Customer Reviews

6 reviews

• Editorial Review

  Eugene Wallace’s book “Hysterical Memories” gives a true account of the rocky years of his life. The whole story is given in first person and the language used portrays a lot of connection to the story. The narrative used makes the story sound too real to have been made up by a creative writer. Every page bears emotions and a part of the author’s heart concerning what they went through. The language is very interactive, if feels as though the author is right there narrating the story to you. As you read through the chapters, it is evident that the vocabulary used is applied on the basis of experience. Some terms used are quite thematic; only a person with first-hand experience would be able to use them so harmoniously in their story.
  The story is narrated in chapters without thematic headings. Nevertheless, it is all so captivating that you barely even notice the break in chapters. Everything flows smoothly that no missing links emerge concerning the persona’s life. Of course 98 pages cannot give the full detailed account of his life, but for some reason, there is enough information to develop the appropriate levels of empathy for them. With every scenario narrated, mixed emotions emanate. The most unlikely emotions arise in certain parts, like compassion when the persona has to steal to raise money for drugs. The book makes us see things differently from the perspective of those that considered social misfits. We are taken deep into their minds and lives to understand what makes them do what they do.
  According to the plot, the persona’s is one with a history of rejection and abuse in childhood. So many themes are discussed as we journey with the author in different phases of life. There appears to be an interconnection of calamities, all emanating from the initial problem. The book is a wakeup call to made groups of people, from parents, to children and teens. Different stages of the persona’s life are discussed and every age group has something to learn from it. The persona is made the sacrificial lamb for others to learn from so others don’t have to take the same wrong paths he did. Alcohol, drugs, sex and crime are the most dominant patterns of his life, although he resents the last two somehow. Nevertheless, situations and inability to discern his mental state lead him down the same recurrent road.
  This story is a reminder of the reality of life’s twists and turns triggered by ripple effects of others around us. Despite the terms used to talk about drugs and sex, the book is appropriate for all ages that are never too young to learn and avoid the persona’s path.
  

• Dave

  Hysterical Memories by Eugene Wallace is an amazing book that presents a true account of the narrator’s rocky life. The author uses the first-person voice to present a chronological order of events that underscore the primary themes of a rocky childhood, dysfunctional family, drugs, sexuality, and incarcerations. After reading this book, I felt engaged in the story. It was possible to connect the author’s biographical information to what society witnesses today about juvenile delinquency and crime proliferation. Another fundamental aspect of the book is that the narrator leverages interactive language to appeal to emotions and portray reality. Indeed, it is possible to obtain the book’s core concepts as events unfold on every page. Apart from utilizing interactive language and logical appeal, the book effectively established the nexus between childhood struggles and social issues such as crimes. Arguably, it is possible to establish the role of family struggles and rocky childhood in facilitating future unethical behaviors and habits like crime and substance abuse.
  
  Undoubtedly, the book presents plot twists, events, and themes that reflect on the issues that happen in today’s society. Essentially, various takeaways from the book are fundamental in informing, educating, and cautioning the youths aspiring to maintain group affiliations and circumvent the social or legal provisions about crimes. Therefore, I recommend the book because it is informative and educative to the reader.

• peter

  This is a beautiful memoir that exemplifies human nature and ability to overcome even the toughest hardships. It is a tale of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps and climbing the ladder of success. Well written with an interesting narrative that will have the reader engaged from page one right up to the end. Eugene Wallace experienced a less than ideal childhood and struggles with his family and mental health led him down the despairing road of drug use. From convicted drug dealer to talented chef, Wallace takes you on his journey from despair and heartache to success and happiness.
  
  It is a truly remarkable journey and readers will get a glimpse of a life that may be altogether unfamiliar but that millions of people are struggling with. Readers will develop an empathy and awareness for the suffering of others and the ability to cheer for them as they recover and thrive. This book was immensely enjoyable and beautifully done. It will tug at your heart strings and leave you with immense pride for Eugene Wallace as he overcomes his past and becomes one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs. You don’t want to miss out on this one!
  
  
  

• Laura

  I was able to finish the book within a single sit and still, I am unable to cope with my thoughts to write the review as I am totally shocked and confound. But I think this is the right time to compile my thoughts.
  
  Frankly, I never felt empathy over a narcotist until I read Hysterical Memories, the biography of Eugene Wallace. I am pretty sure this will change your views against the narcotists’ community. Even though most of them are struggling to beat the addiction the society is not let it happen.
  
  The true story of the author Eugene Wallace is a must-read to anyone as it uncovers the hidden life of a person who was addicted to drugs from his teenage and has drawn his life to extraordinary chaos owing to the addiction. This is not a story of a drug addict with a mental illness, this is a story of a child who LOST LOVE, AFFECTION, CARING FROM HIS PARENTS, AND SOCIETY. Even more, this reflects a young prisoner who was released from prison without having the right direction to rebuild his life.
  
  “I was locked up for eighteen months then they let me go, and then there was nothing, I had no life. I was living in a doss house that stunk of cat’s piss with a mentally ill mother, as well as poverty.”
  
  Once he was in the newspaper as the best student in the UK and later, he was in the newspaper as a person with hysterical behaviors. What changed his life so much? It is not because of drugs, but because of people who do not have empathy over a drug addict victim.
  
  “… the college had awarded me the student of the year award and gave me a silver plate, which I held up for the press to take my picture. The headline said, Catering students hailed best in the UK. To me, it was like I had suddenly become famous, as I knew everyone on the island read the local paper called The County Press.”
  “I was in the local newspaper and the cops wanted me badly for what I’d done to them.”
  
  The writing is simple and fast-paced. The author portrayed his journey in a magnificent way by sticking the reader to the narration. This short read will open a new viewpoint of life arising a timely discussion that is crucial and indispensable.

• Reviewed by Geoff Carter, CEO at UK Talk Radio

  In "Hysterical Memories," Eugene Wallace takes readers on a captivating journey through the tumultuous life of a man plagued by emotionally unstable personality disorder. This gripping story relates Eugene's struggles and triumphs, offering a touching evaluation of mental illness and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
  
  Despite spending a sizeable portion of his life in rehabilitation facilities, Eugene finds himself entangled in a world where he is powerless the change. As a convicted drug dealer with a history of violence, his life does not look good. Shockingly, there are moments when even those closest to him fall victim to his erratic behaviour, as exemplified by the harrowing incident involving his own father.
  
  However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges. Against all odds, Eugene manages to transcend his troubled past and transform his life. From his passion for cooking, he finds solace and a new purpose. Rising from the depths of his mental instability, Eugene emerges as one of the UK's most renowned chefs, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary world.
  
  "Hysterical Memories" is a testament to Eugene's resilience and determination. It sheds light on the often-misunderstood realm of mental illness, offering readers a candid and unfiltered account of one man's struggle and ultimate triumph. Eugene's storytelling is authentic. He reminds us of the resilience and inner strength that we all possess, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Wallace's writing style draws us into his remarkable journey and allows us to experience his struggles and triumphs firsthand.
  
  Wallace's writing style is engaging and evocative, drawing us into life. His ability to vividly depict the highs and lows of his life is commendable, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in Eugene's journey.
  
  While the book delves into the dark and challenging subject matter, it is a story of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of personal growth. Eugene's transformation from a troubled individual to a celebrated chef serves as a testament to the human capacity for change and the importance of resilience.
  "Hysterical Memories" is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that offers a unique perspective on mental health and personal transformation. Eugene Wallace's story will leave readers both captivated and moved, reminding us that there is always hope, no matter how deep the darkness may seem.
  

• Pratibha Malav

  In "Hysterical Memories," Eugene Wallace fearlessly shares the story of his tumultuous life, battling emotional instability caused by a known mental illness. From a young age, Eugene's life was marked by a series of chaotic and troubling incidents, as he found himself entangled in a world of drugs, violence, and criminal activities. His struggles culminated in an unthinkable act of attacking his own father with a claw hammer—an act that epitomized the depths of his mental and emotional anguish.
  
  Through raw and unflinching honesty, Eugene takes readers on an extraordinary journey of redemption and resilience. Despite spending significant periods of his life in rehabilitation facilities, he managed to overcome the shackles of his past and rise above the challenges that seemed insurmountable. Against all odds, Eugene transformed himself into one of the United Kingdom's most accomplished chefs, a feat that defied expectations and showcased the strength of the human spirit.
  
  The power of "Hysterical Memories" lies in Eugene's ability to convey the complexity of his experiences and emotions with unfiltered authenticity. The book serves as a compelling testament to the human capacity for change and growth, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Eugene's transformation from a life of crime and self-destruction to becoming a respected culinary professional is nothing short of remarkable.
  
  As readers delve into the pages of this memoir, they will be captivated by Eugene's candid storytelling and the profound impact his journey has had on his life. His resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of a better future serve as an inspiration to anyone facing their own personal demons. Through Eugene's story, we are reminded that even the darkest of circumstances can be overcome with perseverance and a glimmer of hope. This book is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the potential for profound personal transformation.
  

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