Official Review: Cracks in the Sidewalk by Jeanne Olufson

Renu G · Post by **Renu G** » 10 Oct 2019, 10:57

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Cracks in the Sidewalk" by Jeanne Olufson.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Cracks in the Sidewalk: Secrets of Abuse from a Child’s Eye is a heart-wrenching memoir written by Jeanne Olufson. Initially, I thought it referred to child sexual abuse, but it turned out to be a story of domestic violence, especially that of a stepmother towards her stepdaughter, which left deep wounds on the author’s psyche. Jeanne states that she has not written for catharsis. Instead, it is painful to remember the past, which is a part of therapy.

Jeanne and her brother David were abandoned by their mother when they were tiny-tots. They were loved by their grandparents, Grace and Grandy, who provided brief periods of respite from the trauma of staying with their father and stepmother. The girl suffered from nightmares because of beatings and other types of punishment inflicted upon her whenever her father was not around. I found it very painful to read the details of these episodes, and they seemed to be endless. The author felt she was made a scapegoat and blamed for anything that went wrong in the family but loved her Dad despite all that was happening. I noticed a connection between the stories she had read in childhood and how she viewed her own life story. As a counselor, I understand that there could be a gap between the events and their interpretation by Jeanne when she was a child as well as her writing about them as an adult undergoing therapy.

Some of the themes running through the family tree are child abandonment and repeated divorce between couples. Her Dad married five times. I wonder whether this kind of memoirs help or harm family relationships since they expose details from the author’s perspective without offering an opportunity for other individuals to tell their side of the story. Nevertheless, it is important to conscientize people so that they can be alert about similar happenings in their families and neighborhood. Jeanne describes some of the warning signs such as “withdrawal, poor performance, behavior dysfunction, antisocial tendencies, food stealing,” etc., among children who are abused.

The subtitle correctly describes the essence of the book, although I think it would have been more helpful to the writer as well as the reader if it was fully narrated from the perspective of an adult who has been through therapy. Eighty percent of the publication provides information about the events of her childhood. The remaining is related to her married life and relationships, which have become a sorrowful saga in need of being processed. Jeanne includes the latter because it seems to be connected to the abuse she experienced as a child. It leaves a sour taste in the mouth after finishing the read. The author tries to bring closure to her story with a few words of hope, but I do not feel convinced that all is well. The book contains so much pain that it is difficult to mention anything that I liked about the memoir. It has been written with the lenses of violence. I admire her for the courage to share about her life in this book.

Cracks in the Sidewalk: Secrets of Abuse from a Child’s Eye is edited by Jennifer Spell. I found a few typos that could easily go unnoticed. I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I did not give a higher rating because it seemed to be too lengthy. The narrative of her married life seemed to have been written randomly and drained my energy. I did not give a lower rating because it may help teenagers and adults who have been victims of child abuse. Parents, teachers, counselors, pastors, and social workers may also like to read it. Although the book is about child abuse, I think it is not meant to be read by children because of the description of violence in the author’s life.

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Cracks in the Sidewalk
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Post by **kandscreeley** » 11 Oct 2019, 17:46

It seems like the book needs a bit of editing to decide which parts are important and which can be left out. Still, it's important that the story be told. Domestic violence is all too prevalent. Thanks.

Mrunal Tikekar · Post by **Mrunal Tikekar** » 11 Oct 2019, 23:00

This sounds like a poignant read. There should be definitely more awareness about child abuse, domestic violence and its repercussions on the psyche of young minds.

Rachel Lea · Post by **Rachel Lea** » 12 Oct 2019, 09:27

The subject matter of this book would be very difficult for me to read, so I will pass on this one, but I appreciate that the author is increasing awareness of the abuse that many children have gone through. Thanks for your review!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 14 Oct 2019, 16:18

These types of memoirs are difficult to read. The writing and sharing of her childhood horrors may only be one small step in her healing process. I liked your recommendations.

acopj · Post by **acopj** » 15 Oct 2019, 07:13

It sounds so depressing, but I hope that this will serve as an inspiration to some, if not for all. Honestly, I do not like this type of books but, it's a great story.

Jennashby_87 · Post by **Jennashby_87** » 16 Oct 2019, 02:20

This book definitely sounds like it would be a difficult read, but an important one as well. Thanks for the review

Erin Painter Baker · Post by **Erin Painter Baker** » 17 Oct 2019, 11:21

I applaud the author for her courage in publishing this book. At the same time, it does seem like maybe it was something to be written during therapy to help process both the initial trauma and the ongoing effect and not necessarily meant to be published.