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There are currently 22 member reviews
for A Box of Darkness
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Ariel F. (Madison, WI)
A Box of Darkness
I read “A Box of Dreams” with interest. Sally Ryder Brady was brave to write the book. While it was well written, this memoir of a marriage left me with questions. How could she be married to Upton Birnie Brady for over 40 years and not have some idea that he was homosexual? Does ones love of someone allow them to be abused both verbally and physically?
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Carolyn A. (Sarasota, Florida)
Marriage is Forever?
The story of Sally Ryder Brady's tormented marriage to Upton Brady must be read with an open heart. "It is was it is" can lead to an enlighten conversation about what each partner brings to a marriage, the laughter and the tears. This book can begin a soul-searching discussion with others or a private re-affirmation. It will be sure to go on my book club to-read list.
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Amber B. (Canton, Ohio)
Telling the Truth
Sally Ryder Brady is a magnetic story teller. Readers will follow her journey with the same sense of wonder, mystery, pride, and pain that she encountered in her 46-year relationship with an extremely complicated man. I felt bewildered by some of the choices that she made, but also understand how they seemed to make sense to her. This story will give book groups a LOT to discuss!
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Vicki O. (Boston, MA)
A Moving Memoir
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.
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Vicky R. (Cumming, GA)
A Box of Darkness
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.
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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.
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Barbara F. (Saint Louis, MO)
A Missed Opportunity
This book is a clear example of the carnage and delusion that surrounds alcoholism. Homosexual and indeed many forms of sexual acting out is very common when men or women are in the throes of active addiction. There are consequences for behavior and Sally missed her opportunity to give her husband the possibility to change by constantly enabling his loving relationship with the bottle and make no mistake he was having an affair with the bottle. She should have left, gotten help for herself and her family allowing him to understand that it was action that was needed not co-dependency.
The writing itself was good but she remained a victim to the end and it was tiresome for me. I only hope other women see this as an example of what not to do in these very circumstances.
