In the Typhoon’s Eye by Bles Chavez-Bernstein is an impassioned memoir delineating the author’s difficult childhood, and how she overcame her circumstances to fulfill her dreams. Throughout the book, we find images of physical and emotional trauma and relentless struggle with poverty, portrayed from the viewpoint of an immigrant. This story is immensely powerful and unique in its own way. We see the author stick to her faith and how, with determination and perseverance, she goes on to become a mental health and addiction nursing specialist. 

This is an emotional coming-of-age story tracing the journey of the author from childhood to adulthood. The passage is tainted by alcohol abusing parent, post-war trauma, impoverished conditions at home, and numerous other adverse aspects. The pages are colored with the unique vibe of the author’s early days in Ocampo. The vivid description of these locations takes us through a mini tour of this distinct place and allows us to peek into the lives of a generation tarnished by the Second World War. 

The characters of the memoir are as authentic as they could get. The perspective of the author is the most predominant here, and at every stage of life, we can see her growing into a strong personality who doesn’t let her circumstances limit her goals. The story teaches readers to stay headstrong when life hits hard, and shows how to rise above these situations with sheer grit. Readers are bound to be inspired by the author’s dedication to her dreams and passions. Stories like these instill faith in the power of hard work, even when the world tries to pull us down. 

The language used throughout the book is simple but graceful, ensuring readers understand every bit of this observant memoir. The flow of ideas from one stage of the author’s life to another has been portrayed in a realistic manner. The passages are full of emotions and bear the sign of all the sacrifices the author had to make for having a troubled home and something as grave as the post-war depression engulfing her life. Her selfless love for family and commitment to her passion helped her move forward in life and ultimately led her to become successful on her own terms. 

The skilled handling of the setting, the characters, the storyline, and most importantly the message of inspiration communicated throughout the book makes In the Typhoon’s Eye a must-read.

Pages: 228 | ASIN: B08KQLV4Q7