Customer Reviews

Darkness in the Mirror (Urban Soul)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What you don't know won't hurt you. But what happens when you find out? Ondie Reid's life hasn't been typical. Having developed schizophrenia courtesy of genetics, Ondie has managed to have a somewhat normal life with the aid of medication and therapy. She even had a meaningful relationship that resulted in a daughter, Maya, and a marriage proposal until...her mother told her fiancé of her disease. Ondie and her former fiancé, Dexter, have maintained a friendly relationship. In fact, Ondie thinks now is the time for them to reignite what they once had. But what Ondie doesn't know is that Dexter has been secretly seeing her sister. Will the discovery of their relationship send Ondie over the edge?

"Darkness in the Mirror" is an emotionally stirring look at the human side of mental health, focusing on the struggles and hopes of one family affected by schizophrenia. It was a pleasure to read. I'm happy to see an author tackle a subject not often addressed.

Reviewed by Toni Mac
For Sexy Ebony Book Club Reviews

Ruth Reid has been dealing with the firm grip of schizophrenia for years. First her mother, and now her oldest daughter Ondie. Determined not to have her daughter waste away in a mental hospital like her mother, Ruth has put before Ondie a life as close to normal as possible. But when tragedy strikes and a secret relationship between her other daughter, Serita, and Ondie's ex come to light, what will the future hold?

"Darkness in the Mirror" is the latest from Erica Lewis. It features a solid storyline where emotions are true. I found it entertaining and informative. I really liked the family's relationship also. I recommend "Darkness in the Mirror" to anyone looking for a good read.

Reviewed by: Tracy

Darkness in the Mirror takes us into a world that people of color usually hold as taboo. I like the fact that the author was open and accurate about mental health and how it not only affects that person but also affects the lives of those around them. I especially like the twist in the story line. Good stuff!

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall.
Who's the greatest Author of them all?

The second tale by the Brilliant Erica Lewis is nothing less than the wildest emotional roller coaster ride a reader could take!
The trials of Ondie Reid in this novel are enough to break the strongest of souls! How do you survive the betrayal of a sister?
Erica Lewis takes us on a journey through a mind shattered like glass with great detail. You will find yourself examining your choices, your family, your friendships,and your own ability to survive as you gaze deeply at the pages of this novel.
Erica Lewis magically transforms this novel into a mirror that will take you beyond the limits of your mind to a world most human, exposing the darkness and light within us all.

As always I am completely satisfied after reading a novel by Ms. Lewis. Her ability to capture the readers attention from the first few pages is what keeps me looking forward to her next novel. The subject tackled in this story was handled with extreme understanding and empathy. A must read.

Ondie Reid has inherited schizophrenia from her maternal grandmother and her mother, Ruth, does everything in her power to ensure Ondie has a normal life free of being instiutionalized. Unfortunately, her sister Serita, feels Ondie is shown too much attention and her illness is an excuse for her behavior. Ondie is undergoing treatmean and medication to stablize her, but the death of her 4 year old daughter and her sister's secret love affair with Ondie's daughter's father, deters her treatment. Will she be able to win this battle and live a normal life after the ultimate betrayal, false accusations, and fightng her own demons?

Review by Minah
Readers In Motion Bookclub

And not just any roller coaster! One that is full of well developed characters and a plot full of drama that is believable. The issue of mental illness is not touched on a whole lot, especially by Black American authors, which makes this book a unique read. Ondie is a young Black American woman dealing with mental illness and she has to work extra hard to maintain a sense of normalcy in her life in dealing with work, relationships and parenthood. When tragey strikes, it affects her as well as the rest of those around her. Will she and her family be able to cope? Will Ondie mentally spiral out of control? You'll have to hop on the roller coaster to find out! Make sure you're strapped in... :)

DARKNESS IN THE MIRROR by Erica Lewis tells a story of the tragedy of mental illness permeating a family and causing grief to all. First, the Mom had to take care of her mother who was mentally ill. Then the mother's first child, Ondie, when she became a teenager, began to exhibit the same qualities of schizophrenia as her grandmother and the family never knows just what will set Ondie off. She falls in love with Dexter and they have a child, but her condition pushes Dexter away and they never marry. Ondie adores her child and will do anything for her. What she doesn't know is Dexter has fallen for her younger sister, Serita. Dexter and Serita have been seeing each other for a year. Ondie has found a wonderful man in Paul but she still feels a connection to Dexter. Will she let him go and find happiness with Paul?

One day, when Dexter was supposed to pick up his daughter he had to work late and he asked Serita to pick her up. Tragedy strikes. Will the family be able to overcome it? Serita also makes a discovery that will cause she and Dexter to make major decisions. What should they do? How will Ondie behave?

Erica Lewis wove a tragic story of mental illness and how it can affect not only family members, but those close to the family. It is an eye-opener for those of us who have mentally ill family members. It gives the feeling that you are not alone, others have the same problems. It was well written, the characters were definitely understandable and the tension and suspense pushed the story along. It was a good book.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers