Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Book Publishers Network
Ratings: 4 JAGS
Blog Review: Virginia
Armstrong
Torch in the Dark is a story of a woman’s lifelong journey
as she struggles with the traumatic events of her childhood. The story takes place during the 60’s and
70’s, the hippie generation, when pot and protests reigned. It was also a time when little was known
about the mind and how past experiences could adversely affect ones
personality, emotions and overall well-being.
Once her story comes out, her parents and doctors refuse to
believe the truth and she finds herself committed to a mental hospital, having
to endure shock therapy and plied with medication. Faced with having to conceal
the truth for freedom, she turns to friends for help. Soon after, she finds herself pregnant. Pressured to either abort or put the baby up
for adoption, she chooses to raise her son alone. It is during this time that
she learns about welding. Taking a class
among all male students, she persists, knowing deep inside her that this is
something she must do. It is in striking
the arc that frees her, making her feel whole again.
Torch in the Dark begins strong, the author grabbing hold of
the reader’s emotions and taking them along on the journey. Unfortunately, that
only lasts for a few pages into the story.
The author then seems to engage in another style of writing, her words
becoming empty and void-the material read almost robotic. Throughout the story,
her instincts seem to be dead on, yet most times she looks to others for
direction, which ultimately makes matters worse.
As time goes by, she becomes more aware of her issues, and
yet she uses them as a crutch instead of trying to change them. Soon the story takes on a whiny tone and the
reader becomes frustrated with the author. By the end of the book, you realize
the author is always eager to take from others, but is never willing to give in
return.
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