What do readers think of A Box of Darkness by Sally Ryder Brady? Write your own review.

Although this book was one I couldn't put down, the realities presented were so unfathomable to me that I kept reading thinking something would happen to make things better. What a roller coaster ride Mrs. Brady was on from the very beginning, from meeting Upton until his death. This was a great character study and I kept hoping the influences from Sally's mother wouldn't keep getting in the way of her taking the blame for everything Upton accused her of. I commend her for her honesty and forthrightness. What a courageous, strong, and very responsible lady to put up with everything for so many years is unbelievable. This amount of unconditional love is hard to imagine. I enjoyed reading the book, but the sadness was overwhelming at times. I felt like I was there with Sally, witnessing the things she went through.

This heartbreaking memoir takes the reader on a roller coaster of fairy tales and devastating truths that never lets up until the end. So taken by the complexities of Sally and Upton’s relationship, I could not put this book down.

Sally Ryder Brady has a surprising way of stepping outside of her marriage enough to paint an honest and compelling portrait of her marriage and family life. Yet, Sally’s love for her husband is expressed in a pure form that resonated with me in a powerful way. This is a treasure.

There will inevitably be comparisons of "A Box of Darkness" to "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion, but I just think this book is even more breathtaking. Brady is completely honest. Her frankness shines a flashlight on her lengthy marriage in a way that just lets you feel every ounce of her pain, confusion, and deep abiding love for her husband. That she does this in a literary and beautifully written way is just icing on the cake. Loved it! Made my favorites list for 2010. Will definitely be recommending it to my Play Book Tag membership.

I didn't like this book at first. I felt the author was in denial. However, upon reflection I believe she beautifully described the many convolutions, denials, and complexities of a marriage, especially one that began in the 1960's when women's options were limited. Every time I read of alcoholism I am reminded of its destructive force on the lives of those it touches. I wish she had discussed what she did to protect her children. Are they happy adults or did they succumb to the multi-generational progression and become alcoholic themselves?

A poignant, compelling memoir which allows the reader to revisit the ever haunting question: "Does one ever really know another person" along with the ever present human frailty of ignoring the truth about those whom we love until we are forced to face stark realities.

I commend the author for allowing her readers to eavesdrop into her complex, painful marriage and search for truths. This was a compelling yet difficult read.

You will enjoy A Box of Darkness. It is a well written story, the first half a bit better than the latter. It is a love story that began in 1956. It is not too "mushy" or painfully introspective.

I enjoyed the family photographs that were included. Although their lives were VERY different, her writing style reminded me of Jeanette Walls (The Glass Castle) and perhaps J.R. Moringer (The Tender Bar).

For many years, one of the themes of my reading life has been the many forms that relationships take in our lives: mothers and children, brothers and sisters, lover and lover, men and women, friends and friends. A Box of Darkness will take its place among those already on my shelf with its painfully honest look inside a marriage that was never quite what it may have seemed to those outside it and as Sally Brady reveals, ultimately a surprise even to herself. Well worth reading and sharing.

The story of Sally Ryder Brady's tormented marriage to Upton Brady must be read with an open heart. "It is was it is" can lead to an enlighten conversation about what each partner brings to a marriage, the laughter and the tears. This book can begin a soul-searching discussion with others or a private re-affirmation. It will be sure to go on my book club to-read list.