Her Last Death: A Memoir by Susanna Sonnenberg Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Her Last Death: A Memoir
Book Review: Not sure why this got such mixed reviews
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm surprised by the mixed reviews of this book. As an avid memoir reader and wanna-be-published-memoirist, I thought Sonnenberg did an outstanding job of showing readers what a mixed bag of emotions and motivations her family members could be. She put that scrutiny onto herself as well, examining her own culpability along the way. Perhaps that's what some readers chaffed against: that until the middle of the book she herself is rather unlikable, disrespectful, sleezy, spoiled. But the sheer fact that Sonnenberg *presents* herself as such shows us she knows well what she's doing as an author, especially as she grows up and her real-life character arcs in the process. The writing was mostly clean and clear (a handful of sentences had some rhythm problems), and the book demands to be read once started. I'd recommend this book to a friend or bookclub. Book Review: A Literary Memoir
Summary: 5 Stars
The writing in this book mesmerizes, and must trump all mentions of plot events, sexiness, and craziness. (Not that it isn't plotted, sexy, and crazy.) In spite of many reviewers tendency to focus on the well-drawn but flashy props like affairs in airplane bathrooms and cocaine paraphenalia, it's the large issues that must convince the reader of this book's deep success. Sonnenberg cradles parenthood, abortion, love, addiction, and happiness in a deft and nuanced grip. As for comparisons to other recent memoirs, The Glass Castle is fragile and transparent compared to the lovely architecture of Her Last Death.Book Review: Pretty good
Summary: 4 Stars
I liked this book well enough I suppose. The first half to me is a lot different and more interesting than the last half. I wish the ending had left more closure I guess you could say. ..Book Review: Wonderful book!
Summary: 5 Stars
This was one I could not put down. The writing is wonderful and the stories are heartbreaking. I recommend it to everyone!Book Review: The Book of the Year
Summary: 5 Stars
Brilliant. Mesmerizing. I know people with crazy mothers. I know people (including myself) who have done everything she describes in this memoir. Forget the reviewers who have the audacity to criticize and judge Susanna. Applaud her for the courage it must have taken to reveal all that pain on the page. Bravo.