Review: The Fight Of Her Life - OFFICIAL
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 18, 2012
In Rare Form, by Cynthia Miller, is an autobiographical account of one woman's struggle to save her family despite her personal demons. This is the story of two children who survived an unspeakable crime - one which would undoubtedly leave them scarred for life. This is also the story of the mother who fought her way back from drugs, two Child Protective Services cases and a prison stint to reclaim the ideal of the "American family" that was instilled in her at an early age.This novel takes a bold approach by giving a voice and a face to issues which have traditionally been considered taboo especially within the black community. As a result of the secrecy, many grow up with a sense a shame. Cynthia didn't want that for her children. As she put it, she wanted "...a place where [they] could cry out in pain and not feel ashamed."A poet by nature, Miller's words are eloquently shaped by the tumultuous landscape that is her life. Her words are supplemented by poems contributed by her own child, which I suspect was part of her continued attempt to heal her children. While I personally would have preferred the poetry in a separate body of work, it's hard to judge that choice given the fact that we witnessed a child's soul. It is important to note; however, that the book would have benefitted from a final edit. There were a number of flaws that detracted from the essence of this powerful story.In Rare Form, tugs at your heartstrings and has you rooting for the protagonist. While the novel depicts the dark side of drugs and abuse, it also paints a very compelling portrait of the value of family and what can happen when the will of the human spirit rises up to meet its obstacles. Kudos to Cynthia Miller for having the courage to face her demons and inspire us in the process!