Official Review: Stolen Memories by Kathryn Fox

obiebookworm · Post by **obiebookworm** » 11 Feb 2014, 13:09

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Stolen Memories" by Kathryn Fox.]

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"It would have been easier had he been killed by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) or a sniper's bullet. We would still be entitled to our happy memories, but they have been stolen from us. We are left with memories of a monster that turned our lives upside down." These sobering words from Fox, a British Army wife, are but a small glimpse into what eighteen months of living with a husband suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder was like.

In this harrowing memoir, Fox recounts her whirlwind romance that quickly turned into marriage and the expectation of their first child. With so much abounding love, Fox couldn't fathom the existence of unhappiness, until 9/11 -- two weeks before their wedding. The events of that horrific day in 2001 left her with an eerie feeling that was difficult for her to dismiss as she recollects," How could I have ever known that the knock-on effects of what happened on that day, thousands of miles away, would ultimately take him [her husband Peter] from me in the most unimaginable way and destroy our love forever." Two years later, Fox comes across an article about the "invisible injury" called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and quickly throws it in the back burner of her brain. Nonetheless, happiness flourishes, especially with the arrival of their second child.

More than eight wonderfully memorable years pass before Peter's six-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. But those memories begin to ebb away when he returns, and his usual bubbly demeanor shifts to withdrawal and vicious nightmares. Thinking that Fox can work logically with Peter to address whatever is upsetting him, all her support gets thrown out the window with his verbal and physical display of erratic behavior. As life grows from bad to actually "fearing for their lives," Fox has to make decisions -- ones that she doesn't want, but has no other choice -- that will be best for her and her children.

Written predominantly in British verbiage, Fox's story is not limited to her country and culture. Her message is clearly universal and one that needs to be told since the effects of PTSD upon spouses and children are nothing but horrific. The code of silence has been way too long and the truth -- the stories -- about this "invisible injury" have got to be exposed. Kudos to Fox for her bravery in addressing this timely issue!

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars!

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sahmoun2778 · Post by **sahmoun2778** » 08 Aug 2014, 16:32

Thanks for the review. And thanks to the author for sharing her story. The more people are aware the better they can respond in the future.

obiebookworm · Post by **obiebookworm** » 08 Aug 2014, 23:36

sahmoun2778 wrote:Thanks for the review. And thanks to the author for sharing her story. The more people are aware the better they can respond in the future.

You're very welcome!

Sunjay · Post by **Sunjay** » 19 Aug 2014, 11:26

I am looking forward to this novel. What stress can do to human beings. Thank you for taking the time in reviewing this novel.

obiebookworm · Post by **obiebookworm** » 19 Aug 2014, 12:17

Sunjay wrote:I am looking forward to this novel. What stress can do to human beings. Thank you for taking the time in reviewing this novel.

Yes, indeed!

You are very welcome.

BookFever · Post by **BookFever** » 19 Aug 2014, 12:33

Wow! This book sounds like a must-read. These are the types of non-fiction books that really draw my attention and it is nice to know that hopefully this will raise awareness for something that is real and that continues to affect soldiers today. Thanks for the great review!

obiebookworm · Post by **obiebookworm** » 19 Aug 2014, 12:44

BookFever wrote:Wow! This book sounds like a must-read. These are the types of non-fiction books that really draw my attention and it is nice to know that hopefully this will raise awareness for something that is real and that continues to affect soldiers today. Thanks for the great review!

It is an amazing read! I hope you are able to read it.

megagirl20 · Post by **megagirl20** » 25 Aug 2014, 10:57

Thank you all for the lovely comments and especially the amazing review. As the author of this book I admit to being terrified of a bad review. But the review was amazing and you truly captured what I was trying to convey with my words. The continued feedback I am receiving on other portals also is so heartwarming. I hate to say I hope people enjoy reading my story as of course it is heartbreaking. But if I can raise awareness of how cruel PTSD is,not only on the person, but on their loved ones too, then my pain was not in vain.

obiebookworm · Post by **obiebookworm** » 25 Aug 2014, 11:29

megagirl20 wrote:Thank you all for the lovely comments and especially the amazing review. As the author of this book I admit to being terrified of a bad review. But the review was amazing and you truly captured what I was trying to convey with my words. The continued feedback I am receiving on other portals also is so heartwarming. I hate to say I hope people enjoy reading my story as of course it is heartbreaking. But if I can raise awareness of how cruel PTSD is,not only on the person, but on their loved ones too, then my pain was not in vain.

Kathryn, I am honored to have read and reviewed your heart-wrenching story. I am so sorry that you and your children had to go through all this horrific pain. I pray that your story will begin a healing process for you as your story will offer healing to others victimized by PTSD. Blessings always!

megagirl20 · Post by **megagirl20** » 25 Aug 2014, 11:39

Thank you. Myself and my children are doing very well. I have set up my own Facebook support group for women going through the same thing and contribute to others. I will continue to tell my story and support others for as long as is needed. Which sadly will no doubt be for many years to come.

obiebookworm · Post by **obiebookworm** » 25 Aug 2014, 12:09

megagirl20 wrote:Thank you. Myself and my children are doing very well. I have set up my own Facebook support group for women going through the same thing and contribute to others. I will continue to tell my story and support others for as long as is needed. Which sadly will no doubt be for many years to come.

Awesome! One thing I didn't mention is that in a very small way I share your pain. My father served in WWII. He experienced what they called "shell shock." My father had odd depressed moments throughout his life. It got worst as he got older. He didn't heard anyone, but rather became a recluse when he was moody.

rida · Post by **rida** » 16 Sep 2014, 08:41

Such a great review. My heart just ached by reading it. The book will definitely make me sad but still I'll read it.

obiebookworm · Post by **obiebookworm** » 16 Sep 2014, 09:02

rida wrote:Such a great review. My heart just ached by reading it. The book will definitely make me sad but still I'll read it.

Thank you! My heart ached, for sure, as I read it.

LivreAmour217 · Post by **LivreAmour217** » 25 Oct 2014, 15:16

As a lifetime member of the military community in the US, I can say that PTSD is a major issue that needs more awareness. Fortunately no one in my family has had to deal with this awful condition, but I have seen it wreak havoc in the lives of others. Most people are clueless to the signs and symptoms, so families are often blindsided when it strikes. I am glad that there are books such as this one--the author was very courageous for sharing her story and I'm sure her book will help others.

Also, I want to point out that PTSD is not limited to members of the military. Anyone who has dealt with traumatic events (physical or psychological) can suffer from PTSD.

obiebookworm · Post by **obiebookworm** » 25 Oct 2014, 15:26

LivreAmour217 wrote:As a lifetime member of the military community in the US, I can say that PTSD is a major issue that needs more awareness. Fortunately no one in my family has had to deal with this awful condition, but I have seen it wreak havoc in the lives of others. Most people are clueless to the signs and symptoms, so families are often blindsided when it strikes. I am glad that there are books such as this one--the author was very courageous for sharing her story and I'm sure her book will help others.

Also, I want to point out that PTSD is not limited to members of the military. Anyone who has dealt with traumatic events (physical or psychological) can suffer from PTSD.

Thanks for sharing this!!