Author Beverly Armento Shares A Story You Won’t Soon Forget
ABOUT THE BOOK
As the “Seeing Eye Girl” for her blind, artistic, and mentally ill mother, Beverly Armento was intimately connected with and responsible for her, even though her mother physically and emotionally abused her. She was Strong Beverly at school—excellent in academics and mentored by caring teachers—but at home she was Weak Beverly, cowed by her mother’s rage and delusions.
Beverly’s mother regained her sight with two corneal transplants in 1950 and went on to enjoy a moment of fame as an artist, but these positive turns did nothing to stop her disintegration into her delusional world of communists, radiation, and lurking Italians. To survive, Beverly had to be resilient and hopeful that better days could be ahead. But first, she had to confront essential ethical issues about her caregiving role in her family.
In this emotional memoir, Beverly shares the coping strategies she invented to get herself through the trials of her young life, and the ways in which school and church served as refuges over the course of her journey. Breaking the psychological chains that bound her to her mother would prove to be the most difficult challenge of her life—and, ultimately, the most liberating one.
- Publisher : She Writes Press
- Pages : 281
- Available : July 5, 2022
What Others Are Saying
“Sublime writing brightens an unforgettable, harrowing personal account.” ~ Kirkus Reviews
“Is it possible that a story of chronic abuse at the hands of a mentally unstable mother can be beautiful? Seeing Eye Girl proves that the answer is yes. Armento’s masterful prose and her penchant for the revealing detail make her account illuminating. This book is a testament to the human spirit that will not be denied fulfilling its potential. Armento gives witness to the hard fact that we sometimes have to nurture ourselves and shows just how that can be done.” ~ Sue William Silverman, author of How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences
My Thoughts
Finally, a title I won’t forget.
For me, most book titles go in one ear and out the other. I really struggle to remember them. But Seeing Eye Girl will be one that stays with me for years. It fits the story. But as you know, a good title without a story to back it up doesn’t work. Armento succeeds at both.
This incredibly well-written memoir tells of a blind mother who ends up receiving two cornea transplants over time, both only briefly restoring sight. Though that is important, it covers so much more. The author, as a very young child, sees the need to help so she steps in to take on her mother’s role. When new babies came into the family, Beverly, who was around six years old when the first was born, feeds them, changes them, and cares for them in other ways. Remarkably, this little girl isn’t resentful. She loves caring for her sister and half-brothers.
But Beverly’s mother was anything but appreciative. Beverly suffered verbal and physical abuse from her mother that made me shudder.
Can you imagine entrusting your baby’s health to a mere six-year-old? I was glued to the book, but at the same time felt almost like I was gawking at a car wreck.
This debut novel flows beautifully and offers not only insight into a dysfunctional family, but the effects it can have on every member.
Beverly shares how she coped with a mother who was blind, artistic, manipulative, and cruel. Yet, a mother who could pull it together when it worked in her best interest.
My Concerns
None at all.
My Final Thoughts
Read it!
This is a book you will have no trouble remembering both the title and story. You will tear up at this little girl’s plight. Yet you will be cheering her on as she steps out of her circumstances and becomes the Determined Beverly.
It’s inspirational.
If you remember and liked A Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls, one of the few memoirs I’ve remembered the title of, you will love this book.
My thanks to Books Forward and the publisher for a copy of this book. I was free to post my thoughts.
For me, most book titles go in one ear and out the other. I really struggle to remember them. But Seeing Eye Girl will stay with me for years. It fits the story. But as you know, a good title without a story to back it up doesn’t work. Armento managed to make everything work.
Rating
About the Author
Inspired by the many teachers who mentored her, Beverly J. Armento became an educator and enjoyed a fifty-year career working with middle-school children as well as prospective teachers. Retired now, she is Professor Emerita at Georgia State University and holds degrees from The William Paterson University, Purdue University, and Indiana University. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Seeing Eye Girl is her first book for the general public.
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