Chasing a Dream: When Reality Does Not Live up to the Fantasy.

Alice Jo Marlin

avr. 2010 · iUniverse

À propos de cet e-book

Alice lived through the ravages of WWII on the island of Malta in Europe. She saw her father wounded, her cousin die and their house demolished. Her dream began when as a young teenager at the end of the war, she listened to the American Forces Network broadcasting from Stuttgart, Germany and she envisioned marrying her childhood sweetheart, immigrating to America and living happily ever after. She soon married him, had three children and eventually arrived in California to fulfill her fantasy.

Reality does not always live up to our expectations. Her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery removed the tumor but the psychological scars remained and festered. He suffered a personality change, turning from a loving husband and father into a scared and vengeful man. In his psychosis he blamed the doctors for his condition and even accused her of conspiring with them.

When his anger and despair escalated to guns and knives, the struggle to survive became her priority. Driven to the brink of suicide she finally sought outside help. This is a story of love lost but also of survival, of changing course, determination, renewal and never losing sight of the dream.

----- A stirring memorable journey, June 20, 2010 This book takes you along with the author through a life journey fraught with twists and turns, heart wrenching drama and survival. A young girl's heartwrenching account of experiences on the island of Malta before, during and after WW11 gives the reader a sense of having been there. The author's unexpected detours and setbacks as she pursued her dream makes her triumph over them inspirational.

Petra Dean Freelance writer and former columnist

----- Memoirs so strong, deep, brave and heartfelt!, June 19, 2010 What a read! From Malta and a childhood so different from the U.S (enduring WW two and loss)to adult in the U.S., this book cannot be put down. What a brave, strong and loving woman. Alice never lost sight of her dream, or love of her family. Heartwarming, enlightening, AWESOME! All ages will enjoy reading this book. Cant stop thinking about it. Makes quite an impression on what you can do with a dream, strength and love. What a journey!

Brenda L. Matthews bookworm Terryville Connecticut USA

----- A heart-tugging memoir with a powerful message, May 30, 2010 This soul-searing memoir by Alice Marlin delivers joy, pathos and inspiration. She shares her experiences of a Victorian childhood in Malta, then facing death and destruction during WWII. Her dreams of marriage, a bright future and emigration to America come true but are devastated by unforseeable events. Be prepared to choke back some tears. I will be amazed if a screenwriter doesn't soon contact Alice and turn this story into a touching film.

Don Lasseter Author-Journalist

À propos de l'auteur

Alice Marlin came to California from war-torn Europe after WWII. She attended Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, where she earned a Nursing License, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies from California State University in Long Beach. Her Memoirs are in tribute to her three children.