Portobello Book Blog

Isolation Junction is a fictional tale inspired by the author’s own experiences blended with other women’s experiences of emotionally abusive relationships. The story is told in two timescales. Rose has escaped from an emotionally and physically abusive marriage and, with the help of new partner Tim, is trying to build herself a new life for herself while working her way through the court system to keep her children safe. Through her memories, we also see just how trapped and controlled she was in her marriage to Darren.

This was quite a disturbing book to read not least because it is based on true experiences. I felt so sad to think that women are trapped in these kind of relationships and can feel so helpless to change their situations. It is almost impossible to believe the lack of help which abused women can access when even the court systems can seem to work against them. Sadly though, as I’m sure many of you will know from reading news stories, this can be all too true and sometimes with tragic consequences.

I know that one of the reasons the author wrote the book is to raise awareness of emotional abuse and I think that she has definitely succeeded. It’s a real eye opener and I’m sure that women will be able to identify with Rose. Not that they will necessary have been victims but because they may realise that Rose could easily be anyone and that anyone could find themselves in her position. Victims of domestic abuse aren’t weak and stupid to remain – they are truly trapped. But the book also offers hope that there can be a way out and that women can find support if they can find the courage to escape.

My thanks to the author for offering me a copy of her book. Isolation Junction is available in paperback and e-book editions.  You can order a copy online here: Isolation Junction

From the back of the book

Rose is the mother of two young children, and finds herself living a robotic life with an abusive and controlling husband. While she struggles to maintain a calm front for the sake of her children, inside Rose is dying and trapped in ‘Isolation Junction’.

She runs an online business from home, because Darren won’t let her work outside the house. Through this, she meets other mums and finds courage to attend networking events, while Darren is at work, to promote her business.

It’s at one of these events that Rose meets Tim, a sympathetic, dark-haired stranger who unwittingly becomes an important part of her survival.

After years of emotional abuse, of doubting her future and losing all self-confidence, Rose takes a stand. Finding herself distraught, alone and helpless, Rose wonders how she’ll ever escape with her sanity and her children. With 100 reasons to leave and 1,000 reasons she can’t, will she be able to do it?

Will Tim help her? Will Rose find peace and the happiness she deserves? Can Rose break free from this spiralling life she so desperately wants to change?