Our newest memoir Only Oblivion by Magda Lamb is an engaging portrayal of one woman’s experience of alcoholism and coercive control. We published this book because we found it a moving, eye-opening story on an important topic.
Description
Magda recalls living in her car, parked near the Downs in South West England, with her new boyfriend Ethan, a recovering alcoholic. Despite her efforts to keep him sober, Ethan relapses. Magda discovers that he’s also a drug addict, hooked on crack cocaine, and a narcissist skilled at coercive control. His abuse of Magda intensifies through several failed rehabs and subsequent relapses.
A respite period in a Tibetan Buddhist community turns sour when Magda realises that the guru’s abusive outbursts are sickeningly familiar. Ethan getting rehab becomes a matter of life and death, for Magda as well as Ethan. It’s a race against time before something truly terrible happens.
Reviews
“Only Oblivion by Magda Lamb is a compelling account of a woman’s relationship with an alcoholic and drug-addicted man. I found this to be a powerfully written book that shows how easy it is to get sucked into believing a partner’s deceptions and false promises and to become accepting of violent and belittling behaviour. An enlightening read, this true story outlines how the determined addict can try detox, dry houses, Tibetan Buddhism, AA and cold turkey but still find that there is no easy solution to this debilitating illness. No punches are pulled and this is not a comfortable read, but I believe it is an essential one for anyone facing similar circumstances or wishing to find out what makes someone to stay with a domineering and abusive partner, and what they must do to avoid enabling behaviour and becoming themselves addicted to the role of saviour. I found it eye-opening and strongly emotional while being superbly written.”
Barbara Scott Emmett, author.
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This book includes resources to assist those struggling with addiction, homelessness and domestic abuse.
About the Author
Magda is an author, painter, visual artist, illustrator and activist. The mother of two daughters, she enjoys film, theatre, illustrating, painting, reading and gardening. She studied Art and Graphic Design in London. You can follow her on Instagram at @magdalambauthor.
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