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Fractured
Ruth Dee is one of the most extraordinary people you will ever meet. She is 50 years old, and was for 30 years a respected teacher and educational manager. She is married with three grown children. But ever since she was four years old, Ruth has lived with other people in her head. Ruth isn't certain when the sexual abuse started but her first memories are of being assualted by her grandfather, so it was certainly happening by the time she was four. Her response to the massive trauma was to detach herself from it completely. Unconsciously, she invented an alter ego to take her place and take her pain. The technique was so successful that she continued to invent personalities to deal with anything stressful that happened to her. And a lot of awful things happened. Her father abused her too; her mother was severely mentally ill, and for years, as the personalities inside her mind multiplied, Ruth was terrifed that she too was mad. On the outside, Ruth grew up to be a successful adult, but inside, all was chaos. Eventually she could no longer cope and she suffered a breakdown. Since then she has learned how to manage her condition and these days she works with research psychologists to increase the understanding and treatment of Multiple Personality Disorder.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 20, 2022
Ruth Dee has lived with other people in her head since she was four years old. It is the only way she has been able to cope and retain her sanity after being horribly abused, raped, and molested by her grandfather. Ruth eventually left home and after years of hard work, Ruth came to terms with her past and now helps others suffering from Multiple Personality Disorder.
First, Ruth Dee deserves all the love for being able to go through what she did and still come out the other side. The people and family who let this child down need to be dragged out to a public square and stoned to death. Don't ask me my thoughts on the so-called grandfather. I would be banned from GR for life. I am happy Ruth has managed to piece her life back together and help others like her. Good for you!
First, Ruth Dee deserves all the love for being able to go through what she did and still come out the other side. The people and family who let this child down need to be dragged out to a public square and stoned to death. Don't ask me my thoughts on the so-called grandfather. I would be banned from GR for life. I am happy Ruth has managed to piece her life back together and help others like her. Good for you!
April 5, 2018
For personal reasons, the author has chosen to use the pseudonym 'Ruth Dee'. The abuse she suffered was ... there is no word that can adequately describe ... hideous and vile. It makes my mind reel to even try to put it down in words here. As a coping response her mind created alternate personalities (Multiple Personality Disorder) to try to deal with it all. She managed to coexist with her 'alters' until her late 50s when she had a breakdown. She no longer needed their intervention, but she was unable to stop their participation in her life. Through therapy she finally began to mesh the pieces together again.
I felt that 'Ruth' spoke about her life in a down-to-earth manner. She worked for many years in education, was married, and had children ... all while dealing with the 'alters'. Amazing.
If you have trouble reading about child abuse (especially sexual abuse), you might not wish to read this book. The abuse is horrific, and begins at a VERY young age.
If you have an interest in Multiple Personality Disorder, you would probably find this book intriguing.
If you enjoy memoirs that are about overcoming extreme adversity, and emerging on the other side, you would like this book.
My copy of this book (same ISBN) has a different cover. I'd add a photo in my review, if I knew how to do so! ... lol
3 Stars = I liked the book. I enjoyed it. I'm glad I read it.
I felt that 'Ruth' spoke about her life in a down-to-earth manner. She worked for many years in education, was married, and had children ... all while dealing with the 'alters'. Amazing.
If you have trouble reading about child abuse (especially sexual abuse), you might not wish to read this book. The abuse is horrific, and begins at a VERY young age.
If you have an interest in Multiple Personality Disorder, you would probably find this book intriguing.
If you enjoy memoirs that are about overcoming extreme adversity, and emerging on the other side, you would like this book.
My copy of this book (same ISBN) has a different cover. I'd add a photo in my review, if I knew how to do so! ... lol
3 Stars = I liked the book. I enjoyed it. I'm glad I read it.
February 19, 2013
This was an amazingly inspiring read. The abuse Ruth went through was shocking, but even more amazing is that she survived, albeit with multiple personalities. Despite her struggles with mental health she managed to have a family and a career in education. Remarkable! A truly inspiring story for anyone who has mental health issues themselves.
January 5, 2021
This book is brilliant.
Definitely worth a read, feel so sorry for the author and everything she's been through. She is certainly a very strong woman.
Read this ASAP
Definitely worth a read, feel so sorry for the author and everything she's been through. She is certainly a very strong woman.
Read this ASAP
July 8, 2012
This book is totally disturbing.
What with all those things that has been done to the girl at an early age?!?
Who would've even thought that was possible!
And the very root of this acts are her parents!
I can't believe PARENTS will do those things to THEIR OWN CHILD!
Anywany, this book is for those Psychos out there.
HALT! Psychos, as in those people studying Psychology like me :)
And also to people who are interested in knowing more about Multiple Personality Disorder / Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Just a warning to those who are planning to read this:
Get ready to be revolted by some scenes here and some ideas on how she had MPD/DID. SOME THINGS AREN'T JUST SO BELIEVABLE TO BE HAPPENING IN REAL LIFE... knowing that this is a TRUE STORY.
That's all.
ENJOY! :D
What with all those things that has been done to the girl at an early age?!?
Who would've even thought that was possible!
And the very root of this acts are her parents!
I can't believe PARENTS will do those things to THEIR OWN CHILD!
Anywany, this book is for those Psychos out there.
HALT! Psychos, as in those people studying Psychology like me :)
And also to people who are interested in knowing more about Multiple Personality Disorder / Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Just a warning to those who are planning to read this:
Get ready to be revolted by some scenes here and some ideas on how she had MPD/DID. SOME THINGS AREN'T JUST SO BELIEVABLE TO BE HAPPENING IN REAL LIFE... knowing that this is a TRUE STORY.
That's all.
ENJOY! :D
May 16, 2009
The ongoing horrors this poor girl experienced, and from those who she should have been able to trust and who should have protected her, is just completely overwhelming. It was so hard to READ about what happened to her and to know that it was true..and in some cases toned down for the book...is just heartbreaking. Her ongoing struggle makes for compelling reading.
June 12, 2013
A powerful journey from abuse to strength.
Early horrific abuse lead to a splintering of the author into many selves.
The journey back to wholeness is told with honesty and power.
Early horrific abuse lead to a splintering of the author into many selves.
The journey back to wholeness is told with honesty and power.
April 27, 2015
beautiful story .
February 15, 2016
The recounting of the torture and abuse the author had to go through js beyond belief and anything one would think a person can endure. The psychological damage Ruth Dee is left with is therefore no surprise and similarly beyond belief. Her description of her mental health problems, Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) as a result of her abuse, is a very interesting and well written account. A gripping, yet hard going book.
March 31, 2016
Confronting...that is the word I would use to describe this book. I went into this knowing it was a true story and was shocked at all the things that happened throughout this girls life. I think Ruth is really a strong woman for beating this and is even stronger for being able to write a book about it.
November 10, 2012
I highly recommend everyone to read this book, especially those of us living with mental illness. This is a woman who took all the crap that happened to her and used it to better her world. She inspiring, sensible and strong. This is one of the books that inspired me to be brave and go back to uni.
February 18, 2013
This is a very fascinating book. But not for the sensitive reader. the author pulls you into her world with horrible, gruesome facts about her childhood. you walk with her as you read this book, and more often than not you are disgusted and repulsed by what she reveals. it is a miracle that she survived.
September 14, 2015
Shocking and disturbing. I had to pause at some parts (read: many) a few moments to digest what the author had told. It is about time when you have chances to read stories about what and how people with psychiatric illnesses went through in life in details. Their struggle to act and think normally or at least make people to believe so.
March 13, 2017
Phew, this was harrowing! Very interesting though and I am not surprised she couldn't cope
with all that was happening to her without developing severe mental health problems. It is amazing that she could hide it so well from other people. I do hope she has found a lot more peace in her life by now. Would be great to have an update.
with all that was happening to her without developing severe mental health problems. It is amazing that she could hide it so well from other people. I do hope she has found a lot more peace in her life by now. Would be great to have an update.
June 30, 2010
interesting story from a MPD sufferer, but the writing style is a bit boring. However I realise it's not a fiction and written by the person herself and she deserves a big thumb up for her bravery in revealing her difficult past.
April 7, 2016
A confronting autobiography- this was hard to read in places because the abuse Ruth suffered was so horrific and sad. An interesting read about abuse, mental illness, .... But also about hope and love.
February 22, 2009
Unputdownable! Gripping, shocking and celebrates the power of the human spirit.
February 18, 2013
Couldn't put this book down! Poor girl! But she is so strong and that is what nakes this book great!
unfinished
May 21, 2013Although it was insightful at the beginning, I had hoped it would be more focused on MPD and so have lost the motivation to continue reading it.
November 12, 2014
One very courageous lady. A horrifying story of mental and sexual abuse from those to whom she should have been able to rely on for her safety. Definitely worth reading.
January 14, 2015
Well-written. A very good book for those able to stomach reading of such horrors.
May 10, 2015
Confronting is the only way to describe this book. Certainly is an eye opener.
November 27, 2016
A very honest and painful memoir about a life no one should have to endure. However, ultimately Ruth is a wonderfully strong person with an amazing will to be and survive.
November 6, 2025
The author had Multiple Personality Disorder (or Dissociative Identity Disorder) beginning in her childhood. However, she kept this a secret for many years, not even knowing there were other people who suffered from the same symptoms and that there was a name for the problem.
It was quite an accomplishment for the author to compose her thoughts including those of the terrible cruel things she experienced as a child. Sharing her experiences in a book available to the public is very generous of her.
Later in her life it was difficult for the author to find psychological help, partly because she had always coped so well with her disorder and partly because there weren't many professionals with experience working with people with the disorder.
Thank goodness she has a very understanding husband and children who love her very much and have been a great help to her.
It was quite an accomplishment for the author to compose her thoughts including those of the terrible cruel things she experienced as a child. Sharing her experiences in a book available to the public is very generous of her.
Later in her life it was difficult for the author to find psychological help, partly because she had always coped so well with her disorder and partly because there weren't many professionals with experience working with people with the disorder.
Thank goodness she has a very understanding husband and children who love her very much and have been a great help to her.
December 1, 2023
An enticing premise, but for me, it felt a bit distant. The story's structure was strong, yet the characters seemed to keep their emotions at arm's length, making it hard to really connect with them. I found myself yearning for a more inviting tone to truly delve into their experiences. Although the writing showed skill, I wished for a cozier, more personal touch to fully immerse myself in the heart of the narrative. Overall, it held promise, but I missed that snug, personal vibe that usually draws me into a story.
August 27, 2023
No one should ever have to experience the horrific abuse Ruth and her siblings encountered. Absolutely heartbreaking what they went through. Ruth from the very start is a very determined person who has the strength and courage to overcome everything she has went through as she goes on a journey to recover from the severe trauma which has impacted on her life. An insightful read but equally distressing at times.
March 24, 2023
Such a moving story…
After got to the part about Grandad, I almost stopped reading. Without being graphic, Ruth shared her horror. I didn’t want to read any more. It made me so sick to my stomach. But I thought if Ruth could bear to share her story then I could bear to read it. Her survival is just as awe-inspiring as it is heartbreaking. She shares her truth so well.
After got to the part about Grandad, I almost stopped reading. Without being graphic, Ruth shared her horror. I didn’t want to read any more. It made me so sick to my stomach. But I thought if Ruth could bear to share her story then I could bear to read it. Her survival is just as awe-inspiring as it is heartbreaking. She shares her truth so well.
January 24, 2024
Extraordinary
This is a very a very readable account of the author's life. It is painful to read. It is painful to understand that the extraordinary abuse that happened to her happens more often than we realize. Amazing that Ruth ever managed to climb out of the horror to which she had been introduced. Thank you for writing this book.
This is a very a very readable account of the author's life. It is painful to read. It is painful to understand that the extraordinary abuse that happened to her happens more often than we realize. Amazing that Ruth ever managed to climb out of the horror to which she had been introduced. Thank you for writing this book.
June 11, 2020
Emotional, Sad, and heartbreaking, this book had me in tears, It also had me feeling disgusted with society and the things we let happen under our noses. I feel with all my heart for the author and anyone who has had to live a life like this.
August 23, 2018
Great book, what a struggle for her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews