Official Review: Falling in Love With Myself

[Mercelle]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Falling in Love With Myself" by Savina Plescia Redpath.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Savina Plescia Redpath narrates the story of her life in Falling in Love with Myself, a non-fiction book. She chronicles the difficulties that she and her family had to endure because of their abject poverty. That coupled with dealing with her high-handed father results in an emotional read with occasional rays of happiness.

The author's parents immigrated from Italy to South Africa when she was a toddler, and that's where she spent her childhood. Her father's lack of a formal education left him with little option. He took odd jobs to provide for the family. Her mother was a housewife who supported her husband wholeheartedly, moving with him to wherever his work would take him. The author navigated the web of challenges that life threw at her, came into her own and built a life better than the one she knew growing up.

The author's thirst for her father's affection is prominent throughout the book. Because she and her father were of different eras, their relationship remained fractured. It was heartbreaking to uncover the extent to which her father went in his attempts to force her to conform. The man took his anger out on his children and seemed to have issues, partly because of his dire financial situation and what I concluded to be PTSD. He was a prisoner of war during WWII, and that left him scarred. I liked that the author opened up about this because people in such situations suffer in silence. She mentioned how she dealt with depression as an adult and I'm glad she didn't transfer the bitterness to her marriage.

The book's first-person narration increases its relatability. The events tend to overlap, but I liked that the author dedicated each chapter to a specific topic. She uses Standard English and readers will pick that up from her spelling. There are also a few poems sprinkled throughout the book, which lovers of poetry will enjoy. She states that her love for writing began with poetry. At the beginning of the chapters, the author opens with quotes that relate to the ensuing events. These set the tone for what readers should expect from the text.

I noticed a few errors, but the most disappointing is that some sentences and paragraphs are incomplete. I found this annoying because it detracted from the reading experience. Another misstep is that the author gives false impressions of the book's ending. Towards the end of the book, two chapters state that the work is concluding yet there is more material to get through. I, however, wasn't too concerned about beginning a new section on the next page. Readers who skim might be put off by this. I'll, therefore, award this book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars and recommend that it undergoes a round of editing to iron out these issues.

Overall, the book is thought-provoking and captivating. I'll recommend it to lovers of inspirational stories, anyone seeking solutions on how to overcome childhood trauma, and anyone looking for a reflective read.

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Falling in Love With Myself
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Like Mercy Bolo's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Rosemary Khathibe]

As many people seem to suffer from depression nowadays, I would like to know how the author was able to deal with it. The book seems like an inspiring read indeed. Great review!

[Book Lover 35]

I've recently read a book that had a break in the middle of the ending. It was confusing. This book sounds like a good drama. Thank you for the review!

[Bonfire]

Well, in my own perspective, I think the author started with emotional trauma she passed through. To her life was so unfair and unbearable. I love the fact that she came up with interesting points that portray the theme.
The book is eye opener to those willing to fall back from having quality educational background. She was also able to explain the misunderstanding between her and the father which was as a result of the fact that he(father) was so incompetent to take care of his family.
The last but not the least of the points she made was the fact the mother was so supportive and obedient which I suggest should be a lesson to the present wives. The author went further to explain the good roles her mother played in the family which I believe was as a result of self control. Therefore I rate it 3 of 4 stars.

[kandscreeley]

The incomplete sentences and paragraphs would probably bother me. Nonetheless, it sounds like this is an emotionally powerful read. The author had to endure a lot. Thanks.

[Chigozie Anuli Mbadugha]

I think self-love is the basis for any other love that one shares with others. The story of the childhood difficulties will help young adults struggling with a low self-esteem to pick themselves up. Thanks for a very insightful review!