IWSG – March ‘21 – The Angle of Flickering Light by Gina Troisi
Poignant and Heart Wrenching:
The Angle of Flickering Light by Gina Troisi is a beautifully written and elegantly narrated memoir that I couldn’t put down. The little girl’s voice was wise yet innocent. I wanted to wrap my arms around her, protect her, save her. It became an urgency. During the worst of it, my heart pounded. I cried because no child should have to experience what little Gina experienced.
How can a father be so despicable to verbally abuse his child for years and then allow his new wife to torment her psychologically? He dimissed his duty as father and protector. His blatant self-centeredness was unpardonable.
To endure, Gina crawled inside herself and became the picture-perfect child, seen but not heard. At age 12, scarred, psyche damaged, she dove head-first into abusing drugs. As a teenager, she entered reckless and doomed sexual relationships. It was her will to survive that finally freed Gina. Her courage heartened me. I thought of all the people who should read this memoir, victims who need to understand that they too can survive.
Gina dissects the worst of her past and ends up proving to this reader that we all have an innate ability to rise above that which would keep us down. And while we can debate forever why people abuse their children, we should find solace in knowing that if we support victims and teach our young to honour each other, we can put an end to abuse.
The Angle of Flickering Light shares emotions that few of us can put into words. I was saddened, enraged, but mostly moved by Gina’s memoir. I encourage you to read it. It’s a beautiful thing when someone opens themselves up and trusts you with their truth.
The Angle of Flickering Light can be preordered at Amazon.com
My MacBook Pro’s battery died Friday, so I’m working with my iPad. Not as easy as I hoped it would be. I’m just out of practice. If you leave a comment, I promise I will return the favour.
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Comments 27
Great review!
That sounds like an amazing memoir, and what a well written review. I was recently left raw by Tara Westover’s “Educated,” also a memoir. The things parents can do to their children or allow done to their children are devastating.
Author
Someone once said that one should be required to take a test before having a baby. Sadly, that would not work. There’s no way of gauging whether someone can be a loving parent their entire life.
What a powerful and heartbreaking story Gina has. It’s truly crushing for me, a mother of 5, to read or hear about these things. And so truly brave for those who have been abused by their parents to open up and share of their experiences and what they’ve learned from it. Truly amazing. More power to you, Gina! Thanks for sharing this, Joylene.
Author
Thank you, Victoria.
What a heart-breaking memoir. Reminds me a little bit of the biography – A boy called Dave and his mother’s abusive treatment of him.
Author
Thank you, Luciana. I remember that memoir.
You know it’s a great book when you become emotionally invested. Sounds amazing.
Good luck with getting your technology sorted out. It’s such a pain when things aren’t working.
Author
Thanks, Yvette!
Gina’s memoir sounds absolutely soul-shattering and searing, but I’m glad she survived and escaped. It takes so much courage and fortitude to break away from the unhealthy thought patterns and destructive behavior often caused by such a situation.
Author
Isn’t that the truth. But well worth the efforts.
Sounds like that book will be hard to finish without a lot of tears. Thanks, Joylene
Author
You are so right. Thanks, Ken.
Gina’s memoir sounds heart wrenching, Joylene! I hope that you can get your MacBook Pro going again. I’d go nuts, if I tried to post with an iPad. You did great, though. Hugs to you, my friend!
Author
My computer is back safe and sound. Turned out it was the charger. What a relief!
People don’t realize how disabling and crushing emotional, mental, and verbal abuse can be. And to do that to a child…
Author
I know. It’s so kind to grasp why anyone would hurt a child.
Well written review. What a powerful story of survival. Breaks my heart children are subjected to these horrible conditions. Congratulations to Gina for discovering and using her will to survive and thrive.
Interesting title, “The Angle of Flickering Light” at first read I thought it was “The Angel of …” Angle is far more intriguing.
Author
So true. Thanks, Lynn.
What a difficult book to read–sad but so true of so many. What a journey for the young woman.
Author
I was deeply moved. Thanks, Jacqui.
Sounds like an intense book.
What do you read, Joylene?
Author
Thanks for asking, Alex. I read a lot of spirituality and self-help books right now. I also read Thrillers, Y/A, S/F, mysteries, Historical, Steampunk, Memoirs, and Tech books for Apple devices.
Hi,
You convinced me with the first paragraph. I have pre-ordered and it will be on my iPad on April 6th.
Thank you.
Wishing you all the best and I hope you get a battery for your MacBook Pro soon.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Author
Thank you, Pat! You are very generous. Blessings.
What a sad tale. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Thanks, Steph!