
Girl From The Tree House
Psychological Thriller (Women of our time Book 1)
by Gudrun Frerichs
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Pub Date May 30 2019 | Archive Date Aug 03 2019
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Description
It all unraveled at the funeral...
Horace Reid's death opened the door to our freedom. His widow, Elizabeth, exists only on paper. She disappeared thirty years ago. It's us, the Tribe, who live in her body now. But nobody knows that. Us are Elise, the reluctant host, Lilly the closer, Ama, the proverbial mother, Sky, our wise guide, Amadeus, the warrior, and Luke, the man around the house. There are others, but we make sure they stay hidden and away from harm.
After Horace's funeral, they tried to lock us in a mental hospital. Our sister-in-law had it all carefully planned. Thanks to quick thinking—yes, being a multiple has its advantages—we escaped to New Zealand's South Island. Tucked away in the West Coast wilderness we... well, the plan was to continue our healing. We didn't expect that monsters from our past still had us on their radar. When the police accuse us of murder we have to run again. Where to go, which way to turn? Our neighbor Scott appears helpful, but can we trust him? Can we trust ourselves? Can we trust anyone?
The GIRL FROM THE TREE HOUSE is the first of a series of psychological thrillers set in current day New Zealand. It describes how Elizabeth, a thirty-two-year-old woman with multiple personalities (Dissociative Identity Disorder, DID), fights for her sanity and freedom. Four core personalities tell the story from the inside out, giving a touching insight into the workings of the dissociated mind. There are no graphic descriptions of abuse.
Gudrun Frerichs is a retired psychotherapist and trauma specialist in the field of (sexual) abuse recovery. She successfully worked with many clients who had a DID diagnosis. Recovery from trauma and dissociation has been the focus of her Master's dissertation (2000) and Ph.D. thesis (2008) and is also the topic of her blog Multiple Voices. THE GIRL FROM THE TREE HOUSE is a spectacular departure from her romance series THE GOLDEN GIRLS.
Advance Praise
What a great read. From the first few paragraphs I was hooked and just needed to find out how this complex, multiple level story would unfold. Clearly written by someone with a detailed understanding of the subject it was a revealing and educational insight for me - whilst at the same time being an exciting read.
For her first psychological thriller this is truly impressive. Can't wait for the next installment.
(***** Stephen G., Goodreads)
I was enthralled by the unfolding story of the Tribe and their escape to hopefully a safe life. This is an outstanding story of the experience of someone who has had extreme childhood abuse and how they live their life with this. I can highly recommend the book for both the story line and also the respectful way Gudrun has written about life as someone with many internal parts. A must for both DID people and clinicians.
(***** S. Beresford, Goodreads)
This is a difficult subject matter to tackle, and Gudrun does a fantastic job of doing just that. Weaving in her experience and understanding Gudrun brings the book to vivid life. The narrators are each fully formed individuals who reveal a complex and disturbing pattern of deceit and deception. But they are also a family, a tribe, and there is warmth, support and respect amongst them that reaches beyond the book’s pages. With a lush New Zealand backdrop, and local references this book is unique in its individuality. The pace kept me reading well past bedtime, and I finished my ARC copy in two sit downs. I highly recommend reading this book.
(***** Sandra, Goodreads)
A compelling, cleverly crafted novel about someone with multiple personalities which manifests as Dissociative Identity Disorder. I could hardly put it down. Gudrun does a fantastic job of weaving the threads of the main characters, that could only be so tactfully and realistically told through the insight of her professional expertise. Highly recommended read.
(***** M.Frerichs, Goodreads)
..If you’re looking for a good read that provides a vicarious window into a “tribal world”, without feeling voyeuristic, then go for it – you won’t be disappointed. Nuh uh. If you’re looking a good story with an interesting twist to it without overdoing it – you won’t be wasting your time or money either. If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of some people’s life experiences, how it shapes their future and ability to cope, if your heart is open - life may become an unavoidable interruption to a binge read. It’s certainly not a story that gets tiring or even boring in parts because Gudrun has kept enough attention on the pulse, the pace and flow without ever overdoing it.
(***** M.W. Goodreads)
Available Editions
ISBN | 9780473481438 |
PRICE | $9.80 (USD) |
Average rating from 44 members
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