...And Then I Would Fly

...And Then I Would Fly

*LITERARY TITAN GOLD BOOK AWARD WINNER* As a child in the 1980s, Damien lived an idyllic life as the only son to two highly creative parents. He idolized his larger-than-life father, the unemployed musician. His mother, the artist, painted the neighbor children’s portraits and sometimes worked two jobs to pay the mortgage and put food on the table. When Damien’s mother asked for a divorce, his father initiated a long journey of vengeance with Damien at the center, weaponizing the boy against his own mother. Suddenly, nothing was sacred. As the structure of the family and his father’s mental health crumbled, Damien’s idyllic life became seedy and dangerous. His father spiraled out of control and vandalized their house, made Damien steal all his baby pictures, and exposed him to violence, drugs, and dysfunction. Eventually, he brought a new eighteen-year-old girlfriend home, who gave birth to Damien’s little sister, Lily. Living in squalor, Damien struggled to emerge with Lily from their dysfunctional father’s grasp. …And Then I Would Fly is a heartbreaking and lovable memoir masterfully told over several decades, from a chaotic childhood to becoming a father who is still trying to heal himself. Sometimes darkly funny and often gut-wrenching, it is a moving story of an optimistic spirit seeking to thrive against any odds, even when in danger from the people he loves the most. Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite - 5/5 Stars ★★★★★ ...And Then I Would Fly is a memoir by Damien Thompson. The book details Damien's childhood of abuse and neglect at the hands of his father in the wake of his parents' divorce. From his early years of looking up to his father to the dangerous and heartbreaking downward spiral that saw Damien manipulated into a weapon against his mother, to the adding of a little sister into an environment of carnage and substance abuse, this book chronicles a desperate journey toward hope in a childhood of trauma. Memoirs of abusive childhoods are a tough read for anyone, and there's no doubt that Damien's painfully vivid recollections of his youth will hit close to home for any fellow abuse survivors. However, there is an optimism that acts as a lifeline throughout this work, with the core theme of someone whose unwillingness to give up hope for a better future is the force that helps them survive. There is a catharsis to the way Damien Thompson writes that leads me to hope that the book was a healing experience for him to write. I feel strongly that the compassion and insight with which he shares even the rawest of memories will provide a cathartic experience for others when reading. It is incredible to me that someone can take such painful experiences and turn them into prose that is beautiful to read. Throughout ...And Then I Would Fly, I constantly found my breath being taken away. A difficult issue is discussed with grace, wisdom, and an eye for compelling storytelling. This is a book I recommend highly to all. Reviewed by Priya Murugesan for OnlineBookClub - 5/5 Stars ★★★★★ I was completely engrossed in the book and felt as though I was traveling alongside Damien on his life journey. Throughout the narrative, the author shares raw emotions and reveals his vulnerability. He opens up about his deep secrets and intimate feelings without any hesitation. It was heart-wrenching to witness a young boy suffering through the struggles of his life. At times, while reading, I felt a strong urge to reach out and help him. I feel Damien's story will be inspirational for readers who have endured a challenging childhood and are feeling weighed down by life's struggles. It encourages readers to rise above their circumstances and confront any challenges that come their way. There is nothing I disliked about this book. [...] Readers who enjoy memoirs that delve into the complexities of individuals with troubled minds and narcissistic tendencies will find this book captivating. Reviewed by Erin Britton for Independent Book Review ...And Then I Would Fly, Damien Thompson's evocative memoir of a childhood shaped by dysfunction but characterized by hope, sheds light on the immense damage that mental health issues, addiction, relationship breakdown, and domestic abuse can cause to individuals, families, and society at large. However, it simultaneously reflects how such damage can be overcome by the irrepressible loyalty, compassion, and determination of youth. Above all, it is a book that will inspire, motivate, and encourage those in similar situations. Thompson's memoir is an often difficult and sometimes heartbreaking read, but it also manages to be life-affirming. As his experience shows, even in the darkest times, the sun will still rise and there is always the possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness. Thompson's life so far has been a difficult one, although it has also been a fulfilling one, and hopefully there are brighter days in store. On that basis, his honest reflections will i