Forgiving Dr. Jekyll by Paul Drugan is an account of his life. Paul was raised in a well-off family and in a community of similar standards. His father was a dentist like his father before, and everyone in the community respected him for the services he provided. Paul's relationship with his father was strained. In the family, adults were not questioned, and absolute obedience was expected. His relationship with his mother was better, but not without challenges, as she rarely questioned her husband. But what would make a father despise his son so much? After joining college, Paul's life improves, but will he overcome the demons from his past and the drug addiction problem he develops?

Forgiving Dr. Jekyll by Paul Drugan is a perfect example of how our upbringing affects us and the importance of having a supportive social structure. There is still discrimination in the world against the LGBTQ community, but the book is a clear example of how far we have come. Paul was very vivid in his descriptions of the emotions and events of his life, which take the reader on a roller-coaster of emotions. Another thing that captured my attention in this thought-provoking work is the issue of drug addiction that is currently affecting our communities. The reader will also appreciate the redemption arc in this memoir. It shows that one can overcome the past and be a better person despite the odds. This was a story of courage and resilience, and I look forward to reading something else by Paul Drugan.

Forgiving Dr. Jekyll is a raw and unflinching memoir that delves into the complex and often dark experiences of the author, Paul Drugan, exploring his childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood in the shadow of his father's death. The book is a deeply personal and introspective exploration of the author's journey toward healing, forgiveness, and self-discovery. The author shares his experiences as a victim of violence and abuse by a man who was a role model in the community. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first section focusing on the author's childhood and adolescence, where he struggles with the sudden loss of his father at the age of 24. The second part chronicles his journey toward healing and forgiveness as he confronts the trauma and shame that has haunted him for years.

The writing is evocative and visceral, transporting the reader into Drugan's inner world. The prose is crisp, capturing the intensity of his emotions and the complexity of his thoughts with remarkable clarity. The use of language is deliberate and measured, conveying the depth of his pain and vulnerability. This memoir shows the author’s ability to balance the personal with the universal. Drugan's experiences may be unique to him, but they are also relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with loss, trauma, or shame. The exploration of themes such as grief, guilt, shame, and forgiveness is nuanced and multifaceted. He examines family dynamics, exploring how his father's death affected not only him but also his mother, siblings, and extended family members. Forgiving Dr. Jekyll provides a roadmap for readers seeking help toward healing from trauma. Paul Drugan shares his journey and offers tips and wisdom to help readers. This book is a gift of faith and love, and the author’s strong and compassionate voice will be irresistible to readers.