The House an Alcoholic Built by Bree Tarir is a memorable example of the ravages that result from alcohol abuse, ultimately leading to poor choices and despair.
The author, Bree Tarir, shares her family’s story with candor and honesty. Bree’s father fought in World War II and returned home haunted by the unspeakable horrors he witnessed. He turned to alcohol to cope with what is now known as PTSD. He married and had three children—Bree and her two brothers, Brandon and Kevin. Their father worked on oil rigs in northern Canada, a hard, filthy and dangerous occupation. The family lived in cramped trailers, often ill-equipped with basic necessities. At times their father was away from home for long periods of time while working in oil fields, and finally abandoned his family altogether. Bree’s mother coped as best she could, but they were often without adequate food, proper clothes and other necessities. Time and again they moved from impossible situations to even more uncomfortable ones.
Bree’s mother, desperate to provide for her family, made desperate choices. Bree’s brothers, bitter and resentful found their own destructive paths. At first Bree followed her mother’s example in her own marriage, but soon realized her unfortunate choice and eventually learned to make good, constructive decisions. Through the years, she tirelessly worked to care for her mother and brothers to help them take control and salvage their lives.
The House an Alcoholic Built is a well-written account of the life-long damage alcoholism wreaks on families, a disease that robs children of the opportunity to experience solid, secure lives in a nurturing environment. The author shares her personal experiences with stark honesty and openness, drawing the reader into the despair of a family shattered by alcoholism.
A most excellent review of a story that so many of us can relate to regarding alcoholism. My heart sank at reading your review, Mary, and made me wonder what other emotions I’d feel if/when I read the book?
It IS a heart-sinking story, Alice. Alcoholism is such a far-reaching problem. It knows no social boundaries. (I enjoyed seeing you at the WWW general meeting.)