Official Review: French Toast by Colin MacArthur

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "French Toast" by Colin MacArthur.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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In his bittersweet memoir, French Toast, Colin MacArthur shares his relationship with Christine, a victim of childhood abuse. Christine's inability to deal with her pain despite MacArthur's commitment to their on-again, off-again relationship exemplifies the far-reaching ripple effect of sexual abuse. The book traverses themes of unconditional love, abuse, sexuality, LGBT issues, and acceptance. MacArthur dedicates the book to Christine and "all those who have suffered abuse at the hands of another."

When I initially read the book's synopsis, I was somewhat reluctant to select it due to the subject matter. However, after reading the sample on Amazon, I was drawn in by MacArthur's eloquent writing style. He masterfully portrayed the abuse Christine suffered without explicit details; instead, he conveyed her childish confusion, fear, and shame. Likewise, references to their sexual relationship and Christine's confusion about her sexuality focused on intimacy and MacArthur's emotional supportiveness. The book contained no profanity or crude sexual references.

Given that the book was over 300 pages and spanned the years from MacArthur at 30 to approaching retirement age, it consistently moved at an engaging pace. MacArthur's pristinely edited first-person narrative was so evocative that I often experienced conflicting emotions simultaneously, such as compassion/frustration and discouragement/hope. For example, Christine told MacArthur that their relationship was over, she had moved on, and he needed to do the same, then by the time he walked her home, she asked, "How would you like to date your wife?" While I felt compassion for Christine's pain, I found her constant stream of mixed messages frustrating. At the same time, like MacArthur, I hopefully rooted for their relationship amidst discouraging circumstances.

On the same note, my favorite aspect of the book is MacArthur's ability to transparently divulge details about his relationship with Christine. I admire his patience, devotion, and willingness to look beyond her back-and-forth rejection of him; he truly prioritizes her well-being even when it requires them being apart. Having been raised with three sisters, MacArthur dismisses his stepfather's disrespectful attitude toward women: "I had always been interested in these delightful creatures for as long as I could remember." The ending is satisfying, and although it is not wrapped in a bow, it is not weighty as might be expected.

I have no dislikes or suggested improvements for this beautifully written memoir. I am pleased to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to fans of relationship-driven narratives, childhood abuse victims, and supportive family members. Although the book's synopsis cautions that it may be triggering to sensitive readers, I will reiterate that MacArthur approaches the issue of abuse gently and tastefully.

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French Toast
View: on Bookshelves

[mmm17]

I suppose it is not easy to approach such difficult issues gently. I'm glad the author achieved this. Thanks for a wonderful review!

[Cecilia_L]

I suppose it is not easy to approach such difficult issues gently. I'm glad the author achieved this. Thanks for a wonderful review!

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

[MsH2k]

It takes a talented author to tackle such heavy topics gently and tastefully. Thank you for a superb review.

[J_odoyo]

I'm a heavy fan of memoirs and I think I'll really adore this one. I appreciate the author for ensuring no profanity or crude sexual references are involved in this book. Thanks for your review.

[Cecilia_L]

It takes a talented author to tackle such heavy topics gently and tastefully. Thank you for a superb review.

Thank you.

[Cecilia_L]

I'm a heavy fan of memoirs and I think I'll really adore this one. I appreciate the author for ensuring no profanity or crude sexual references are involved in this book. Thanks for your review.

Thanks for your comment.

[Aniza Butt]

Am not into memoir reading but i would like to give it a try as it adresses an important issue. Kudos to the author.
Thanks a lot for the review Cecilia ☺.