Rated of 5
by Susan F. (Rabun Gap, GA) Compelling
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.
Rated of 5
by Sue J. (Wauwatosa, WI) A Box of Darkness
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!
Rated of 5
by Gail L. (Maitland, FL) A Box of Darkness
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.
Rated of 5
by Sharon V. (Chicago, IL) A Box of Darkness
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.
Rated of 5
by Mary Lou F. (Naples, FL) Do You Really Know Someone?
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.
Rated of 5
by Anita P. (Lutherville, MD) Outstanding!! by Anita P. (Lutherville, MD) - Administrator of Play Book Tag
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.
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of 5
by Susan F. (Rabun Gap, GA) 
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by Mary Lou F. (Naples, FL) 
