My Husband Almost Killed Me by Linda Beason

This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views version here.

My Husband Almost Killed Me opens with a much-needed note regarding the violence that lies within its pages. Once readers are prepared, they can begin learning about author Linda Beason’s story. Linda grew up with a loving father on a farm that she adored. She went on to gain a meaningful education that positioned her well for a stable life and career. But then there was Phil. Phil and Linda sort of dated and were just friends in college, but after two proposals, Linda did say yes to marrying Phil. Their marriage started to show Phil’s drinking behavior and, ultimately, his violent and violating tendencies. From there, things continue to escalate until Linda is finally able to find a life outside of Phil. But Linda’s story doesn’t end with the removal of Phil from her life. My Husband Almost Killed Me continues with how Linda’s life progressed from there, both the joys and triumphs, but also the pitfalls and betrayals.

Reading My Husband Almost Killed Me should not be done lightly. It is a privilege to read Beason’s words and to be one of those she shares her story of survival with. Beason’s prose is visceral and as brutal, at times, as what she endured. Beason is brave in her writing and does not shy away from the sheer horrific violence she and her children faced at the hands of Phil. Beason’s voice comes through clearly, and her frankness will have readers on her side immediately, making her pain even more real to readers.

I admired that Beason’s story didn’t end when her relationship with Phil did. Her honesty about life after abuse is not magically perfect, and those imperfections, from medical issues to addiction to family dynamics, all play out authentically on the page.

My Husband Almost Killed Me by Linda Beason is a raw read. Its author survived what feels unimaginable but is sadly more common than we’d like to discuss. This is the importance and style of My Husband Almost Killed Me—it brings to light what others would shove in the dark. My Husband Almost Killed Me opens with a much-needed note regarding the violence that lies within its pages. Once readers are prepared, they can begin learning about author Linda Beason’s story. Linda grew up with a loving father on a farm that she adored. She went on to gain a meaningful education that positioned her well for a stable life and career. But then there was Phil. Phil and Linda sort of dated and were just friends in college, but after two proposals, Linda did say yes to marrying Phil. Their marriage started to show Phil’s drinking behavior and, ultimately, his violent and violating tendencies. From there, things continue to escalate until Linda is finally able to find a life outside of Phil. But Linda’s story doesn’t end with the removal of Phil from her life. My Husband Almost Killed Me continues with how Linda’s life progressed from there, both the joys and triumphs, but also the pitfalls and betrayals.

Reading My Husband Almost Killed Me should not be done lightly. It is a privilege to read Beason’s words and to be one of those she shares her story of survival with. Beason’s prose is visceral and as brutal, at times, as what she endured. Beason is brave in her writing and does not shy away from the sheer horrific violence she and her children faced at the hands of Phil. Beason’s voice comes through clearly, and her frankness will have readers on her side immediately, making her pain even more real to readers.

I admired that Beason’s story didn’t end when her relationship with Phil did. Her honesty about life after abuse is not magically perfect, and those imperfections, from medical issues to addiction to family dynamics, all play out authentically on the page.

My Husband Almost Killed Me by Linda Beason is a raw read. Its author survived what feels unimaginable but is sadly more common than we’d like to discuss. This is the importance and style of My Husband Almost Killed Me—it brings to light what others would shove in the dark.

My Husband Almost Killed Me by Linda Beason, Tellwell Talent