Object is difficult to read because it is the memoir of a woman, who was once a young girl being abused by someone she liked and trusted. It’s the true story of someone who experienced sexual abuse as a child, but it never truly goes away. Instead, it remains with you and colors everything that happens throughout the rest of your life. Reading about the pain and trauma that Kristin Duncombe experienced both during the abuse and for her entire life afterward is heart-wrenching. But it’s a memoir that you don’t want to miss because it’s also an account of love, self-acceptance, and perseverance. It's the story of a woman who is struggling to become her own person, to take charge of her own life, and to overcome the trauma that has shaped her.

Kristin Duncombe tells her story in Object, the story of a young girl who found her faith in humankind shaken at a young age and who had to struggle to understand not only the experience but the rest of her life. The memoir moves along briskly, showing not only the evolution of the young Kristin as she was growing up but also the evolution of the older Kristin. The one who is all grown up, but perhaps doesn’t feel like it when it comes to love and relationships, even with herself. Kristin’s memoir is written in a way that pulls the reader directly into her life and makes them feel the experiences that she went through, young and old alike. It will stay with you and make you think even more about the trauma of sexual abuse, especially when it happens at the hands of those we feel we can trust the most.

Object by Kristin Louise Duncombe is a memoir that recounts her traumatic experiences of sexual abuse as a child in West Africa, perpetrated by a high-ranking U.S. diplomat. Duncombe explores the long-lasting emotional scars of the abuse and the subsequent cover-up by the U.S. State Department. The memoir follows her dual journey: as a teen struggling with self-worth and relationships, and as an adult confronting the trauma that shaped her life, ultimately finding healing and empowerment. Duncombe’s raw honesty and courage in sharing her story offer an impactful and deeply emotional narrative, yet you always feel you’re in safe hands with the author, even when she’s handling some very dark and serious subject matter.

A core energy about the work speaks of her strength to overcome and learn from the traumas of her past, setting an ideal balance between personal vulnerability and resilience that makes the work both heart-wrenching and inspirational. You feel that you’re right on her shoulder, observing her former self undergo times that would change her forever. Her ability to weave dual timelines offers a powerful perspective on the lifelong consequences of trauma and the road to healing, switching skillfully between then and now to show the cause and effect over long periods. Duncombe’s indictment of institutional silencing adds critical insight into broader societal issues surrounding abuse and cover-ups, and this develops into an important, unmissable message of activism. Overall, Object by Kristin Louise Duncombe is a must-read for anyone wishing to know more about healing from trauma, but also utilizing these experiences as a means to attain better social justice and closure for all.

Object by Kristin Louise Duncombe is an account of her life. Early in her life, her father had left his career as a teacher and joined the foreign service to give the family a chance at better opportunities. His first assignment sees the family relocate to Abidjan. In Abidjan, Kristin becomes best friends with Rose and soon experiences the inappropriateness of Mr. Mulcahy, Rose’s father's behavior. To what extent does Mr. Mulcahy influence the story of Kristin’s life? Another significant event in Kristin's life is her marriage; Tano hates America, and his condition in their marriage is Kristin abandoning her country and family. How will things turn out for Kristin when she decides to go on the great American road trip against the wishes of her husband.?

Once you start reading Object by Kristin Louise Duncombe, there is no putting it down as she takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and thought-provoking issues that affect society. I loved the shifting of perspective from events in her childhood to those in her adulthood; this ensured my attention and the resulting suspense kept me hooked and looking forward to subsequent chapters. Kristin also ensured all events were vividly captured and the language used was easy to understand, making the work accessible to all kinds of readers. The reader will also appreciate other things covered, like the importance of telling your story despite what others might think. I believe the work is also a wake-up call to all members of society not to be so dismissive of others. This work is a step in the right direction in shedding light on some issues that have been plaguing society yet remain hidden. I look forward to reading something else by Kristin.

Object by Kristin Louise Duncombe is a poignant memoir that chronicles the author's journey of self-discovery and healing from childhood trauma. In the 1980s, when her parents were appointed diplomats to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Kristin dreaded moving there. However, everything changed after becoming friends with Rose, another diplomat's daughter. They developed a love for writing and adventure, doing typical young girls' activities. Unbeknownst to the little girls, their picture-perfect lives were overshadowed by the grim realities of sexual abuse. Years later, Kristin, a grown woman in Geneva, Switzerland, with two children, started analyzing her painful past after a trip to America and divorce from her husband. She began to understand her unhealthy relationship with men and her body. She visited a therapist who helped her confront her trauma by exploring the impact it had on her sense of self and relationships.

Object is an emotional memoir that will pull at your heartstrings. Kristin Louise Duncombe’s storytelling is raw and engaging, allowing readers to understand the impact traumatic moments have on people throughout their lives. The sequence of events that followed the incident in Abidjan paints a clear picture of how childhood trauma can shape a person's emotions and affect their adult relationships. What makes this book stand out is the subtle way the author eases the reader into the dark parts of the story. Her interactions with Rose highlighted the symptoms of abuse from a child's perspective, and the effects of trauma were evident when she felt uncomfortable jumping into a public swimming pool with her children during her Great American Road Trip. The narration smoothly moves back and forth between her childhood and adult life, with each chapter complementing the next. This technique lets readers see how past events and memories influenced her adult perspective and decisions. Overall, Object beautifully captures the journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of healing and resilience in the face of adversity. It also serves as a powerful reminder that no trauma should be minimized and underscores the significance of creating a safe space for children to express their feelings and experiences.