Love as Always, Mum by Mae West Book Review

Reading a book that shares a personal story can be both enlightening and heartbreaking. Mae West’s memoir, Love as Always, Mum, is a perfect example of this. In this book review, we will delve into the life of Mae West and her family, as well as the struggles she endured throughout her childhood, and her journey to overcome them.

Click me to go to my Review

Synopsis

It has taken over 20 years for Mae West to find the perspective and strength to tell her remarkable story: one of an abusive, violent childhood, of her serial killer parents and how she has rebuilt her life in the shadow of their terrible crimes.

Through her own memories, research and the letters her mother wrote to her from prison, Mae shares her emotionally powerful account of her life as a West. From a toddler locked in the deathly basement to a teen fighting off the sexual advances of her father, Mae’s story is one of survival. It also answers the questions: how do you come to terms with knowing your childhood bedroom was a graveyard? How do you accept the fact your parents sexually tortured, murdered and dismembered young women? How do you become a mother yourself when you’re haunted by the knowledge that your own mother was a monster? Why were you spared and how do you escape the nightmare?

About The Author

Mae West’s parents were two of Britain’s most notorious serial killers, Fred and Rose West, who brutally tortured and murdered 12 people, including two of their own children.

Her sister, Heather, was 16 when her parents murdered her after she tried to escape – then buried her in the garden.

My Review

Mae’s memoir is a beautiful and honest portrayal of her difficult childhood. She shares her experiences growing up with her family in the West house, and the struggles she faced trying to move forward from the past. One of the most captivating aspects of this book is the series of letters that her mother sent her from prison. These letters help to give the reader a better understanding of the relationships between Mae, her mother Rose, and the rest of her family.

As we follow Mae’s journey through her childhood, we see that there were both good and bad times. She shares stories about the laughter and happy memories, as well as the traumatic events that she endured. It is clear that Mae has a deep understanding of her family and her childhood, and she is able to articulate her feelings in a way that is both honest and raw.

One of the most compelling sections of the book is Mae’s changing perception of her mother. Initially, she believed that her mother was supportive of her and her siblings. However, over time, as Mae learns more about her mother’s manipulative behavior, she begins to see her in a different light. This is an incredibly powerful example of how our perceptions of people can change over time, and it highlights the complexity of familial relationships.

Another heart-wrenching moment in the book is when Mae learns of her father’s death on the radio while driving. This shows that despite the challenges that her family faced, there were still moments of pain and grief that they had to endure. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope for healing and growth.

Throughout the book, it is clear that Mae is a strong and courageous woman. She has been through so much, but she is determined to break the destructive cycles of her past and create a better life for her children. Her willingness to share her story and be vulnerable is an inspiration to us all.

In conclusion, Love as Always, Mum is an incredible memoir that offers a unique and captivating look into Mae West’s life. Her journey from a difficult childhood to a place of healing and hope is a powerful reminder that we are all capable of overcoming our past. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of family dynamics, resilience, and personal growth. I highly recommend it.

Rated