Review: Patchwork Reality by Pauline Hansen

 

Published: February 2014 

Length: 144 pages 

Description: Through a series of dreams and delusions, Curtis Hansen becomes convinced that he and his wife, Pauline, are part of an intricate game devised for the entertainment of wealthy onlookers. To win, the couple must stay together despite a series of temptations and trials designed to break up their marriage. After playing “The Game” with Curtis for nine arduous years, Pauline makes a shocking discovery. Read the riveting, true account of her decade in the dark and her return to reality after Curtis is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

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5 Stars (Lilacs) 

My Review: I loved the way this story was told. Sometimes, a true story can be heavy, but this was told in a way that had me checking myself--is this real or is this fiction? It was very easy to read and immerse myself into.  

The author did a great job in showing how gradual this illness is and how it could be hard to really know that there's something going on that's not typical. I love how she showed the love that she has for her husband, and he for her. I think it would be easy to make the one with the illness seem crazy or like a bad person, but she made it very clear that he's a very good man and did a great job in showing his good qualities. He's a wonderful man with a debilitating illness and he's defined by the kind of person he is. I just read an article that says that my state has the highest rate of mental illness in the US--22.4% of the adult population. This story gives such hope to those who's lives are affected by mental illness. What an amazing journey and experience and I'm so glad that Pauline Hansen decided to share it with the world.

**I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced me--my opinions are all my own.**

About the Author:

 

Pauline Hansen grew up in a tiny town where she went everywhere barefoot, played in the ditch, and anticipated the arrival of the bookmobile every two weeks. Her love of reading led her to dream of someday becoming an author. In addition to reading and writing, Pauline enjoys traveling, spring cleaning, cooking, organizing, and spending time with her family. After nearly twenty-five years living in the city, she now resides once again in her tiny hometown in southern Utah with her husband, three of their five children, and two cats. Patchwork Reality is her first publication.