Review of This Side of the Darkness

[Joyce Nwaogazie]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "This Side of the Darkness" by Andromeda Storm.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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This Side of the Darkness is a book in the non-fiction genre written by Andromeda Storm. This is a coming-of-age autobiography from the perspective of a girl raised on the dark side of America that is often taken lightly because it isn't given much consideration. Readers are shown her life while growing up and how she strived to prevent her monsters from winning the battle over her life. 

Annie, later addressed as Storm, her real name, was raised in a dysfunctional home. Her mother suffered physical and emotional abuse in her first marriage. The union ended, and her mother, unable to stay without a man in her life, quickly found a replacement. The circle continued, and with each new relationship, new forms of abuse were brought in. Storm got affected by this dysfunctionality. At some point in her life, she suffered abuse of all sorts. What led to her promiscuous lifestyle was her rape. She had affairs with men, sometimes being the one who seduced them. However, would she continue living her life without purpose? Read this book to find out. 

The forms of abuse present in the narrative left me feeling down. The continuation of the abuse cycle, especially as experienced by Storm and Orion, her brother with autism, made me say a silent prayer that all would be well with them. It was soothing to read about how she cared for and shielded Orion from the abuse as much as possible. I admired how strong she was through all the hardships she passed through. I liked that Storm didn't let the monsters that came in different forms mar her life forever. It's encouraging to read about how she found solace. This book taught me that once we become intentional, no darkness will continue to thrive in our lives. 

I applauded the author's courage to share her deepest secrets with readers. This wasn't an easy task, yet she carried it out. The narrative flows smoothly as readers are taken through her growing-up phase, her education, and her difficult stages without any parts being incoherent or jumbled. I liked how she let readers into her thoughts, which made it possible to know the reason for her actions. I have no regrets about reading this book, and I sincerely hope it will be within reach of individuals who need it. 

I'll deduct a star and rate it four out of five stars because of the numerous errors I found, which show the book wasn't professionally edited. I didn't dislike any parts of the book other than the errors. The narrative was written from a place of love, reaching out to others who might have experienced a similar situation to soothe their broken souls. This book gives readers the courage to fight their monsters. 

I recommend this book to readers who have gone through the harrowing experience of any form of abuse. This memoir will make them understand that they aren't alone and make them strive to ensure that darkness doesn't get the upper hand in their lives.

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This Side of the Darkness
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[Tamara Bengesai]

This is an interesting review done so beautiful and detailed. I would definitely would want to read this book to see how Annie's life later developed. What di the abuse do to her life. Congratulations!

[Grace Lee Rose]

Storm's life is all shades of heartbreaking. I love her tenacity in overcoming her monsters. I look forward to reading this wonderful memoir filled with all sorts of emotions. Thanks for the review.

[Elina Tshabalala]

I'm proud of the woman Storm turned out to be. It couldn't have been easy! Thanks for the review!

[Desola Orimoloye]

It's heartbreaking to hear about the abuse that Storm experienced and the continuation of the abuse cycle in her family. I'm glad Storm found solace and didn't let it mar her life forever. Her strength and resilience are truly admirable.

[NetMassimo]

This is a really tough story and sadly it's not uncommon. People who live in such bad situations need help to get out, as very few of them can fix their lives on their own. An autobiography such as this one can be an inspiration for people in need. Thank you for your great review!