Book Review of Against My Will

Book Review of Against My Will

 Sponsored by Virtual Author Book Tours

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Against My Will:

 Publisher: Frederick Fell Publishers, Inc., September 1, 2012
Category: Fiction- Relationships, Abuse, Romance, Holocaust, Suspense
Tour Dates: October, 2012
Available in: Print and PDF, 247 pages

Blurb : 

AGAINST MY WILL is the life changing novel about Danielle, a victim of marital abuse, who finds the strength to leave her husband and pursue a career in law.

Danielle Landau knows she should feel lucky, but she can't feel anything but dread. Not only did she pass the New York Bar, but she married the man her father says is just right for her and lives in a fashionable new loft in Queens. But the man who seems like the perfect catch is a perfect nightmare at home. Jacob tries to control her career, her daily routine, and even what she eats. He ignores her desires and belittles her every chance he gets. Soon, Danielle doesn't recognize her husband or herself, and she struggles to find a way out.

Danielle tries to talk to her father but he dismisses her marital problems. But she can confide in her Nana Rose, a Holocaust survivor who lost her entire family at the hands of the Nazis. Rose helped raise Danielle and her brother when their mother died when Danielle was only three. Having faced death, Rose is Danielle's source of security. But while Danielle holds on to the fragile belief that her father's prince charming will change, she is raped by her husband on the night of their one year wedding anniversary.

Now, Danielle has to escape. And with the help of her beloved Nana, Danielle moves across the country and starts to rebuild her life. But will she be able to escape her past? And when one of her clients finds herself in the same terrible situation, will Danielle have the strength to help her?

As we follow Danielle on her journey of terror and recovery, we see her story intersect with the diary entries of her Nana as a young girl held captive in a concentration camp. The entries begin with Rose waking up in a hospital after the liberation of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. Graphically she recounts the train ride to the camp and the emotional separation of her from her family upon arrival. And the full weight of the family's secrets becomes clear. This is a story of survival, self-discovery, justice, and ultimately, it's about love.

About the Author:

"Against My Will" is Benjamin Berkley's fifth book and debut novel. He is also the author of four self-help books: "My Wishes, Your Plan for Organizing Your Family's Needs" (Sourcebooks, June, 2006) "The Complete Executor's Guide" (Sourcebooks, June 2007) "Winning Your Social Security Disability Case" (Sourcebooks, February, 2008) and "Before You Say I Do Again, A Buyer's Beware Guide to Remarriage." (Frederick Fell Publishers, September, 2009).

And though writing is his passion, for over 34 years he has conducted a busy law practice in which he has seen many interesting clients come through his door. One in particular, an older woman with white hair, the kindest smile, and an amazing story became the inspiration for one of his characters for "Against My Will." Berkley lives in southern California with his wife Phyllis and their cat Riley. He has two grown children and is always bragging about his most beautiful grandson and granddaughter.

Contacts:

Benjamin Berkley's Website

Advance Praise for Against My Will:

"Benjamin Berkley masterfully confronts the unimaginable bringing awareness to a subject that is too often unreported."- Denise Brown, Co-Founder and president, Nicole Brown Foundation

"Benjamin Berkley is a confident author who shows a profound dedication for his work. In "Against My Will," from the concentration camp of Mauthausen in the 40's to a modern day courtroom trial today, Berkley skillfully and compassionately explores the human emotion to survive. "- Edward McGlynn Gaffney, Professor of Law, Valparaiso School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana

"Benjamin Berkley has broken new ground in his intricate novel about an abusive victim's journey. Key character's lives become intertwined in unexpected ways in this poignant and satisfying novel."-Jill H. Rathus, PhD. Professor of Psychology, Long Island University

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Book Review:

            Well, the third time is the charm.  I’ve tried to post this review twice already, so I’m trying one last time.

            This was a difficult book to read.  Anytime you read about abuse of any kind it is hard to read.   I have worked with children who have been abused or who have observed abuse in the home and know how devastating it can be for all parties. 

            Domestic violence isn’t limited to poor underclass or timid women.  I have known women who are strong career women who were abused in their home.

            While I can’t say that I always enjoyed reading the book, I am glad that I read it. It was well written and entertaining, even with the difficult subject.  I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.