Impossible to put down.

I felt every single emotion known to man throughout this book. It’s simply amazing and easily the best money I’ve spent in a long time. Liz Fraser, what a wonderful mother, partner & all round human. I think god sent the only person he thought even remotely capable of helping Mike and If she couldn’t do it then nobody can. I truly hope she finds the happiness she deserves. Remarkable lady.

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Brilliant

really enjoyed this book 📖. could really understand where Liz was coming from. 😀

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What an amazing read!

The honest and raw undertone of this book is a powerful reminder of how love and addiction can coexist for many years.

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An Eye Opener on the tragic and furious elements of addiction

I liked Liz unflinching approach to writing this story of an enervating episode of her life. It could have made even more compelling with a closer examination of her own codependency and need for a happy ending at great cost to her wellness
Overall an insightful , wry and in your reading of a condition that we all are potentially vulnerable to.

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Brave, terrifying, honest, necessary

Im not sure what to make of what the power of Liz Frazer’s honesty and integrity ( not to mention her easy, natural writing style ) has moved in me. Seldom am I this bereft once a book has ended. Liz was the voice of a dear friend or companion. I felt her. I feel her. I also question much, as I naturally insert myself into her deeply personal narrative. Would I have done this or accepted that? Truth is, I don’t know. And - and it bears repeating as Liz does herself - it’s not my story.

A truly incredible read; a truly inspirational woman; a thoroughly disarming relationship shared with integrity.

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Superb

I am a sober alcoholic who loves listening to memoirs on alcoholism, and this is the first book I have coma across that tells the story from the other side. It’s a great listen, even if Liz is telling stories of some very traumatic times, living and dealing with Mike’s alcoholism. It’s also narrated wonderfully by Liz. If you like quit lit, I highly recommend this book

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Important book

At times horrifying tale of the combined effect of depression and alcohol.

Of course there's lots of those sorts of tales out there but this is written from the point of view of the partner of the Ill person.

Partners, especially if you have a child are in a bind. Should I stay? Should I go? Can I go? A really good description of the toll it takes to love someone with a mental illness and remain strong for your child.

I'd like to hear a book from the partner's POV now.

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Brilliant, real and powerful.

Incredibly raw and honest look into the effects of abusive, alcoholic behaviour. I really felt Liz’s story and much of it resonated with me.

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Extraordinary Honesty

This is a gripping, compelling yet remarkable reflection of the title. The completely agonising and at times extremely uncomfortable honesty in this book, combined with an almost macabre sense of humour, is both humbling and painful to the listener. It is both brutal and tough to hear, yet impossible to put down. It is so vivid at times you almost feel like you are intruding on someone else's pain and trauma. Yet Liz makes it very clear that her intention is to open up the very hidden and concealed world of the addict and those closest to them, and to encourage all those affected not to feel alone and to despair. She shows how there is hope, even in the darkest of places.

The love and compassion demonstrated here is clear to all. Liz has been very courageous, as has Mike in encouraging her to share their story, and it is written in a very direct and candid manner. For me it demonstrated how easy it is in this world of social media to portray a sanitised version of life, when behind the images there is devastating pain and agony. The narrative also shows the overlap and consequences to those both suffering from a wide range of mental health disorders and those who love and care for them. Above all, Liz's powerful testament and capacity to love is so evident - to Mike, to her young daughter and older children. Yet she so vividly reveals how hard it can be to show love and compassion to oneself.

This book must have come at great cost to Liz. However, I truly hope it has also been part of the healing process for her, and its impact on those who read it will be far reaching. It is indeed and extraordinary book. I learnt so much.

Thank you!

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A must read for people affected by alcoholism.

This is really an enlightening book narrated by Liz herself so you can feel her emotions throughout the book.

I have fortunately never suffered alcohol abuse but I'm curious about other people who have risen from the depths of despair.

I have always been well aware of domestic and alcohol abuse being suffered by people you would least expect because of my employment. This book  has given me a better insight into why an abused partner, especially someone who is a smart, well educated, highly respected business woman,  would continue to remain in a toxic relationship, when in the opinion of the majority of people that she should have walked or run a mile.   Although I understand her thought processes, I was still urging her throughout the book to  have the courage to throw him out.

Liz bravely opens up about her own mental health which gives an insight into the anxieties around that.  You sense her vulnerability and just want to give her a reassuring hug.

They ultimately both reached their own  rock bottom and things had to change.

Recovery is not an easy journey for either of them but all hail for Sober Mike because Drunk or Hungover Mike is a weak, unpleasant narcissist and I sincerely hope his daughter never sees that side of him.

The book is a well written, sometimes harrowing recollection of events.It is open and honest, doesn't claim to offer the perfect route  to recovery, but I think it is a must read/listen for people affected by alcoholism or who have a curiosity in people's road to recovery. Bravo to Liz for speaking out and may you both live in peace.

I highly recommend this book.

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