Signed Book GA (5 Winners)-A Prison of Lies-A Journey Through Madness-Thomas Duran-Ends 3/6 | Miki's Hope

Signed Book GA (5 Winners)-A Prison of Lies-A Journey Through Madness-Thomas Duran-Ends 3/6

Thursday, February 20, 2014



This was a very difficult book to read. It alternately gripped me and wouldn't let go--and at other times I had to close it to take a breather from the pain that was obviously being felt and conveyed with singular clarity by the author. It is a glimpse into the hell that is depression and madness--one I sincerely hope I never have to travel nor cause anyone else to travel. That Tom was able to make his way back to sanity was a true miracle and proves the strength of the human psyche.

Almost without his notice, Tom had slipped from childhood through adolescence and then into young adulthood woefully unprepared for that transition. Both his childhood and his adolescence had been hells of isolation and rejection. And there had been no emotional support at home either. His only tranquility had been the wilderness, to which he escaped whenever possible.

But this is only the set up for the real hell which was to follow, coming in the guise of a beautiful and seemingly innocent young women named Mary. Schooled in etiquette, God, and discipline, she was equally skillful at secrecy and pretense. And unable to see behind her subtle facades, Tom mistakes her demure reserve for shyness and under that illusion, he tumbles into a deep, undying love, into which inexorably pour all of his pent up needs and desires. The delusion is only broken when Mary suddenly reveals a cold indifference to his emotions. Then upon dispatching him with sudden sly cruelty and consummate betrayal, she immediately vanishes behind a veil of silence.

In this explosive coming of age story we are taken down the rabbit hole of unrequited love and rejection, where in the depths of despair, Tom must wrestle with the devil of his darkest emotions and deny that devil his every temptation to commit heinous acts of evil. There is no rape or murder beyond the wild imaginings of Tom, who in the aftermath of Mary's brutality, goes completely psycho, in this nightmarish book of tragic love. In fact, it is almost miraculous that those atrocities do not happen, given the intensity of Tom's rage.

In witnessing Tom's struggle, however, we are brought to a better understanding of human sexuality, how people can be driven to violence, and why people sometimes die by suicide. As Tom makes a slow and arduous climb out of his abyss, we learn how to survive heartbreak and emotional abuse. Launching into psychotherapy, he begins the process of peeling back the onion to find his hidden demons. During this painful process he struggles with an inability to forgive himself for becoming a victim, and in equal part, an inability to forgive the ghost of Mary, for her profound cruelty and dishonesty. But with the scepter of suicide ever lurking, it becomes increasingly clear how much his very survival depends on his letting go of his anger and letting go of the past.

You may prefer to skip the foreword (written by and intended for professional therapists) and advance to the beginning of the story, which holds some of the books first cryptic poems that hint of lost love. They are descriptive of the struggle to come.

In order to come to terms with what has befallen him, Tom must first confront the reality of what had happened and thereby break the spell. To do this he must deeply examine every nuance and motivation of the personalities involved. Ultimately his quest for serenity will bring him to truths about human nature that are so simple and fundamental, they are perhaps universally understood by every fully formed adult. But to Tom's inner child, these truths have been consistently denied and unacknowledged.

A Prison of Lies is an unblinking look at the emotional development of a pathological mind. At times it is frightening and disturbing but it is also heroic and enlightening. It offers perhaps a unique Rosetta Stone for understanding many outcomes of mental illness with a clarity that can only be told by someone who has made that passage.

A Prison of Lies is a new kind of book on mental illness. Unlike many fictions which only use mental illness as a device to drive the plot, A Prison of lies plunges into the heart of the illness and keeps its focus there. And unlike nonfiction books on the topic, which tend to be dry and clinical, this book is a gripping read.


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Author's Site,     Amazon.co.uk,     Amazon.com



About the Author
As this fiction is inspired by his own struggle with mental illness, Robert Thomas Doran is grateful to god for helping him recover from mental illness. Today he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife of fifteen years. A Prison of Lies was written as an act of faith and with the hope of helping others afflicted with mental illness.

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Website   Book's Facebook,    Author's Facebook,   Twitter,   Goodreads



"A Prison of Lies is a powerful and eye opening novel. In reading it, I was compelled to imagine myself and my loved ones in Thomas Doran's shoes. It was painful to experience his struggle to break free of the demons that engulfed him, and to witness that inner war, much of which was fought without any outside system of support. Having read this book, I hope to be more aware of my own words and actions. We are often unaware of how deeply our words and actions are impacting others. Definitely a good read for the soul." - Cheryl Snoha 

"Robert Doran has painted a gripping, detailed mural of the progression of mental health illness. He depicts a torn canvas of a damaged youth, the downward spiral that ended in a nervous breakdown during his early adulthood, and his courageous yet painstaking road to recovery. The dark world Doran portrays within the mind of the protagonist and about mental health illness will introduce people to ways of thinking that are rarely spoken of out loud. Moreover, the book promises the idea that such problems can be overcome."
- Chad Coren, PsyD



"I would recommend this book for anyone who has a loved one suffering from mental illness who would like to know what is going on. I would also hope that it could be offered to young people. If I had read this book at 18 I might have known what the signs were and had a better idea of how to offer help. I would have been better prepared for life and been of more use to people who were dear to me."
- Robert C. La Mont

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.




NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

5 LUCKY WINNERS will each receive a signed book from the author

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Ending on Thursday 6th March at 11.59pm EST



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I received an e-book copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

36 comments :

Masshole Mommy said...

This sounds like a griping book. I am not quite sure it's for my, but I know it's definitely something my husband would like to read.

Unknown said...

Sounds like an interesting book i do not know if i would be able to stick to it and get all the way though.

Unknown said...

It sounds like a powerful book with a very well thought out message I don't know if i could manage a read through. May be too strong for me. But I know a few who would love a deep book like this.

Unknown said...

This sounds like a griping book! A must read!

Beck Valley Books said...

It certainly is quite a read, depression/breakdowns are a subject not many like to talk about but much more awareness is needed.

Unknown said...

This book sounds very deep. I may not be able to read the entire thing, but I would definitely try.

Liz Mays said...

It sounds quite disturbing and emotional. I do love coming of age stories, and I'm sure this would be fascinating in spite of the tough content.

Triplezmom said...

Sounds like a powerful book. I hope it helps those dealing with mental illness.

Amanda said...

Sounds like an interesting read. Very deep - not sure I'd be into reading a book like this.

Michelle H said...

Reading about such powerful topics written respectfully can be very enlightening. Thanks for sharing.

Pam said...

This does sound like a gripping and emotional story, told in a respectful manner. I would probably have a hard time reading it, but it sounds like it is worth a look.

Casa Vilora Interiors said...

How many books do you read a day or week for that matter?

Ave said...

Sounds like a really interesting book, but I think this not a kind of book I would read. Too disturbing for me. Thanks for a great review!

Ashley Gill said...

This is for sure a book I would need to hide away and read all at once! Very nice!

Unknown said...

I saw this book posted on another site and thought it would be a great one to put on my list of books to read.

Beth said...

Looks really interesting! Thanks for the review and giveaway. I'm always looking for new books to add to my shelf :)

Maria said...

I hope I win. I can definitely use a new book to read this spring especially if it as interesting as this .

Unknown said...

This looks like an interesting read. I may have to check it out.

Unknown said...

Looks like a really interesting book. It kinds of takes you up and down an emotional roller coaster.

Unknown said...

I honestly don't like these types of books, because I get emotional easy over a book. It affects me easily, even my writing.

Aisha Kristine Chong said...

It seems an intriguing book though, I am not really good with these type of genre..

Tough Cookie Mommy said...

This book sounds like it has a lot of emotions. It's great when one can get involved in the book they are reading to such a degree.

Pam said...

Mental Illness is something that people don't talk about enough and tend to hide from others if they or their loved ones are experiencing these type of health issues. This book sounds like it addresses these issues and brings attention to how important it is for people to seek help and have compassion for those who are afflicted.

Nikki said...

I would love to read this one. I've dealt with depression and anxiety my whole life, so I can relate to the characters.

mail4rosey said...

It does sound like a very emotionally tough read. Those are sometimes the very best ones though. Thank you for the share.

Theresa Mahoney said...

This sounds like a very intense book that would leave me thinking long after I have put it down. Those are the books that I remember the best though.

Rebecca said...

another good book fine and a good review it's nice to see you enjoy reading like ?i do

Sarah Bailey said...

Wow what a touching and amazing book this sound likes - mental health illness are awful when they get you in their grips - always fantastic to hear of people who make it through.

Anonymous said...

My pets brighten up my day.
heather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com

bn100 said...

watching a movie

Kenneth C. Agudo said...

I madly want this book. It will really helps me :(

Swaddle said...

Thanks, sometimes through our struggles, God gives is inspiration to share so others can better cope with their difficulties.

frazledmom5 said...

a ice long run brightens up my day

Enchanting Accents said...

What brightens up my day is the love i get from my puppy, boyfriend, family, friends and just being able to get through another day.

Monja Blue said...

Sunshine, laughter, and gratitude! Thanks for a chance to win this provocative read!

Unknown said...

Upbeat music, friends, and books

 
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