Review of Jubilee

[Chigo Nwagboso]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Jubilee" by Roxann Dehlin.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Being in a family where you see yourself as a mistake, burden, and dirty linen could be disheartening and pathetic. The author faced all these experiences and even worse.

Jubilee by Roxann Dehlin is a dystopian memoir. Roxann recounts her journey of self-discovery as she writes a painful account of the hatred she faces from her immediate family and relatives. Roxann suffered a series of life-threatening traumas right from childhood to adulthood. In August 1947, at eight months, Roxann was exposed to flu due to her mum’s carelessness, which resulted in a seizure that formed stroke and polio. As a result, it affected her brain, which caused forgetfulness and slow speech. She battled with all these impediments until adulthood. Her only source of happiness came from her paternal grandparents, who showered her with so much love. Her grandpa, Don, bought her a horse, Jubilee. Riding Jubilee kept her busy and away from her abusive and narcissistic mum. Roxann found the love, friendship, and companionship she lacked at home in Jubilee. She suffered this seizure for 42 years and counted up to 15,500 epileptic seizures in the first 25 years. Pick up this book to learn how her husband, Ron, Jubilee, and Dr. Holmes helped in her healing process and self-discovery.

The story is written in the first-person point of view, which helps readers connect deeply with the author’s journey. The themes center around parenting mistakes, accusations, healing, forgiveness, perseverance, discovery, and forging ahead. Interestingly, this book would serve as a wake-up call for mothers who choose to pursue a career at the detriment of their children’s welfare.

Honestly, I must commend the author for sharing the painful story of her life’s journey because it takes courage to do so. The author seems to have told her story in all honesty, and every word she said was believable. She shares her weaknesses, struggles, failures, and successes, and readers can easily relate and resonate with her story.

What I like the most about this book is the author’s inspiring decision never to give up on herself. Regardless of the embarrassment of falling in public due to the seizures, she still forged ahead with her education. Even while studying, she finds it challenging to retain and remember things, yet she kept pursuing her degree regardless of the circumstances. This attribute of the author will motivate and inspire a lot of readers.

Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Roxann’s story, and despite being a non-fiction book, it is also suspenseful and absorbing. The narration and description of events were relatable and engaging. She used friendly language throughout her narration, making my reading experience enjoyable and seamless. Roxann writes as if she’s speaking to the reader directly. I liked that the author shared some personal photographs that would help draw the reader into her world.

In conclusion, I’d recommend this book to people who suffered abuse from narcissistic parents. It would also be suitable for people who enjoy memoirs and self-discovery books. There is nothing I dislike about this book. Hence, I’d rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I believe it was professionally edited since I encountered only a few typos in the text.

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Jubilee
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[maggi3]

Wow, it's horrible that the author experienced so much trauma in her life. I'm glad, though, that she was able to share her experiences and this inspiring message that you should never give up on yourself, even when things seem impossible. Thanks for the review!

[Humeyra Karakas]

She had an abusive mom, but she was also gifted with loving grandparents, husband and a horse to spend time with. Although effects of her mother's carelessness lasted a long time, true love helped her heal. Great book for inspiration. Thanks.

[Benaron]

Sounds like a very emotional read; it's unbelievable how the author was strong enough to put it all into a book and share her experience with the world.

[Raluca_Mihaila]

The idea of a dystopian memoir seems intriguing. However, it seems like she has suffered a lot, and I feel like one has to be in a certain state of the mid to read such a tough book. Thank you for your excellent review!

[Reader Chavez]

It seems like an inspiring and emotional book. The author seems to have suffered a lot through her life and, amazingly, she manages to write her story in such an honest way. I'm eager to read this book. Thanks for the amazing review!

[Bright Umoru]

This a sad story, very emotional. People have really suffered in this world ooh

[markodim721]

I like that the author faithfully managed to move emotions into the book. Thanks for the good review.

[Miriam nkere]

What a sad story, emotional and what people go through in the hands of their supposed loved ones, nice review

[Ldpuff]

Oh my goodness. Some people really do have terrible luck and circumstances. What a story... I love when the connection of an animal shines through the terrible things happening to someone. We do not deserve animals' goodness.

[NetMassimo]

The author suffered a lot, which is why all her achievements are even more inspiring and can represent a great example for other people. Thank you for your great review!

[IamJc_Bembo12]

A motivational book that is worth reading. Her life experiences would surely resonate with everyone whose experiencing constant adversity. I am enjoying reading it. Thanks for this great review!

[zainherb]

Wow.
When you think you have seen it all, you come across another that's even worse.
I can't imagine how one person survived all that.
I have to read this book.
Great review.

[Josephe-Anne]

It's really interesting how the author was able to bond with her pet horse to overcome her trauma. I'm glad that, despite all of her challenges, she was able to accomplish her goals. I agree that this book can serve as a wake-up call for negligent mothers.

Thank you for a wonderful review!