“Unavoidably inspiring.” – Kirkus ReviewsFor years, Clair has wanted to end her life.To her, death seems like a rational solution to her problems. Clair is convinced there are no rainbows in the sky, and certain the greener grass does not exist on the other side.With many suicide attempts and as many failures, Clair feels she is once again at the end of the rope. And this time, it is shorter than … of the rope. And this time, it is shorter than ever before.
Many have suffered the loss of a loved one, friend or acquaintance to suicide, often without warning. All too often, drugs, alcohol and sexual abuse play a vital role.
This story is about all three.
Praise from readers:
★★★★★ – “Awesome emotional rollercoaster.”
★★★★★ – “An eye-opener.”
★★★★★ – “This book evoked feelings I have not felt in years. It’s a subject few are brave enough to explore, much less write about.”
★★★★★ – “This story had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end… It gives you insight to a world that needs to be opened up for all to see and understand.”
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This is a novel, but it is a slice of the life of many in our society. Child molestation, by a parent, or a sibling, or a friend, a neighbor, or a stranger, is a devastating influence on the life of any child. Statistics say one in four women, and one in seven men have been molested. What statistics don’t say is that the influence of that horror lasts a lifetime. This wonderful book talks about a topic all but forbidden to writers and that publishers are loathe to put in print. The book presents the travails of an adult who suffered the pangs of hell being molested by her older brother. The book is done with taste, with care not to emotionally cripple the reader, and though done in a fictional story, it reflects some of the life experiences, or experiences of those close to the author. It is not an easy read, for mental illness, depression, conquering the influence of child molestation, are not easy topics. It is well worth the money and the effort to read. Well done Mr. Waters.
Suicide by death by Mark Anthony Waters
At some point in all our lives, I think we have probably all been guilty of saying: “I wish I was dead!” – although deep down, we didn´t really mean it. Saying you want to end your life and actually doing it are two completely different things. A councillor friend of mine once said to me that some people consider suicide to be the coward´s way out but unless you have been in a similar position, you have no idea how strong a person contemplating suicide needs to be in order to actually carry out their plan.
Suicide by Death is a novel based on fact, which, for me, made the story all the more shocking and sad. It is written from the perspective of her brother, and tells the story of Claire, the writer´s sister ,who is plagued by memories of her abusive past and her struggle to forget . The writer gives us several renditions of his family´s dark history which is riddled with child abuse, depression, addiction and mental illness – taboo topics, which most people do not wish to think or talk about. These anecdotal glimpses into the writer´s past help the reader to relate, not only to him, but to Claire, her boyfriend and everyone who is effected both before and after the suicide .
I found this book quite fascinating and thought provoking. It is tastefully written, yet dark in places -although this is not really surprising considering the content and subjects being aired.
I recommend this book.
Suicide by Death is the first book I’ve read by Mark Anthony Waters, a fiction novel based on true events. The story revolves around a pervasive societal mental illness―depression, drug abuse, self-mutilation, sexual abuse, despair, and suicide. These tough to swallow psychological issues plague Claire, the main character, who travels a road to self-destruction, leading to a path of self-discovery. From the moment Claire was born, her premature birth presaged a life fraught with struggles.
“Clair got introduced to the world . . . a few weeks. . . premature. She remained in critical condition . . . her chances . . . thin. The troubles she endured, literally began at birth, but fought and won her first of many battles to come.”
Claire, raised in a “nice house in a nice neighborhood, on a street with other nice houses with other nice neighbors,” endures unimaginable abuses of a domineering father, a mother who is verbally abusive, and a brother who sexually assaults her while her mother willingly turns a blind eye to Claire’s victimization.
Years later, as a promising artist, Claire distances herself from her family, but patterns of abuse rear its ugly head in her personal life, substance abuse, several suicidal attempts, wrong choices in men, Hunter, also a victim of childhood abuse and addiction problems.
“Violence, neglect, and abuse were common themes between both families, and Clair and Hunter were collateral damage because of it . . . two lost souls . . . radiated toward one another . . . like the Titanic running into an iceberg.”
After many years of substance abuse and suicidal attempts, Claire decides to take her life into her own hands and join group therapy, a tough decision thrusting her into Glen’s life-changing therapy where she confronts past demons.
“All of those people who ever hurt you— that was their fault . . . “and not yours.”
Claire’s battle is not an easy one. Her demons are unremitting, but is she strong enough to confront, and silence them? Demons never go away. They will always dwell in her psyche. But can she or will she open her heart and allow others to love her the way she deserves to be loved? Well, if I answer that question, I’d give the story away.
Mr. Waters’ book is a timeless, must-read, fictional story echoing reality. I love a novel with a flawed main character who arise from the depths of hell, scarred, yet brave enough to battle their demons head-on, and become their authentic selves. Suicide by death contains valuable messages for those willing to heed its meaning.
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