The Only Way Through Is Out


Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
250 Pages
Reviewed on 11/15/2023
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite

In The Only Way Through Is Out, a memoir by Suzette Mullen, she tells us of her battle within herself and the frustration of knowing something in her life is missing. One day, her book coach helps her discover a possibility: she might have sexual feelings for other women. Suzette is astounded since she has been married to a man for thirty years. But instances that were once difficult to explain are suddenly now starting to make sense; her general disinterest in men, the strange feelings of attraction she has for her best friend, and the feeling of being dissatisfied with her life. The proverbial dam has burst and Suzette is learning new things about herself. But she's also afraid. What if her feelings are superficial? Just a desire for the unknown? But to get the answers, Suzette knows that she has to explore these emotions if she wants to stop feeling so conflicted, never mind the consequences.

While Suzette Mullen comes across as selfish at times, the honesty with which she tells her story is admirable. Honesty is imperative especially when writing a memoir and Suzette leaves nothing out. Reading about the inner turmoil and struggles she experienced trying to find her authentic self is devastating. She places you right there with her and you can’t help but sympathize with her plight; thirty years of pretending to be happy takes some doing. The past experiences she filters into her story are a great addition although, sometimes, the slipping back and forth between time frames is disorienting. The Only Way Through Is Out is a book for every woman who has struggled to come to terms with her sexuality and is afraid to come out.