"Left" is a memoir Alethia wrote about the day she finally left her abusive mother. Throughout her life Alethia struggled with the way her mother treated her and her siblings. The day she left she realized that by leaving she wasn't running away from her problems, but instead leaving them behind in order to have a better life.
I really loved this piece! Your writing kept my attention the entire time. I thought you explained your situation in a clear way that allowed those who may have not experienced the same thing to understand what it would be like to like with an abusive mother. I like how you opened with the scene in the Dollar General, because it led to questions such as why were you keeping track of money? and why was your Jeep actually packed? Questions that were all answered throughout the course of the story. I was really able to grasp the atmosphere in your household by the way you explained how you and your siblings kept in touch in order to know what type of mood your mom was in or if she was at the house. You also did a good job of showing how much influence your mother's boyfriend had over your mom by mentioning how he "whispered" in her ear about how she was entitled to the money you made.
My biggest suggestion would be for you to explain whether the last "olive branch" you gave your mom occurred before or after you moved out. I think that would give readers a better time-frame on when you left, too. In addition I would I think it would be good to include whether or not your sister contacted you regarding the note left on your door. Also I would like a little more information on where you went to live after you left, because I couldn't decide if you were staying at your friend's place indefinitely or if you were moving to college in a few weeks or what.
But really, this was SO good, although the subject matter was really sad. Your determination to break the cycle is evident and I admire your courage,
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