Non-fiction / Intro to the Madhouse
There have been many books and movies written on the subject of child abuse. I have read a great deal of material on the subject. Many times while reading a tale of neglect and loveless childhoods, I could almost be there again, wondering if there would ever be a better life. In my childhood, there were good times. There were also times that I thought it was just a test, a sick joke, to see how much misery one little boy could stand. And that is where I got the title for my story.
Of all the terrible experiences, which at the time I thought were normal, through all the pain and absence of love and affection, I still remember the good times. The things I could look back and smile about were more deeply imbedded than any form of abuse I would endure.
I am positive, that my father loved me, and although didn’t show it physically, it was probably due to the atmosphere he was raised. My stepmother, I believe, was kind of forced to love me, through a marraige in which she adopted four children. Later, I believe she loved us as a type of ownership, because of her alchoholism, believing that she earned the right to control us. Many times she would literately remind us of this right. I believe that my father, seing the abuse, violent outbursts, and indifference within the family, didn’t interfere for fear of losing her, as it was his third marraige. I’m positive he loved her with such intensity that it was unhealthy. But I’m also sure that a part of him that thought he could not raise his own four children on his own.
So, with that, I welcome you to my journey through the many trials and tribulations that were my childhood, and the many places, houses, families, and experiences that I call the Madhouse.
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Very interesting. I loved the fact that through it all you have such a positive outlook on life. I also loved that the abuse couldn’t demean the good times and that you held onto them like a talisman. You have an interesting take on a very hard subject. Good job.
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Does your book really need an introduction? If it’s a collection of short story-type pieces or essays, then I would say yes. But if it’s an entire, cohesive journey with a start, middle, and end, I would suggest dropping the introduction altogether since the story will tell itself.
But as for the introduction itself… It seems to approach a very personal subject from a very distant, somewhat clinical aspect. The reader expects to see emotion and there wasn’t much of it here. It was also more of a summary than an introduction. I think you could take off the first two paragraphs and just start with the third--it puts the reader right into the situation. Also, I’d clarify who was doing the abusing--it’s usually men that are the abusers, so clarify that it’s your stepmother.
Overall, good job.
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