Review of Faking Fairytales

[Marie Chalupová]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Faking Fairytales" by Aimie O'Callahan.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Memory is a fickle thing. It can be easily manipulated and influenced. Then, years later, it takes just a spark, and all those seemingly innocent memories appear in a new light.

Faking Fairytales: A Silent Daughter Speaks by Aimie O'Callahan is a memoir that begins with such a moment. Aimie thought her family was quite normal, but when she learns some unsettling secrets about her father, everything starts falling into place. We follow the author as she tries to process her disturbing past while facing her family, who would rather keep living in the lie. We also catch glimpses of her tumultuous life as her suppressed traumas manifest into serious mental health issues.

I must say, the quality of the writing truly impressed me. The memoir reads like a compelling novel. The author didn't dwell too much on her thoughts. Instead, she provided a lot of dialogue and even some email conversations. Along the narrative of the focused time period, when she is dealing with all these new revelations, we also get chapters that are collections of her memories. These snippets start as brief glimpses from her early childhood and gradually expand, offering an immersive exploration of her life experiences.

I must sincerely commend the author for bravely sharing her story, potentially resonating with others in similar situations. These stories often remain within the family to maintain their public image. In this regard, the author employs pseudonyms to safeguard their privacy. However, there is an urgent need for greater awareness. Without it, these cycles of trauma are destined to perpetuate, as evidenced by Aimie's wider family. It's crucial for people to comprehend how easily manipulation and gaslighting can distort someone's perspective.

Besides a few minor errors, I had absolutely no issues with the book. It is expertly written and eye-opening. Therefore, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

While the author recommends the book to those who may have experienced similar hardships, I believe it holds even greater significance for those who haven't. Gaining even a second-hand understanding of such experiences can equip individuals to navigate similar situations and foster empathy towards those who have endured them.

This book includes descriptions of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as mentions of drug abuse, self-harm, and suicide.

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Faking Fairytales
View: on Bookshelves

[Gerry Steen]

The fact that this memoir is written like a novel makes this an attractive book to read. I see that the content is very heavy and deals with a lot of traumatizing experiences of the author. I congratulate her for writing this story. By doing so, she provides support for those who have suffered similar experiences and educates those who have not. Thank you for this concise and informative review.

[Anaïs Quesson]

I have to say, what attracted me first when opening your review is the book's cover. The art is both sad and beautiful. Mesmerizing. It seems like it perfectly fits the story the author wanted to share.
It's always nice to have a memoir read like a novel. In my opinion, it makes the reader's experience easier.
Thank you for this honest review, keep up the good work!

[Sarah Zain]

Discovering some family secrets may be truly devastating and may cause trauma. The author's ability to deal with what she went through and share it is worthy of appreciation. As you mentioned, her way of narrating the topic considered as an attractive factor. A wonderful and expressive review of the book.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

At first, I thought the title must suggest this book is an alternate take on fairy tales, but I was way off. The content sounds heavy-going; I agree with you; people who haven't experienced these kinds of traumas can understand what their friends/partners/colleagues have been through.