You are invited into D.L. Finn’s life, written through a princess’s viewpoint. While it’s usually assumed in fairy tales that the princess is beloved by all, this is one princess who doesn’t feel loved. She dreams of a moment when her father will walk through the castle door, sweep her up in his arms and proclaim how much he misses her. That never happens. Instead, she is introduced to a new step … step family. Just like in the fairy tales, this is where the story takes a dark twist; where addiction, abuse and adolescence thrive together in retched misery. From her lowest point as a hopeless fourteen-year-old girl who gives up all hope– comes a spark of faith. This is where she begins her quest for a happy ending.
Although the princess ends her very real fairy tale, D.L. Finn steps in and shares her thoughts, poetry and photographs. This entire narrative is the author’s reality from childhood through adulthood. She maintains the privacy of those involved while hanging on to her truth.
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No Fairy Tale by D.L. Finn is divided into two parts. In the first half she shares the story of her life and the second half comprises of her poems, most of which reiterate the story that has been shared in the first part of the book. It is shuddering that a seven year old little girl felt abandoned by her own mother and tried to survive on her own, hiding in her room, terrified by the “storms that raged between her stepfather and stepbrother.” Lack of proper food and affection, physical and emotional abuse left indelible marks on the psyche of a child who drifts into the world of alcohol and drugs to assuage her hurts. She even attempts suicide and couldn’t accomplish her ambition of becoming a marine biologist.
Diane’s story highlights the consequences of irresponsible parenting and the topsy-turvy journey of a girl who slowly learned to cope with the challenges of life. Kudos to her for sharing the darkest aspects of her life and emerging from those setbacks despite the medical issues she has to deal with. A valuable lesson that she shares: “how good or bad one had it while growing up, every adult has to work to do on themselves, in one way or another. Being happy takes work; being unhappy does not.”
The poems in this book further illustrate her story with powerful imagery: “I ate the words that you gave me.”
Nature has been used to describe her journey: “You can flow by or cling to a slimy rock, sink deep into stagnant swamp. There are always many choices.”
‘You’ refers to different persons in many poems, ambiguous at places but simple and straightforward for everyone to understand. Though heartbreaking, this is an inspiring memoir.
D.L. Finn writes her memoir from the perspective of the princess. The undeniable tenderness that is exposed is captivating, while the inevitable struggles and sorrows of life are gripping. I loved the unique approach, and in fact, I could not put the book down. What little girl does not imagine herself to be a princess, and who does not find reality harsh?
The book closes in an unusual manner with a collection of poetry. Intriguing and faithful to the storyline, the poems offer further insight into the writer’s life. This is a beautiful book…worthy of your read.
There’s a line in this book: “It’s a journey about losing faith, only to find it again in places one never thought to look.” This line sums up D. L. Finn’s unique mixture of memoir and poetry collection.
But this isn’t a typical memoir. The struggles and victories are all based in the realty of the author’s life. However, Finn tells her story through the voice of a fictional princess. This third person telling leads readers through years of troubling abuse and struggles the author faced, before eventually finding life, love, and serenity.
It’s the poetry that really stands as a testament to the writer’s soul here. The word-play sets moods and scenes that remain with the reader long after the book is returned to the shelf. This is one of those books I’m glad I own in paperback. I like the idea of picking it up, opening to a random page, and finding a gem that paints a fantastic picture. And speaking of pictures, the author has included some of her camera work. That’s a trifecta of skill: writer, poet, photographer. This makes for a winning combination.
This is a memoir of a young girl’s struggle to survive in a dysfunctional family. It is both poignant and heart-wrenching. The memoir is followed by Finn’s poetry which, as always, is moving. The memoir takes us into the heart of the author and the poetry brings us the breathtaking beauty of nature. My favorite poem is the Valentine’s Kittens. If you enjoy memoirs or poetry, it’s a must read.