Cover Image: Dancing with the Octopus

Dancing with the Octopus

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Member Reviews

A haunting and poignant memoir of resiliency and the fight to survive--not just the incident, but the aftermath. Harding's clear, direct voice recounts her battle for mental health as she examines and reconciles her relationships with all the perpetrators in her life--not just one man. A masterfully crafted book on the far-reaching effects of violence, and the ability to survive.

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Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was compared to The Glass Castle, but I actually think I enjoyed it a little more. As a young teen, Debora was kidnapped and assaulted at knifepoint. Years later, she reflects back on the trauma she endured, both during the crime and at home growing up with her abusive mother and absent-minded father. I was fully immersed in her story; her writing was excellent, and I enjoyed the jumps back and forth in time. Debora has such strength, I was blown away. I did think she hero-worshipped her dad a little more than he seemed to deserve, but I understand why that happened growing up with a mother like hers. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good memoir. 4.5 stars.

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See previous review. Duplicate advance readers copy received. Excellent book. Although was a little disjointed in narration with the crime in on time frame and family memories in another.

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