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inquisitiveengineer's review
challenging
dark
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I loved How Much For a Happy Ending by Sinead Winters! This book is an entertaining memoir with serious undertones. Sinead was raised in a council estate in Britain, to rather unconventional parents. She then went on to an abusive marriage, a career in the glamour/sex industry, and finally a career as a therapist. Sinead tells her story in a conversational manner, to the reader as a friend.
This book does have some more sexually graphic pieces, but they are not central to the story. If you are uncomfortable with descriptions of various situations, you can definitely read past them and still enjoy the story.
As someone who has grown up very blessed, without abuse or the sex industry being part of my life, I very much appreciate this book. I believe we need to read books from people who have had different experiences from ourselves to learn. Sinead shows us a logical progression of her life based on how and where she was raised. She shows us places where she made mistakes, and places she believed circumstances dictated the choices she made. Sinead ponders turning points in her life, looking at the fact that while her experiences shaped who she is and gave her greater empathy as a therapist, they were also damaging.
What is the right answer, or is there a right answer? I think Sinead Winters, more than many of us, is able to appreciate hard experiences for the things they taught her. She is a master of looking ahead and making do with the lot life dealt.
Do I agree with all of her choices? I don’t – but I also wasn’t there. Who am I to say there was another, better path? We don’t have a right to judge unless we are taking steps to help. I love that Sinead is now a therapist – she talks about how much her life experiences help her empathize with victims in difficult situations. She gives examples like understanding why abused women go back to their abusers. Yes, there is Stockholm syndrome. There is also the question of “how do I make a living for myself and my child if I leave”? Many of us are so quick to say – “well just leave” – but provide no practical support!
I love Sinead’s writing style and self-deprecating sense of humor. This book has layers to enjoy.
This book does have some more sexually graphic pieces, but they are not central to the story. If you are uncomfortable with descriptions of various situations, you can definitely read past them and still enjoy the story.
As someone who has grown up very blessed, without abuse or the sex industry being part of my life, I very much appreciate this book. I believe we need to read books from people who have had different experiences from ourselves to learn. Sinead shows us a logical progression of her life based on how and where she was raised. She shows us places where she made mistakes, and places she believed circumstances dictated the choices she made. Sinead ponders turning points in her life, looking at the fact that while her experiences shaped who she is and gave her greater empathy as a therapist, they were also damaging.
What is the right answer, or is there a right answer? I think Sinead Winters, more than many of us, is able to appreciate hard experiences for the things they taught her. She is a master of looking ahead and making do with the lot life dealt.
Do I agree with all of her choices? I don’t – but I also wasn’t there. Who am I to say there was another, better path? We don’t have a right to judge unless we are taking steps to help. I love that Sinead is now a therapist – she talks about how much her life experiences help her empathize with victims in difficult situations. She gives examples like understanding why abused women go back to their abusers. Yes, there is Stockholm syndrome. There is also the question of “how do I make a living for myself and my child if I leave”? Many of us are so quick to say – “well just leave” – but provide no practical support!
I love Sinead’s writing style and self-deprecating sense of humor. This book has layers to enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Drug use and Suicide attempt
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