narrated in third person, it sets an apt tone for how the main character is coasting through life waiting to be alone so she can drink.
Opera and classical music references are strewn throughout the book, hence the title. Any correspondence to themes in the book were lost on me unless they were examined and explained. This took away from my enjoyment of the story, as I was not familiar with the many references. The first half of the book is quite long and tedious, perhaps in part because of all these references.
I found the last chapter, an analysis of philosophies, particularly interesting. A heartening story of a woman's struggle with alcohol and her journey to find a set of principles to live by outside of the AA 12 steps.
Written in a shorthand-type style and narrated in third person, it sets an apt tone for how the main character is coasting through life waiting to be alone so she can drink.
Opera and classical music references are strewn throughout the book, hence the title. Any correspondence to themes in the book were lost on me unless they were examined and explained. This took away from my enjoyment of the story, as I was not familiar with the many references. The first half of the book is quite long and tedious, perhaps in part because of all these references.
I found the last chapter, an analysis of philosophies, particularly interesting. A heartening story of a woman's struggle with alcohol and her journey to find a set of principles to live by outside of the AA 12 steps.
April 20, 2022
I received a free ebook copy of PHOENIX: 1st Act in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately enraptured by the beginning chapters of this text. Mirbach's voice is so powerful and so clear, and I instantly needed to know more about these people who fell out of the sky and onto the page.
I appreciate the journey and the process that the real and the fictional Ursula underwent in this story. I was also enthralled by Mirbach's reformulation of the fellowship--away from Christianity and toward a more secular, philosophically-based system. The pressure of these systems (the fellowship and AA) to follow a Christian approach is something I'd thought of but never voiced. I'm thankful that someone is doing this work and writing about it.
There seemed to be a chunk of ~100 pages (somewhat after Ursula is gifted all those bottles of alcohol and after she struggles with them) where the story got so repetitive that I grew weary and doubted whether I'd make it through the rest of the text. I understand the need to be faithful to what happened in the real Mirbach's life, and I also appreciate the emphasis on the repetitive nature of obtaining and drinking alcohol, and how her entire life revolved around it for such a long period of time, but I felt this part of the text could've been sped up.
I did enjoy reading this book--I often inhaled it in 100+-page settings. I'm looking forward to reading more of Mirbach's work in the future.
I was immediately enraptured by the beginning chapters of this text. Mirbach's voice is so powerful and so clear, and I instantly needed to know more about these people who fell out of the sky and onto the page.
I appreciate the journey and the process that the real and the fictional Ursula underwent in this story. I was also enthralled by Mirbach's reformulation of the fellowship--away from Christianity and toward a more secular, philosophically-based system. The pressure of these systems (the fellowship and AA) to follow a Christian approach is something I'd thought of but never voiced. I'm thankful that someone is doing this work and writing about it.
There seemed to be a chunk of ~100 pages (somewhat after Ursula is gifted all those bottles of alcohol and after she struggles with them) where the story got so repetitive that I grew weary and doubted whether I'd make it through the rest of the text. I understand the need to be faithful to what happened in the real Mirbach's life, and I also appreciate the emphasis on the repetitive nature of obtaining and drinking alcohol, and how her entire life revolved around it for such a long period of time, but I felt this part of the text could've been sped up.
I did enjoy reading this book--I often inhaled it in 100+-page settings. I'm looking forward to reading more of Mirbach's work in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
Phoenix: 1st Act is a deeply introspective and thought-provoking novel that examines the complexities of addiction, identity, and resilience. Ursula Mirbach’s narrative captures the inner struggles of a young woman navigating the shadows of alcohol dependency while balancing her outwardly polished life. The interweaving of operatic symbolism, philosophical reflections, and both secular and faith-based recovery frameworks gives the story an intellectual depth rarely seen in contemporary fiction.
Mirbach’s portrayal of the protagonist’s double life is both gripping and empathetic, illuminating the psychological and emotional nuances of addiction. The novel challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while offering hope through human connection, philosophical insight, and the power of self-reflection. Phoenix: 1st Act is a compelling read that resonates long after the final page, a testament to Mirbach’s skill in exploring the human psyche with honesty and nuance.
Mirbach’s portrayal of the protagonist’s double life is both gripping and empathetic, illuminating the psychological and emotional nuances of addiction. The novel challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while offering hope through human connection, philosophical insight, and the power of self-reflection. Phoenix: 1st Act is a compelling read that resonates long after the final page, a testament to Mirbach’s skill in exploring the human psyche with honesty and nuance.
March 20, 2022
I received this book as a free Kindle copy through the Goodreads Giveaways.
This review has spoilers....
This was an interesting read. A young woman, it on her own, spirals from social drinking to obsessive drinking. Along the way, she has several romantic partners, some ending badly, some ending better, one dragging out way to long.
Her alcoholism makes her feel it of control and affects all aspects of her life before she tries to get sober.
I appreciate the fact that she didn't just go to AA and was suddenly better. She had fits and starts and finally conquered it by avoidance. She told people she was allergic to alcohol to avoid questions, and she had a friend who kept checking up on her.
This reads like a fiction story, although it is a memoir.
This review has spoilers....
This was an interesting read. A young woman, it on her own, spirals from social drinking to obsessive drinking. Along the way, she has several romantic partners, some ending badly, some ending better, one dragging out way to long.
Her alcoholism makes her feel it of control and affects all aspects of her life before she tries to get sober.
I appreciate the fact that she didn't just go to AA and was suddenly better. She had fits and starts and finally conquered it by avoidance. She told people she was allergic to alcohol to avoid questions, and she had a friend who kept checking up on her.
This reads like a fiction story, although it is a memoir.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
The book doesn’t fit my reading preferences. The first 2/3 of the book was repetitive with explanations of hiding her alcoholism from the world. The long musical references did not interest me.
The last 1/3 held my interest more, however, there was no deep character development. Opposite of how the author feels that there is a stigma to alcoholism, I personally don’t feel this way so it was very hard for me to relate to this book.
The last 1/3 held my interest more, however, there was no deep character development. Opposite of how the author feels that there is a stigma to alcoholism, I personally don’t feel this way so it was very hard for me to relate to this book.
March 20, 2022
This book gives an interesting perspective of the steps to recovery when someone is going through alcohol addiction. Which is a sensitive topic for me as I have many close family members who struggle with this. It was not triggering though. Different style of writing than I am used to but still a good read
March 20, 2022
A very interesting and wonderful read. It is similar to Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde, but instead of the 7 deadly sins it is about one of the most common- Alcoholism. The rise from the ashes and creating a new life by overcoming addiction. This is a wonderful read and great for anyone recovering or helping someone recover.
April 16, 2022
It was a good read. I had a bit of trouble getting onto it but I’m glad I continued with it. I really enjoyed it. The struggle was real and what an eye opener.
July 9, 2022
Haunting story.
August 21, 2022
Trying a little too hard to make AA the devil.
August 23, 2022
A little bit too much bashing of AA...
August 1, 2022
I'm not even done with this book but it's painful to read & I hope I can help stop even one person from going through this. Here's some girl who hangs out with terribly pretentious people who judge her for not knowing enough about operas or about drinking more than 2 glasses of wine. She also starts seeing a married man & feels bad for him because he's so stuck in this loveless marriage. Girl, you don't realize that he's just saying it's loveless to you because he's a lying prick? If he wanted a divorce, he could get divorced. Oh but the kids -- and the money -- ohhhh nooo. She eventually takes to hiding her "excessive" drinking -- a bottle a night. I can drink a bottle of wine over the course of a night & still be under the legal limit to drive. You're not an alcoholic with an interesting secret life. You're an annoying girl who thinks too highly of yourself and your friends.
January 13, 2022
In Phoenix: 1st Act, the reader gets to see the birth of the MC’s alcohol addiction including hiding purchases, bargaining, denial until she reaches rock bottom and realizes something needs to change and sets on the road to recovery. She then starts to analyze the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step program and how it might be altered as a secular program based on philosophy.
I don’t read memoirs or memoir-influenced fiction often but when I do, I like when they teach me something, let me see something I don’t know much about, and make me think about my own life and those in my life. I definitely had this experience while reading Phoenix 1st Act.
It is pretty sad and if you struggle with alcohol addiction or have a family member or friend who does, it may be triggering for you and result in a less than enjoyable reading experience. But, if you feel that you are in a healthy place and want to read about someone else's experience, you might find it therapeutic.
I did not have a triggering experience reading it but, I do not struggle with alcohol addiction nor do I (to my knowledge) have anyone in my close relationships who struggle with alcohol addiction.
Phoenix 1st Act reads like fiction and flows very well so I would read it for long periods of time and I wanted to keep reading and extending my reading session. The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I did notice some writing patterns that stuck out to me and reinforced in my mind that this is a debut novel. I usually only give a debut novel 5 stars if I forget it is a debut while reading due to the quality of writing.
Either way, fans of real stories, memoirs, and memoir influenced fiction, or realistic fiction will enjoy this look into the descent into alcoholism for a young woman in Europe and the journey to recovery and a new, enlightened approach to recovery.
CW: alcoholism, injury, unhealthy romantic, recovery, and familial relationships, trauma induced by alcoholism, and a shame-based religious recovery program, other trauma, and injuries described at AA meetings through other members' stories shared about their experience with alcoholism, etc.
I don’t read memoirs or memoir-influenced fiction often but when I do, I like when they teach me something, let me see something I don’t know much about, and make me think about my own life and those in my life. I definitely had this experience while reading Phoenix 1st Act.
It is pretty sad and if you struggle with alcohol addiction or have a family member or friend who does, it may be triggering for you and result in a less than enjoyable reading experience. But, if you feel that you are in a healthy place and want to read about someone else's experience, you might find it therapeutic.
I did not have a triggering experience reading it but, I do not struggle with alcohol addiction nor do I (to my knowledge) have anyone in my close relationships who struggle with alcohol addiction.
Phoenix 1st Act reads like fiction and flows very well so I would read it for long periods of time and I wanted to keep reading and extending my reading session. The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I did notice some writing patterns that stuck out to me and reinforced in my mind that this is a debut novel. I usually only give a debut novel 5 stars if I forget it is a debut while reading due to the quality of writing.
Either way, fans of real stories, memoirs, and memoir influenced fiction, or realistic fiction will enjoy this look into the descent into alcoholism for a young woman in Europe and the journey to recovery and a new, enlightened approach to recovery.
CW: alcoholism, injury, unhealthy romantic, recovery, and familial relationships, trauma induced by alcoholism, and a shame-based religious recovery program, other trauma, and injuries described at AA meetings through other members' stories shared about their experience with alcoholism, etc.
June 4, 2022
Thank you for the advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
It took me a while to get through this book. It is not a book that would normally read. Unfortunately, it was a bit underwhelming.
It took me a while to get through this book. It is not a book that would normally read. Unfortunately, it was a bit underwhelming.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews