User, by Fivos Panayiotou, is the recollection of true experiences involving domestic abuse over time. The main character, Brondo, finds himself in a relationship that he believed was the best thing to ever happen to him. Over time, he realizes the manipulation at hand, and is left to wonder how he got to that point in his life.

The book begins with the main character feeling so depressed about his life that he contemplates suicide. Brondo is introduced to Sheena online and they form a relationship. Sheena tells Brondo she has dealt with abuse in her marriage and because she has children with him, she feels stuck. Brondo starts to fall for Sheena the more they get to know each other and four months into their relationship he believes he has met his soulmate. Throughout the story Brondo is manipulated, used, disrespected, and violated by Sheena. Who you believe to be a victim at the beginning of the story is revealed to be the abuser of this relationship.

Panayiotou has a writing style that is explicit in verbiage and very raw. Throughout the book, Panayiotou introduces difficult topics such as emotional and physical abuse, molestation, and rape. The events depicted in this story are not sugar-coated, and this may be difficult for some to read, but it definitely paints a vivid and realistic picture. The characters in this story were relatable, and they depicted bad qualities you see in real-life individuals.

The raw truth throughout this story is truly heart-wrenching. Reading the graphic details of what this character went through, I felt events from my own past resurface. When reading this book, I felt as if I was right there with the main character.

User, by Fivos Panayiotou, is a riveting, authentic, and impassioned story that will stir the soul. I would not recommend this book to anyone who has experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.

Pages: 241 | ASIN: B08ZRWSJ3M