The Measure of Enough

by

Deonna Kay

Compelling story of generational trauma, abuse, mental health, and healing.

The Measure of Enough by author Deonna Kay is an unflinching and compelling story of generational trauma and abuse, its impact on mental health, and the journey toward healing. Non-profit owner and director Kacee Robinson left her hometown behind to start her life outside the orbit of her super-volunteer mother, Ruth, and her struggles with mental wellness. Kacee resented her absentee mother, who always seemed to have time and effort for everyone but her, even when she needed her the most. When Ruth divorced Kacee’s beloved father, she had driven the wedge between them even deeper between herself and her pre-teen daughter. Yet, time will show that she and Kacee are more alike than either ever thought, and the deeply buried impetus beneath both their hurts and actions is unimaginably shocking. 

Kacee is a woman with a mission to provide a safe haven for women and their children in need of safety from the very people who should be their greatest supporters. However, in reality, she’s just barely holding her own life together. Her shaky, on-the-edge state of being fairly vibrates off each and every page, and I wondered from the start how reliable a narrator she may prove to be. The author subtly foreshadowed the coming truths behind Kacee’s well-being and that of her mother, steadily building a tension that made it impossible to put the book down. 

The author’s writing style is compelling; I was immediately absorbed by this story. The plot touches on real problems and realistic situations of a dangerous and traumatic nature, so the author prefaces the tale with a content guide for depictions of eating disorders and domestic, sexual, and substance abuse, and readers sensitive to these topics should read with care. Those who continue will find realistic portrayals, and some, unfortunately, may even find themselves relating. Still, through it all, the main character finds truth, hope, and healing. 

I recommend THE MEASURE OF ENOUGH to readers of fiction, contemporary issues, family drama, generational trauma, impacts on mental health, domestic, sexual, or substance abuse. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.