This book resonated with every cell in my body. If you have never experienced or considered family estrangement, much of what the author has to say may be difficult to understand. The research Brown has done, along with other studies she cites throughout the book, is enlightening and comforting to those of us who come from families dealing with estrangement.

Brown shares the story of her own estrangement from her mother with honesty and grace. I can only imagine how painful yet cathartic it was for her to complete this book. Her personal anecdotes are woven with research and interviews, which come together to create a heart wrenching story, as well as an excellent resource for others.

I will return to this book again and again for strategies on handling family trauma, as well as reassurance that my family and I are not alone in our pain.

I read and enjoyed one of Harriet Brown's previous books, and was expecting a similar writing style from "Shadow Daughter." However, this book did not deliver for me. "Shadow Daughter" flips back and forth between disjointed personal narrative and quasi-scientific evidence pertaining to estrangement in family units. Although many studies and interviews are referred to by the author, the evidence does not feel solid or credible. Essentially, the book is simply personal stories, which in and of themselves are strong and effective arguments to show that estrangement is common, estrangement means many different things to many different individuals, and that estrangement occurs for varied reasons. It is not the topic itself that is flawed, but rather the approach. I believe the author should have steered more toward either the scientific, or the anecdotal, rather than going back and forth. Additionally, the format in which the author told her own story was difficult to follow, as it was not chronological, and was intermixed with quotes from the author's interviewees and the references to scientific studies. The topic itself is fascinating, and very relatable for many, many readers, I'm sure. Estrangement from family members is common, and I know that it is an issue that many people find challenging and upsetting, yet necessary. So, the topic is relevant. However, the format of the book was simply too disjointed. A final point is that the author's political views peek through the writing at times, making it seem as though the family members who tend to be the most difficult belong to certain political groups, and/or support certain political candidates. This type of stereotyping minimized the author's credibility for me, as dysfunction and alienating behavior know no political party.

Estrangement is a tough topic but impacts so many more people than expected. I am incredibly grateful that Harriet Brown wrote this book; I needed to read this and know I wasn't the only one who had had to make the difficult decision to cut a parent from their life. I will be buying multiple copies of this for my parents and siblings.

Shadow Daughter is about estrangement from family. The author reveals her story throughout the chapters as well as others she interviewed. Brown eventually had to walk away from both her parents because a relationship was too stressful. Eventually her mother dies and she rebuilds a different relationship,with her father. It's a sad subject, but sometimes a person has to walk away in order to protect herself. Anyone who has doubts about cutting ties and reads this book will find the permission they seek within its chapters.

Harriet Brown is one of the millions of people who grapple with familial estrangement. In this book, she gives compelling credence to the fact that estrangement is sometimes the healthiest option. Witness the cruel, narcissistic parents who can't see their child as a separate human being- they look upon said child as an extension of themself.
Of course, there are always two sides to the causes of estrangement. Perhaps the adult child is spoiled, ungrateful, etc,. Nonetheless, estrangements are a real part of family dynamics no matter their cause.

A heart wrenching memoir a memoir of estrangement..A book I sadly relate to so well written so honest so raw..#netgalley #Shadow Daughter #Persusbooks.

Sad, and a bit heartbreaking. Cried because it hits close to home.
Thanks to author,publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free,it had no bearing on the rating I gave it