About the Book:
AGAINST MY WILL is the life changing novel about Danielle, a victim of marital abuse, who finds the strength to leave her husband and pursue a career in law.
Danielle Landau knows she should feel lucky, but she can't feel anything but dread. Not only did she pass the New York Bar, but she married the man her father says is just right for her and lives in a fashionable new loft in Queens. But the man who seems like the perfect catch is a perfect nightmare at home. Jacob tries to control her career, her daily routine, and even what she eats. He ignores her desires and belittles her every chance he gets. Soon, Danielle doesn't recognize her husband or herself, and she struggles to find a way out.
Danielle tries to talk to her father but he dismisses her marital problems. But she can confide in her Nana Rose, a Holocaust survivor who lost her entire family at the hands of the Nazis. Rose helped raise Danielle and her brother when their mother died when Danielle was only three. Having faced death, Rose is Danielle's source of security. But while Danielle holds on to the fragile belief that her father's prince charming will change, she is raped by her husband on the night of their one year wedding anniversary.
Now, Danielle has to escape. And with the help of her beloved Nana, Danielle moves across the country and starts to rebuild her life. But will she be able to escape her past? And when one of her clients finds herself in the same terrible situation, will Danielle have the strength to help her?
As we follow Danielle on her journey of terror and recovery, we see her story intersect with the diary entries of her Nana as a young girl held captive in a concentration camp. The entries begin with Rose waking up in a hospital after the liberation of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. Graphically she recounts the train ride to the camp and the emotional separation of her from her family upon arrival. And the full weight of the family's secrets becomes clear. This is a story of survival, self-discovery, justice, and ultimately, it's about love.
About the Author:
"Against My Will" is Benjamin Berkley's fifth book and debut novel. He is also the author of four self-help books: "My Wishes, Your Plan for Organizing Your Family's Needs" (Sourcebooks, June, 2006) "The Complete Executor's Guide" (Sourcebooks, June 2007) "Winning Your Social Security Disability Case" (Sourcebooks, February, 2008) and "Before You Say I Do Again, A Buyer's Beware Guide to Remarriage." (Frederick Fell Publishers, September, 2009).
And though writing is his passion, for over 34 years he has conducted a busy law practice in which he has seen many interesting clients come through his door. One in particular, an older woman with white hair, the kindest smile, and an amazing story became the inspiration for one of his characters for "Against My Will." Berkley lives in southern California with his wife Phyllis and their cat Riley. He has two grown children and is always bragging about his most beautiful grandson and granddaughter.
My Review of the Book:
Wow... This book is undoubtedly about strength. I've learned over and over in my life not to judge a book and I do believe this to be so true. Although this is a fictional book there are real people that helped inspire this book and without a doubt many who live this hell daily. AGAINST MY WILL was a great reminder that it is possible to find the strength and get out of a unhealthy situation. I loved this book and was routing for Danielle through it. I personally have never been in a similar situation, but found the writing to be so great that you could immerse yourself into the book and get lost within the characters.
We live in a society that is all about images and we focus so much on the packaging that we fail to see sometimes what is under the packaging could be very broken and in pain. This message I found to be so evident in the book. I was also saddened by the fact that Danielle had gone to her father for help and received no help in return. Being a mother it broke my heart having a child fears and needs, ignored by their parent. Sure Danielle was grown, but I do not think age changes anything when a child needs their parent. I feel out of the world that should be the two people that should always be in your corner. I was happy though that she did have someone in her family to turn to that listened. Nana helped give Danielle the courage by sharing her own painful story.
I definitely recommend everyone to read this story and remember that no one has the right to belittle, abuse or neglect another human. We never know what happens behind the closed doors, but AGAINST MY WILL shows that if someone tells you something or you fear something is going on stand up and do something. We all have the strength in us to make the change, no matter if it is a parent, spouse or a complete stranger in pain.
I received a book for review purposes, but views expressed are 100% my own and not influenced in anyway!!
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