#BookReview – P.S. I Forgive You – A Broken Legacy by D.G. Kaye #Memoir #Narcissism

On the eve of my father’s funeral, I find myself writing my review of this memoir with a real sense of gratitude that I was lucky enough to have loving parents, and little dysfunctionality in my family. My father was raised in a rather Victorian household, (he was born in 1919), where children were seen but not heard, which made him always a quiet man, but no less loving for it, though he rarely expressed emotion.

Tomorrow I shall say goodbye to him in the knowledge that he lived a long and satisfied life, leaving no regrets at the end on any of our parts, unlike my poor friend Debby Gies (author D.G. Kaye), who suffered a traumatic childhood.

Thanks, Debby. Whilst I sorrow for your travails, you’ve gifted me with a great contrast to recognise at this sad time how fortunate I have been.

 

P.S. I Forgive You: A Broken LegacyP.S. I Forgive You: A Broken Legacy by D.G. Kaye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found Kaye’s first book about her narcissistic mother a true eye-opener, an education about a condition I’d heard of, but never understood in all its desperately sad reality. I have since realised that I know someone with this condition, and it helps me to understand her often bizarre decisions and behaviour, rather than just being confused by them.
This sequel book, which also stands alone as an education of a different kind, is a raw and open story of how to deal with the guilt that comes from finally saying “I have had enough!” and sticking with that decision to the bitter end.
As a work of self-help, which is many respects it is, this book is a good guide to dealing with those relationships that just cannot be fixed, no matter how much we would like them to be, and regardless of the depth of love involved. No one should have to endure what Kaye and her family went through, but despite the heartache and hardship, this tale demonstrates how one can turn such pain around and become stronger as a result, and discover how to leave the inevitable regrets behind by recognising the realities, rather than the fantasy version of how things might have been.

View all my reviews

76 comments

  1. Reblogged this on Stevie Turner, Indie Author. and commented:
    I always enjoy reading D.G Kaye’s books.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for sharing Stevie. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome.

        Liked by 2 people

  2. lynettedavis · · Reply

    Reblogged this on Memoir Notes.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the reblog

      Like

    2. Thanks for sharing Lynette. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. lynettedavis · ·

        My pleasure Debbie.

        Liked by 2 people

  3. Thank you so much Deb, for taking the time to read my book. Again, my condolences for the recent loss of your dad. And my heart is full to learn that my story has made you re-evaluate your own relationship with your parents in gratitude that you never had to endure what I went through. And for those who have, I hope my words shed some light for them on the moral of the story that we are not compelled to go back, no matter how hard it is to resist. Thank you. I will proudly share your review this coming Thursday. 🙂 ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Excellent review here for D.G.(Debby)! I’m such a fan of her writing and have this book patiently waiting on my tablet. Thanks Deborah for spotlighting the memoir with such heart here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for taking the time to comment 😀

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Thanks for visiting Christy, 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Deb and Deb, this is a compelling review that grabs the heartstrings. Anyone in Deb G.’s situation would be moved to buy the book after reading it. Anyone interested in human behavior would also. The best self-help books are written by those who have been there. Outstanding, Deborah ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Tina.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Thank you so much Tina ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I just want to thank all who reply to Deb’s beautiful post. Unfortunately, WP isn’t allowing me to reply to other comments here, lol, big surprise WP. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. WP seriously has it in for you, Deb 😦

      Liked by 1 person

      1. No kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Wonderful review! Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for reading it 🙂

      Like

    2. Thank you Vashti. 🙂

      Like

  8. Oh yes I did manage to reply! Lol take that WordPress. 🙂 x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ha! Author triumph!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. 🙂 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  9. I have read Debby’s Conflicted Hearts and found it to be beautifully honest and introspective. I have P.S. I Love You on my Kindle, but I haven’t had a chance to read it yet. But I know I can look forward to something bittersweet and enlightening. I’m so sorry for the loss of your father, and I’m glad you could find joy in remembering your childhood.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, it is a comfort

      Like

    2. Thank you so much Amy, for popping over here and for your always lovely comments. 🙂 x

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Such a powerful review of Debby’s memoir. Thank you for sharing, Deborah. This is my first visit to your blog, I found my way here via Stevie’s blog. My deepest condolences for your loss. Sending prayers and blessings across the miles.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for visiting Natalie, and for your prayers.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Thanks so much Natalie for coming over to Deb’s place here to read. 🙂 x

      Liked by 2 people

  11. Wow! What a warm review…connections with personal life always come from the heart like this review.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So true Balroop. Than you. 🙂 x

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Lynda Lee/@LadyQuixote · · Reply

    Lovely review. My condolences for the loss of your father, Deborah Jay.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Lynda

      Like

  13. I am sorry for you loss Deborah.. what a wonderfully long life and by the sound of it one full of love and family. Great review for Debbies book.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Sal. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

  14. A lovely review of Debby’s book.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you 😀

      Like

    2. Thanks Robbie. 🙂

      Like

  15. I so enjoyed this book of Debby’s. It’s personal without being maudlin, sensitive without being weak. I haven’t met Deb but I imagine she’s like that–wonderful qualities.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m still waiting to meet her in person, but she’s a great distance friend 😀

      Like

    2. Thank you for your beautiful comment Jacqui 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  16. […] July 17, 2017 · by Deborah Jay · in Book reviews, non-fiction · 11 Comments […]

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  17. What a heartfelt, honest, revealing review. The best kind of review – you highlight the importance and significance of Debby’s book in a special way. Thank you, Deb and Debby.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. And thank you Pam. 🙂 x

      Liked by 1 person

  18. What a gorgeous review. I’m so sorry for your loss, Deborah and glad you found some comfort in Debby’s words. I was touched by her story as well. Sending hugs ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for your lovely comment, it was fortuitous timing that I had just started to read Debby’s book before my father died.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I hope you’re doing well and getting the support you need from family and friends ❤

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you, I am.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Thanks so much Diana ❤

      Liked by 2 people

  19. An excellent review of Debby’s book.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you 😀

      Like

    2. Thanks Robbie 🙂

      Like

  20. So sorry for the loss of your Dad. Lovely to hear that he was a gentle man who loved you, and that you loved him. You are blessed indeed.
    Thanks for sharing your review of Debby’s book. She is a wonderful writer and this one is on my TBR list.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Norah, I know you’ll find Debby’s book fascinating.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much Norah 🙂 x

        Like

  21. Sorry for your loss, Deb. May you find peace and remember the good times with your family. Lovely review of Debby’s book. Blessings & hugs! 😘

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, I’m trying.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Thank you Janice ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Great thanks

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  30. This iss a great blog

    Like

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