Review of I was a Screamer

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I was a Screamer" by Francine Proulx.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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I was a Screamer is a non-fiction book written by Francine Proulx. The memoir shares an account of her alternative life. She writes a brutally honest, insightful, and emotional journey with intelligence and humour, which keeps the reader captivated by her fascinating story.

The author’s story starts and ends in Quebec. Francine was one of three biological children, one adopted child, and many fostered children. The children were given terrible food, sometimes on the verge of being rotten. Bathing was only a weekly occurrence, and beatings were commonplace in this strange home. These issues made Francine desire to be elsewhere and to be someone special and completely different. Her school days provide memories of embarrassment and sometimes acting like someone else to gain attention, to detract from her unkempt and dirty appearance.

Despite her difficulties, Francine gains a BA in Psychology and Education Sciences from Ottawa University. This qualification leads her to work with children with emotional problems. Here she meets a member of staff who lives in a commune. This idea piques Francine’s interests, and she and her boyfriend Ronald decide to spend a year in the wilderness, living from the land and surviving extreme weather. Following this adventure, they decide to travel to London to join a yoga commune, where they partake in magic mushrooms, acid, and naturism. Here they learn about the Atlantis Commune on an island off the west coast of Ireland. They decide to go, and this begins her twenty years of participation in the Atlantis Commune.

My first observation about this book is how beautiful the writing is. The author writes creatively, intelligently, and adds humour. Many of the issues in the book include comedy, self-deprecation, and a warm and welcoming writing style. She also speaks of all the individuals in the book with respect, despite them being flawed people who have done unkind, and in some cases, unimaginable things. The author does not see herself as a victim of abuse, and I admire her strength and the forgiveness she has maintained throughout her life. I also must commend her honesty through the memoir. She hides nothing and displays her life openly, sharing her successes and tragedies in equal measures.

The descriptions of her twenty years in the Atlantis Commune are fascinating. I was amazed by this lifestyle and how she managed to stay part of it for so long. The overwhelming need for acceptance and love made the author pliable to controlling individuals who seemed to be masters at brainwashing their fellow members.

I enjoyed reading about the family dynamics and struggles. Illnesses, strained relationships, and bereavements were covered sensitively. The author spent a lot of time working with children and adults with emotional problems and spent some time working in a jail. I found it interesting that she was able to help herself by helping so many others. Not only has she developed herself, but she has also left a legacy by teaching others.

I loved this book. I was intrigued from the very beginning and amazed by this woman’s extraordinary life. Her writing style captivated me, and I loved her honest accounts. I found nothing to dislike about the book. I found just three spelling and grammar errors, but this did not detract from my enjoyment. I believe the book is very well edited as these mistakes were minor. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. It is suitable for adult readers who enjoy learning about alternative lifestyles and dealing with the consequences of a difficult childhood.

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I was a Screamer
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[The frant1c reader]

I appreciate how the author manages to remain so optimistic and warm even after so many troubling events. Would be inspirating to read it. Nice review!