Review: Ragdoll Redeemed by Dawn Novotny

Ragdoll Redeemed by Dawn Novotny

Pages: 168 

Format: eARC 

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  In 1963, I was just 17. I thought God had finally come through for me. Out of nowhere appeared my dashing Prince Charming. Married within three months, I was sure this was the redemption from my ragdoll beginnings. Though I had lived in the shadow of illegitimacy, bludgeoning poverty, physical and sexual abuse, I was sure I would prove worthy to my bridegroom. After all, I had remained a virgin. How was I to know that he expected me to be an aggressive sex-pot, or "whore" as he put it, modeled after the persona of his famous step-mother, Marilyn Monroe? Thus began my ill-fated effort to compete with the sexual image of Marilyn. Divorced after two years, I found myself-as I saw it-"used goods." Ironically, I reacted by becoming just what Joey had wanted- an alcoholic and a sex-object-not only in men's eyes but in my own.




Kritters Thoughts:  A little on the depressing side, this book at the beginning was hard to stomach because you felt so much for Dawn as she was struggling through a treacherous childhood.  I was amazed at how many things this young girl had dealt with before hitting the age of 18 and trying to break free from the hold her mother had on her from the beginning.


Although it is set somewhat chronologically, I felt as though within each chapter there was some jumping around in time, which was quite confusing.  I wish there had been less chapter breaks and more of a timeline feel, so I knew where we were in this woman's life.  On the flip side, I am so thankful for the ending.  I was hoping that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and it finally showed up close to the bitter end.


A memoir that didn't strike a chord with me, but for those fans of Marilyn Monroe, it is an interesting take on her and her extended family.


Rating:  enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more


Ebook Challenge 2012: 29 out of 25   


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from WOW Blog Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.