Raised by a Narcissist: That Woman aka My MotherBy Serena Bennett (Book Review #2072)

Serena Bennett’s Raised by a Narcissist is more than a memoir—it’s a reckoning. Told with striking clarity and heartfelt vulnerability, this book is a raw, unfiltered journey through childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and the long path toward healing. Each chapter stands as both a personal account and a universal testimony for survivors of narcissistic abuse.

From the earliest memories of emotional deprivation to the cold grip of gaslighting, Bennett spares no detail. Yet what makes this memoir so impactful is not just the recounting of pain—it’s the resilience threaded through every page. With chapters titled like “Gaslighting and Grudges,” “Venom in the Family,” and “Cutting Ties, Reclaiming Peace,” the narrative lays bare the inner workings of a toxic household where control masqueraded as care, and love came with conditions.

Despite the harrowing events described, there are flickers of warmth—glimpses of joy in cherished childhood visits to her aunt, and strength in her evolving bond with her brother. These human moments counterbalance to the trauma, reminding readers of the complex duality many survivors face: grieving what was missing, while holding onto the fragments of love that helped them endure.

What elevates this memoir is its blend of lived experience and psychological insight. Bennett integrates reflections from leading figures like Carl Jung, Virginia Woolf, and Gabor Maté, anchoring her story in a broader context of trauma theory and emotional development. The effect is both educational and deeply validating.

Ultimately, Raised by a Narcissist is a story of reclamation. Reclamation of voice, worth, identity, and peace. It is an essential read for those navigating or recovering from emotionally abusive relationships, especially with family. Bennett’s final message is clear: healing is possible—not despite the past, but because of it.

Final Verdict: Brave, heartbreaking, and beautifully told. A powerful testament to breaking cycles and choosing self-love over generational pain.

Written by Jeyran Main

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