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: Am I the only one?
Summary: 4 Stars
Apparently, reading thru the reviews here... I am the only one who read this and in the process thought: "Yup. Unfortunately, This Mother is an unfortunate, textbook example of a childhood sexual assault victim... classic symptoms."?
Now, this is never explicitly stated by the author- never really investigated as the Mother is manic, fraught with lies on top of more lies on top of a deep desire for sexual attention in any capacity- positive or negative- but the Mother's behavior combines with uncontrollable, manipulative desperation. She can only view herself (and therefore her daughters) in a sexual capacity- it is the only thing she has confidence in; This takes on horrifying facets and overwhelms this volume.
I believe the writer, Ms. Sonnenberg when she describes the drug use she grew up surrounded with: Many of my peers had comparable experiences (including myself) where the liberated, neo-hippy parent was the one buying the first drink, offering the first joint and/or hit... "I'd rather you get it from me than some stranger on the street" I heard over and over again... doesn't make it right, and no, I do not approve or desire to emulate it... but it happened frequently. Good for you if that was not your experience, but it's not uncommon.
My most substantial annoyance with this book is how all problems are blamed squarely on Mom:
Promiscuous as an teen and then as an adult? Oh well, that is my Mom's fault for raising me. The flagellation gets old. It gets predictable and tiresome.
C'mon, when you take charge of your actions and responsibilities you heal and become a better person. This doesn't relay or resolve that to my satisfaction.
The author at finish of book is solidly distracted with a new marriage, hard work, poverty and yes, attempted redemption thru motherhood- but I'd genuinely like to read more about her healing process. So many pages dedicated to her chaotic upbringing- and yet not much more than snapshots on healing... the writing ability is there... the finish is not.
Lastly, This is written well, but if you are expecting titillation or detailed descriptions of sordid sex you will be dissapointed. Perhaps this contributed to the number of negative reviews... or at least... so some of the review history of the disappointed critics I clicked on might attest! This is not a romance. This is not an erotic book. It is not an instruction manual. There is a love story... but not as you'd expect.
Book Review: Sorry you're so priveleged
Summary: 5 Stars
I am shocked at the distasteful reviews of this book! It is an absolute masterpiece!!!!! I am sorry that so many of you have lived behind rose-colored glasses (and in glass houses) that you cannot appreciate the way the rest of the world lives. WAKE UP!!!!!Book Review: Excellent Memoir
Summary: 4 Stars
I am in a book club and this book was chosen for this month's read. I just started reading it this week and I am almost finished. I hate to put it down. It is hard to believe what this girl's life was like growing up. I think it is a great book and would definately reccomend it to my friends. Book Review: Runaround Sue...
Summary: 1 Stars
Just because the woman writes well and is now married (for a second time) and a mom, are we really expected to let her off the hook for her cheating, lying, and generally deplorable behavior for the first 2/3 of the book? I don't think so. There's two sides to every coin, but the tarnished side of this bad penny is enough to make me want my money back.Book Review: An awesome book! A real page turner
Summary: 5 Stars
This book grabbed my attention in the first chapter, and kept it throughout the book. I never wanted to put it down. It was definitely a real page turner. I couldn't wait to see what story the author was going to tell next. I would recommend this to everyone!