Cleaved by Jane Cafarella is a poignant memoir that charts the destinies of the author and her sister, Julie—separated by their parents’ disharmonious lifestyles. The author lived with her mother following her parents' divorce but provides a detailed account of her experiences with both parents before their separation. Cafarella describes how she often felt vulnerable during childhood and was constantly silenced by situations beyond her control. She and Julie were deprived of the opportunity to grow up together as close-knit siblings. Instead, the disunity between their parents strained their entire family life. However, her budding confidence and artistic prowess helped her to regain her voice and inner strength as she grew older. Amidst her stressful family life, the author also explores growing up with Milroy’s disease. Her disability was frequently overlooked as a child, leading to her having to endure severe bouts of physical pain and bullying. Nonetheless, she found the courage to rise above her many hardships. This book is her moving life story.

Cleaved is a beautifully written memoir about pain, loss, and finding the resolve to forge ahead. It deftly explores themes like self-identity, sisterly bonds, betrayal, resilience, and forgiveness. This unique book includes unexpected family dynamics and intimate insights only a writer who has lived this captivating life can bring to the pages. Cafarella's writing is humbling and fearless as she depicts a childhood and adulthood fraught with various challenges. Nevertheless, her willingness to remain true to herself shines. The author does not gloss over the difficulties she underwent throughout her life. With outspoken eloquence, she brings to life the rich palette of emotions regarding her strenuous growing-up years and the struggles and triumphs, the sorrows and joys. Overall, her memoir shines a light on this never-ending pertinent question—how can we make the most of our lives? Fans of heartfelt memoirs will fall in love with this must-read from the very first page.

In Cleaved, Jane Cafarella gives a detailed account of her childhood growing up with Milroy’s disease—a rare type of lymphoedema. This disease resulted in a life of embarrassment and rejection by her peers as a child. In her memoir, Jane merges her challenging health issues with her tumultuous family life. Years of marital tension between her mother and father ended in a dysfunctional family unit and a divided household, which ultimately ended in divorce. Her sister, Julie, went to live with their father, and Jane stayed with their mother. Not only did these unhealthy family dynamics decrease the bond between Jane and her sister, but she eventually distanced herself from her family for a significant portion of her adult life. Despite it all, Jane discovered the strength to confront her painful past. This book is a memoir you'll enjoy reading.

Cleaved is a gripping story that delves into themes like loss, resilience, self-identity, harmful family relationships, self-acceptance, forgiveness, family reunions, and closure. Jane Cafarella's unflinching account reveals the complexities of insecurity (and rejection) in the lives of those affected by it. She masterfully highlights the effects of these issues on decision-making abilities, interpersonal relationships, and self-worth. Through an intimate and in-depth narrative, Cafarella also sheds light on the difficulties of living with the echoes of family dysfunction and the emotional scars that follow while offering worthwhile insights into growth and healing. Her memoir is both poignant and inspirational. It serves as a crucial reminder to readers that it is possible to become disentangled from toxic lifestyles, confront one's trauma, and transform that inner pain into resilience through forgiveness. This memoir is a must-read for readers looking for fortitude to overcome their deep-seated trauma and move out of the darkness into the light.