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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Dr. Karla Hylton recounts her challenging upbringing and subsequent struggles, including a tumultuous marriage marked by financial strain and infidelity in her memoir, The Unvarnished Truth: Purpose in the Pain. Hylton discusses childhood trauma and experiences, speaking on the importance of addressing past wounds for healthy relationships. Her endurance of emotional abuse and marital issues fuel a drive to balance motherhood with career aspirations, even as she faces setbacks, like a home invasion and depression. Following her divorce, Hylton is overwhelmed by the impact of estrangement from her children but finds support in a new relationship, and musters strength in legal battles against her ex-husband. Despair leads to horrific consequences, but she ultimately finds resilience through faith, self-love, forgiveness, and solace in teaching, writing, and reconciling with her children.
The Unvarnished Truth by Dr. Karla Hylton is a very candid reflection of seemingly insurmountable adversity that is shared with raw honesty. The scars of domestic violence, family alcoholism, and a notably difficult upbringing are laid bare without reservation. Hylton's story is brave, and in telling it she prompts readers to confront issues such as the fragility of trust and the wreckage of betrayal, something that touched me deeply when she shared a story of her husband's unconscionable actions while she was in the hospital. The writing is well done and blends personal anecdotes with straightforward, conversational musings. She is at her best when offering her multi-layered insight into resilience and the human spirit, which she accomplishes via moments of vulnerability that are juxtaposed with displays of unwavering strength. It is not an easy read but it is a good one, and I applaud the courage required to share it.
