Review of My Life in the Dark

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 26 Oct 2024, 10:47

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "My Life in the Dark" by Kathleen M Kline.]

4 out of 5 stars

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"My Life in the Dark: A Marriage Built on Lies" is a powerful memoir by Kathleen M. Kline. In this riveting narrative, she walks us through her life journey as she puts on a brave face to endure the struggles she and her children face due to an abusive ex-husband. Kathleen was married to Cody for over twelve years, and they have three children: 10-year-old Ethan, 8-year-old Emma, and 5-year-old Bella. In the compelling first chapter, Kathleen discovers that her husband's name is not Cody but Michael. This is just the beginning of a series of lies. From there, Kathleen and the readers are bombarded with so many deceptions. We can clearly witness how their marriage was built on lies, and she was living in the dark. As she points out, there are twelve lies in their marriage certificate. I just couldn't believe the astonishing amount of fabrications he made, including concealing his previous marriage. Kathleen applies for a divorce immediately. But that leads to the beginning of their ordeal. Michael turns into a stalker, and Kathleen is forced to move from place to place with her children and horses to evade him. He disregards law enforcement and the restraining order placed against him and violates them often. Even deportation doesn't deter him. Throughout her endeavors, Kathleen's strength is tested numerous times, but she finds support from many kind-hearted people along the way. How does she confront all these challenges? Can she safeguard herself and her children from Mike's stalking hands? Does she successfully move on in her life and begin anew? Grab the book to find out the answers.

The memoir is written in first-person perspective, which puts us right in the scene. I loved the author's conversational style of writing. It effectively conveyed her thoughts and created a stronger connection between her and the readers. I appreciated the use of bold letters in some places to emphasize important points. The cover was an eye-catcher, and it was the first thing that attracted me.

Although I'm not familiar with horses, I love animals a lot. So I enjoyed reading the scenes involving horses and dogs. I absolutely loved the dogs Coojoe and Brax. When Kathleen had to leave her pets, I genuinely felt sad and got teary-eyed. It was distressing to read about the loss of their home and their possessions in the fire. At one point, when Kathleen is overwhelmed by her struggles, she finds comfort and clarity in her ordinary, routine tasks. It is quite true and has helped me to focus on my problems and reach a solution. I was also impressed by the idea of Kathleen writing a journal for Ethan.

This book would be an eye-opener for people dealing with abusive relationships. Many women believe everything is normal and bear with all the harassment and abuse. Reading this book will surely enlighten them and help them to realize and overcome their predicaments.

The pacing was a bit slow in the middle, but it picked up later, and I just couldn't put the book down. I felt the ending was a bit abrupt and really wanted to know what happened afterward. The part about Michael's family and his previous marriages was cut off too suddenly and wasn't clearly portrayed. Like Kathleen, I can't understand why no one told her the truth about Michael. I would love to know more about that. Additionally, I felt the depiction of the abuse could have been highlighted more effectively to make a much stronger impact. Giving Ethan a knife for protection didn't feel right. Also, I didn't expect Kathleen to send him to his dad when he was aggressive towards the girls. But these are just my personal opinions. I noticed some errors while reading. So for the above-mentioned reasons, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. Those who like gripping stories of women facing resilience in the face of betrayal, abuse, and fear will appreciate this memoir. This story made a lasting impression on my mind, and I sincerely hope that whoever is in such an abusive relationship gets help and comes out of it.

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My Life in the Dark
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Yin Jiang · Post by **Yin Jiang** » 17 Nov 2024, 23:43

This sounds like a very compelling book. The gaps in the story that you have mentioned are interesting. I wonder if it means that the author was able to move on without fully reconciling all the things that happened to her. I am drawn to reading this book. Thank you for your review!

falola Ayomide · Post by **falola Ayomide** » 18 Nov 2024, 05:40

I just finished reading "My Life in the Dark" by Kathleen M, and I'm still trying to process the emotions that flooded me throughout this book. Kathleen's story is one of unimaginable pain, resilience, and ultimately, hope.

As someone who has struggled with mental health issues, I found Kathleen's raw honesty both comforting and triggering. Her willingness to share her darkest moments, and her unwavering determination to heal, resonated deeply with me.

What struck me most was Kathleen's writing style - vivid, evocative, and unflinchingly honest. Her words painted a picture of a life shrouded in darkness, yet illuminated by glimmers of light.

This memoir isn't an easy read, but it's a necessary one. Kathleen's story sheds light on the complexities of mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the power of human resilience.

Post by **Kutloano Makhuvhela** » 18 Nov 2024, 06:45

Thank you for such a well detailed review. I will skip on reading this book because it sound unappealing to me. Other than that, you did a fantastic job. Keep it up.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 18 Nov 2024, 10:41

Yin Jiang wrote: ↑17 Nov 2024, 23:43 This sounds like a very compelling book. The gaps in the story that you have mentioned are interesting. I wonder if it means that the author was able to move on without fully reconciling all the things that happened to her. I am drawn to reading this book. Thank you for your review!

Thanks for reading my review!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 18 Nov 2024, 10:52

falola Ayomide wrote: ↑18 Nov 2024, 05:40 I just finished reading "My Life in the Dark" by Kathleen M, and I'm still trying to process the emotions that flooded me throughout this book. Kathleen's story is one of unimaginable pain, resilience, and ultimately, hope.

As someone who has struggled with mental health issues, I found Kathleen's raw honesty both comforting and triggering. Her willingness to share her darkest moments, and her unwavering determination to heal, resonated deeply with me.

What struck me most was Kathleen's writing style - vivid, evocative, and unflinchingly honest. Her words painted a picture of a life shrouded in darkness, yet illuminated by glimmers of light.

This memoir isn't an easy read, but it's a necessary one. Kathleen's story sheds light on the complexities of mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the power of human resilience.

Thanks for sharing your views!

vickie anaya · Post by **vickie anaya** » 18 Nov 2024, 11:38

This sounds like an important book not only to the victims of abuse but also to all women. The book would go a long way to help families live in harmony.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 18 Nov 2024, 21:47

vickie anaya wrote: ↑18 Nov 2024, 11:38 This sounds like an important book not only to the victims of abuse but also to all women. The book would go a long way to help families live in harmony.

Thanks!

Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine · Post by **Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine** » 21 Nov 2024, 02:38

What a compelling story; unfortunately this type of marriage built on lies happens often. I can only imagine what Kathleen went through. The feeling of trusting someone so much that you marry him and have kids with, to find out that even his name is fake; the thought of it gives me chills; it's horrible.
As this book is a memoir, the fact that the author seems to not give some needed details of her life, probably means that she is still dealing with these emotionally. May be it's too difficult for her to describe the abuse. Anyway I am sure it's a good book, and I will add it to my shelves. Thank you for your detailed review.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 21 Nov 2024, 04:18

Yasmine ZM wrote: ↑21 Nov 2024, 02:38 What a compelling story; unfortunately this type of marriage built on lies happens often. I can only imagine what Kathleen went through. The feeling of trusting someone so much that you marry him and have kids with, to find out that even his name is fake; the thought of it gives me chills; it's horrible.
As this book is a memoir, the fact that the author seems to not give some needed details of her life, probably means that she is still dealing with these emotionally. May be it's too difficult for her to describe the abuse. Anyway I am sure it's a good book, and I will add it to my shelves. Thank you for your detailed review.

Thanks a lot for reading my review!

Denise Clark · Post by **Denise Clark** » 21 Nov 2024, 15:37

Maybe the book isn’t so much about the abuse as it is about the effects of the abuse. I would love to read it! Thanks for your review!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 21 Nov 2024, 22:16

Denise Clark wrote: ↑21 Nov 2024, 15:37 Maybe the book isn’t so much about the abuse as it is about the effects of the abuse. I would love to read it! Thanks for your review!

Thank you!