Overview

This is a well-paced story of love in the face of adversity, giving readers a fly-on-the-wall view into an idyllic English childhood turned upside down. Rag Dolls and Rage is a coming-of-age memoir set in northern England in the '60s; it ends in Canada in the 21st century. At age 4, Sheila is uprooted from her grandparents' cozy home to live far away with a temperamental mother and abusive stepfather. She is rescued after a year, but is now a damaged, fearful child. This causes her to be bullied at school; however, she's relieved to be living back with her grandparents. Then, at 15, Sheila returns to her mother after her grandmother dies. Again she is thrown into a turbulent family life, eventually leaving home to travel the world and find herself. After settling in Canada, Sheila realizes the need to deal with memories of the past, and spends a year with a brilliant psychotherapist who helps her to see her life and herself in a different light. Rag Dolls and Rage is equal parts raw, happy, sad and funny, and it ends victoriously: a book that will surely help others scarred by their pasts.

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9781999107307

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Reviews

a beautifully written and compelling personal story...the path to healing and reclaiming one's agency can be a long one, yet Sheila shows that is it possible. This book is powerful Alma Arguello, Executive Director, SAVIS of Halton, ON. a spellbinding account of growing up in a dysfunctional environment...it's a captivating read from beginning to end Reverend Minister Dennis Curley, ThM., ON. a mesmerizing read...I couldn't put the book down until I found out the ending...writing style is excellent James Bawden, author & TV critic, ON. strong, driven, compassionate, kind, caring, fun loving with a heart & soul as big as the State of Texas. Your story will help people far and wide who have been through sexual, physical, mental and bullying abuse. You go girl. I'm going to order several more copies for my sisters and friends Bernadette Schilling, TX. it's a powerful story of survival, reconciliation and hope...the result is a tribute to the indomitable human spirit Cindy Watson, President, Muskoka Authors Association, ON your book will bring insights to others...I feel many people underestimated or neglected the impact of wounds from childhood, even from verbal abuse...how much it will affect their behaviour and self-image...for some people, it could be therapeutic by just reading your book. A. Zhang, former refugee, now Canadian (met at a book signing).

Author Information

Sheila E. Tucker's stirring memoir conveys hope and courage. The author knows firsthand how a traumatized childhood can affect self-esteem throughout life. She embarks on a two-pronged journey of healing that is equal parts poignant and powerful. Many readers have said they couldn't put the book down. Tucker hosts a literary salon in her hometown of Oakville, Canada. She is a member of Toronto's Heliconian Club for Women in the Arts & Letters, where she is editor-in-chief and sits on selection committees. As well, she is a member of The Writers' Union of Canada. Tucker's work is published in anthologies, magazines and newspapers. Her memoir, Rag Dolls and Rage, is her first full-length book and profits from sales are being donated to charity. In a previous life, Tucker was an editor/graphic designer for an international company.

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