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3 out of 4 stars
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My Dad's Ashes by Laura Hughes is a memoir the author wrote after her dad's death. Laura delves into her life in a wealthy, privileged family before and after her dad adopts her. Laura was only six months old when her biological father, Dick, abandoned her family after getting their 16-year-old babysitter pregnant. Left alone with three small children and enormous marital debt, she was desperate for help, and Walter fell madly in love with her. They were married when Laura was two years old, her brother, Richard, was four, and her sister, Ann, was nine. Four years later, her brother, Bryce, was born. Laura loved her new little brother, would do anything for him, and vowed always to be there for him. It sounds like everything was perfect in Laura's life, right? Unfortunately, Laura's life was not perfect, and as she grew up, she learned many secrets and learned to keep secrets of her own. To learn more, read this emotional book of lies, secrets, betrayals, abuse, and deceit. As the author states at the beginning of the book, this is "her story, her life, but not her shame."
This emotional book has many positive aspects. Laura Hughes has done a fantastic job in describing her family members and friends. I could feel her hurt, rejection, and lack of self-worth being raised in a dysfunctional family where she never experienced a mother's love, kiss, and hug. The author shows a deep understanding of the theory of nature versus nurture in her writing of this book. Individuals are born with specific characteristics, but life experiences and influences may teach you to have many other features. I enjoyed the tidbits Laura shared. One example is that Salmon P. Chase is on the $10,000 bill.
The main aspect of this book that I disliked was that I had to put it down to stop crying for Laura Hughes and her family. Another negative aspect is that the PDF version I read is in draft format with editorial blocks on the side of the pages. I recommend that readers obtain a final copy of the book that does not include the editorial blocks.
Unfortunately, I have no option but to give this fascinating book 3 out of 4 stars because it has not been professionally edited. A professional editor would have found over ten mistakes in this book. I have no reason to give this book a lower rating because I enjoyed reading it, and it has a smooth-flowing plot that kept me intrigued.
I recommend this book to mature readers of memoirs. I do not recommend it to younger or sensitive readers because of the content of non-borderline profanity, child abuse, rape, murder, inappropriate student and teacher relationships, and alcohol and drug abuse. Laura's family was not religious, and the little bit of religious content will probably not be offensive to anyone. However, you may want to avoid this book if you have no religious tolerance.
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My Dad's Ashes
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