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

It is fortunate that Sally Brady listened to her friend, Morgan, and son, Andrew, when they encouraged her to tell the story of her marriage to Upton Brady. What results is a pouring out of intense emotions as the author relates the powerful events that unfolded during the course of her 46-year marriage. Her style is so perfectly suited to the memoir genre that the reader cannot help being moved. It’s worth reading, but be prepared for a roller coaster ride that you won’t forget.

Most of us are married or have been married, so what makes us spend time reading about someone else's marriage? I wasn't sure if this story line was enough to capture me and keep me reading until the end....I was surprised. The author's descriptions of her sometimes blissful and often painful relationship with Upton, her husband were captivating. It was an unusual marriage, crowded with many secrets, and the author does a wonderful job of making you feel connected to the people involved. I realized as I read, that I was asking myself questions along the way - always a good sign of a good book - "Would I stay with this man?" "What would make me stay with him?". "What kind of charm must someone possess to make me overlook all the other negatives and secrets?" "Do I even know anyone like this?".

I believe that a book that can make me spend this much time thinking about it, is a success and I enjoyed the time I spent reading it. Toward the end, the author asks, "Would Upton be upset if he knew I was writing this story?". I think the answer to that question is, "Absolutely he would be upset! He would not have wanted his wife to tell this story!"...but the rest of us are glad she did.

I found "Box of Darkness" an enthralling and compelling portrait of a marriage. Surely, and hopefully, it's writing has been a catharsis for the author and wife in the marriage, Sally Ryder Brady. I found the characters most fascinating and the book well written..read it in just a few sittings. The major looming element in this story is the fact that Upton Brady was an alcoholic. How much would have been different if he had not been. Would he have had the same homosexual tendencies? I also ached for Sally(perhaps personal association as a member of her generation)in her quest to know if Upton truly loved her. Although she certain enabled Upton in his selfish behavior, she found him far too enticing to leave. I would certainly recommend this book to my friends.

Sally Ryder Brady has written a honest story of her first year after the death of her husband and the grief that enveloped her. She interweaves the past with the present and gains insight into the complicated man she was married to.The Box of Darkness was a well written, enjoyable read. Highly recommended!

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.

This book is about a long-term marriage and love story with dark shadows. You think you know someone after being married over forty years, but do you really? Very well written but very sad.

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.