Synopis from back of book: “Danielle Landau knows she should feel lucky, but she can’t feel anything but dread. Not only did she pass the New York Bar, but she married the man her father says is just right for her and lives in a fashionable new loft in Queens. But the man who seems like the perfect catch is a perfect nightmare at home. Jacob tries to control her career, her daily routine, and even what she eats. He ignores her desires and belittles her every chance he gets. Soon, Danielle doesn’t recognize her husband or herself, and she struggles to find a way out.
One night, Jacob pushes her too far, and now Danielle has to escape. With the help of her beloved Nana. Danielle moves across the country and starts to rebuild her life. But will she be able to escape her past? And when one of her clients finds herself in the same terrible situation, will Danielle have the strength to help her?
As we follow Danielle on her journey of terror and recovery, we see her story intersect with the diary entries of a young girl from more than fifty years ago, and the full weight of the family’s secrets becomes clear. This is a story of survival, self-discovery, justice, and ultimately, it’s about love.
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. In the beginning when Jacob was first introduced, and I got a feel of Danielle’s very strong personality, I knew it was a bad match from the start, but her father kept pushing, so she gave it a go.
As the marriage begins, and grows worse by the minute, Jacob’s true character truly begins to come out, but Danielle’s strength gets the best of her, and that is when she finds the fight to leave, and move across country.
Her strength is showcased throughout the entire book, written out quite well But another part I truly loved about this book was that there was a trial included. Danielle, while across country, pursues her law degree, and begins working for the District Attorney’s office, and we then showcased a case very similar to what she had just been through.
Benjamin Berkeley has a talent in displaying his characters quite well. You get a true feel of all the character’s in the book, and you do grow attached. You fall for certain people, and dread in others, but in the end, it comes off as a story.
Although this book, at times, brings out some violent acts, rape included, I was still able to keep reading until the end.
This is a book I would recommend.
Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of “Against my Will” to review.
