Through Her Eyes
Elisheba Frasier
Independently Published (2022)
ISBN: 979-8849038025
Reviewed by Hillary Breckel for Reader Views (12/2022)
“Through Her Eyes” is a tragic tale of woe by Elisheba Frasier.
Melissa. Lish. Sammy. Three people caught up in a tangle of emotions that no one can unwind. Melissa is a young teen who is dealing with major depression and severe anxiety. Lish, her mother, is lost as to how to help her daughter. Sammy, her father, is a narcissistic jerk who does nothing but tear her down. I loved the character of Melissa, and I did resonate with her feelings about things and people. I did feel a bit sorry for Lish, because she’s doing her best, but it’s never enough. As far as Sammy goes, I felt absolutely nothing for him. He was much like my own father. As friends come and go in Melissa’s life, she learns more about herself and her mental health. This isn’t always a good thing. Her school is a misery; her home life is a disaster, at least in her eyes.
To say that this book is unique is a gross understatement. It had me alternately laughing and then crying. Finally, I ended up taking some time to figure out my thoughts and feelings. I’m truly speechless.
The story itself begins kind of slowly, in my opinion, but quickly picks up steam. There are areas where it gets quite intense, and I had to put it down for a bit, and there are areas that are touching and sweet and kept me hooked and reading way past my bedtime. I really enjoyed the way the author structured the book, as it gives us time to meet all the fascinating characters. As I grew to know the character of Melissa and her family, I found myself reflecting on the various similarities in our respective lives.
I will give a warning that there are some very intense themes that run through the book. Though this tale is based on a true story, it does kind of read as a fiction novel and my heart goes out to those impacted by this narrative.
Fascinating, intense characters and settings that bring the story to life, this book is a five-star read, though not for the faint of heart.
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