Title: Marvin’s Garden
Author: Joseph Brisben
Publisher: Toplink Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1949804690
Pages: 120
Genre: Fiction/Drama/Paranormal
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Hollywood Book Review
Julia Child once said, “The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time.” Yet if this is true, then so must the opposite be true. A failed marriage must stem from those who can’t stand to be around the other. In author Joseph Brisben’s novel Marvin’s Garden, the all too familiar story of a woman trapped in a loveless and abusive relationship comes full circle.
The story was often heartbreaking, emotional and tough to read. Yet the theme and core of the story is something that we see far too often in our lives. Spouses who feel superior to their “significant other” and use that superiority complex to abuse the other spouse physically and emotionally. Madge Duckworth is the living embodiment of all abused spouses who feel forced or trapped into staying with their abuser, and the author does an excellent job of bringing this sad reality to life in excruciating detail.
The author manages to infuse realism, vivid imagery and a strong sense of humor in Madge that allows her to survive the horrors she must endure in her life. From talking about the latest abuse by her husband in one breath, only to talk about admiring her own body in the mirror in the next breath, Madge proved to be a powerful and relatable voice and protagonist in the story.
This is the perfect book for anyone who enjoys a good drama. Whether you enjoy the intense character buildup of Madge and her abusive husband Marvin, or you are interested in seeing through the protagonist’s eyes to make sure you never end up in that situation, or even for those who enjoy a bit of a mix of paranormal storytelling, this is the perfect story for you. As a romantic, it was interesting to me to see a story that didn’t try to live up to the idea that everyone can find romance. Instead it shed light on the importance of not settling for anything less than happiness, and not allowing oneself to fall victim to another’s mad view of the world. Following your own path to happiness makes the idea of true love and romance all the more hopeful, something Madge desperately needed in her own life.
The dramatic and overwhelming story of Madge Duckworth is a must read. It’s emotionally driven and paints a vivid image not only of this small town she lives in, but of the intense abuse she suffered at her husband’s hands. It’s a powerful story with plenty of shocks and twists to keep you invested throughout the whole story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of Marvin’s Garden by Joseph Brisben today.