Official Review: Four Grams of Affliction

[kimmyschemy06]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Four Grams of Affliction" by Patricia M. Gunn.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Four Grams of Affliction is a poignant memoir by Patricia M. Gunn.

On February 7, 2016, the author, together with her wife Elisa, their twin daughters Sofia and Charlotte and the author’s mother set out for a one week vacation in an exotic barrier island in Florida. On their last night on the island, the author made the mistake of going out alone supposedly to exchange business cards with a new acquaintance at the pool bar and ended up staying for a few bottles of beer. What happened next altered her life forever.

This is a painful and eye-opening account of one brave woman’s ordeal in the hands of a soulless predator who violated her soul and shook her life to the core. However, more than the physical pain which includes burning and throbbing ache in her private parts, urinating blood, bruises all over her body and a concussion that resulted to aphasia (loss of ability to understand or express speech caused by brain damage) was the self-loathing for allowing this vile and disgusting thing to happen to her.

This is a poignant memoir that depicts the harrowing aftermath of sexual trauma. In vividly agonizing details, the author walks the readers through the nightmare that was rape, from the overwhelming confusion and disorientation, to the trip to the Emergency Room, meeting with psychiatrists and neurologists, suicide attempts, and stays at psychiatric wards of hospitals. Worst of all is the self-hate that never leaves and eats at her and pushes her to self-destruction.

What I like most about the book is the strength of character that the author shows. It displays her extraordinary will to do the right thing not just for herself but for all the victims of sexual assault. It shows her firm grasp at hope and the genuine desire to share that hope to others.

The most important part of the book for me is the message about self-acceptance. Apparently, the author’s problems began with her sexual orientation as her anxiety concerning her sexuality led her to alcohol and substance abuse.

Undoubtedly, this is one well-written memoir. The author successfully describes not only the difficulties, frustrations, psychological as well as emotional trauma, the embarrassment and humiliation, the pain of disappointment but also the tremendous hate for another human being and the burning desire for justice.

However, this book is not for everybody as some scenes may make some readers feel uncomfortable. Moreover, by putting the flashback of the author’s adolescent years in the middle of the book, I found it difficult to pick up where the first part left off. Other readers, though, may not have any trouble with that. Finally, there are several noticeable errors within the entire book mostly grammatical and typos (like come upon and me and I didn’t had softball).

I, therefore, rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It is a book about courage, determination and the hope and will to live. I recommend it to readers who enjoy memoirs and to those who appreciate books about rising above adversity. Some scenes of abuse and self-destruction may not be suitable for young readers.

******
Four Grams of Affliction
View: on Bookshelves

Like kimmyschemy06's review? Post a comment saying so!

[TashaCrispin]

I think I will check out this book.I love authors' depiction of a strong character.It's even more interesting because it's a real-life story.Love your review, it has induced my interest in the book.

[NL Hartje]

Oh kimmy, this seems like an emotional read. I cringed reading your review. Great job relaying the power of this story.

[kandscreeley]

The flashbacks would be a bit disorienting to me. However, I can't even imagine what the author went through. It shows her strength that she was able to come back from that. Powerful. Thanks!

[Sahani Nimandra]

My god! I admire her strength and courage, such events are difficult indeed and very difficult to overcome even though time heals pain. Her acceptance is just "wow" but at these trouble moment the love of a family is important. Thank you for sharing this book, definitely in my shelf!

[kimmyschemy06]

I think I will check out this book.I love authors' depiction of a strong character.It's even more interesting because it's a real-life story.Love your review, it has induced my interest in the book.

Thank you. I hope you learn from it as much as I did.

[kimmyschemy06]

Oh kimmy, this seems like an emotional read. I cringed reading your review. Great job relaying the power of this story.

Thank you very much. It is, indeed, a powerful story.

[kimmyschemy06]

The flashbacks would be a bit disorienting to me. However, I can't even imagine what the author went through. It shows her strength that she was able to come back from that. Powerful. Thanks!

You're welcome. POWERFUL is a befitting word for the author.

[kimmyschemy06]

My god! I admire her strength and courage, such events are difficult indeed and very difficult to overcome even though time heals pain. Her acceptance is just "wow" but at these trouble moment the love of a family is important. Thank you for sharing this book, definitely in my shelf!

You're welcome. I hope you get a chance to read it.

[Darnall123]

Sounds like a page turner....Im going to havr to check it out.

[JemLopez]

I like the word courage i admire her strenght its bravery inspite for what had happen she stands up and accept it I definitely put it in my shelf thank you for sharing

[kimmyschemy06]

Sounds like a page turner....Im going to havr to check it out.

I hope you get a chance to read it.

[kimmyschemy06]

I like the word courage i admire her strenght its bravery inspite for what had happen she stands up and accept it I definitely put it in my shelf thank you for sharing

You're welcome. I hope you get a chance to read it.

[Jkhorner]

This seems like a heavy book to work through; I don't think I could do it. Do you think it would be beneficial or harmful for someone who's had similar experiences to ready this book?

[kimmyschemy06]

This seems like a heavy book to work through; I don't think I could do it. Do you think it would be beneficial or harmful for someone who's had similar experiences to ready this book?

I sincerely think it would be beneficial as it shares encouragement and hope to other victims.