Emotional abuse is real. Maggie Thomas knows. She was locked in its silent prison for a half-century. In her startlingly frank memoir, she shares her slow journey from normal to denial to survival. Rages, bizarre behaviors, disappearing pets, extreme parenting of her children, mental control, and fear reigned. As intense anxiety and frozen numbness vied to be her world, Maggie herself disintegrated as she slid into the abyss of nothingness. This is a story for those who cannot imagine what it would be like nor understand why anyone would stay in an emotionally abusive relationship. It also is for those abused - know you are not alone. Healing is possible, and Thomas shares her insights on finding serenity. This memoir is a must read. Maggie Thomas opens her normal to you and asks only that you enter without judgment.