The Key to My Pain

By: Antoinette Davis

Narrated by: Giselle Lumas

Hard work and perseverance is exactly what Rodney Batchler Jr. has; despite his dysfunctional beginnings. Rodney Jr. went from abuse, to homelessness, and then on to his dream and ultimate goal and once he is in the spotlight and the crowd is chanting his name he excels and all his past misery is forgotten however when the lights go out and the crowd is gone depression and anxiety seeps into the crevasses of his mind....

Rodney Jr. is haunted and tormented by his father’s abuse and his submissive mother and hate is what has driven him to be a superstar. He is desperately trying to close the doors to his past but that can be difficult when your wife holds the key to your pain and she doesn’t mind using to keep him right where she wants him.

©2018 Antoinette R. DAvis (P)2019 Antoinette R. Davis

Captivating!!

I really enjoyed this book and every lesson it had to teach. I myself have never been in a physically abusive relationship but this book made me feel as though I was right there my heart ached for Carolyn and the boys in such a way I took it personal I even shed a tear at the end when she decided to tell her boys the things their Father had done for them without them knowing . I am a firm believer that forgiveness is key I can honestly say this book took me there !! Great writing !!

Rushed, short novel

"The Key to My Pain" (2018, 2019 audio) by Antoinette Davis is a rushed but short novel that chronicles the effects of domestic abuse on a black family in Baltimore. Spanning over 25 years, the story is told primarily through the accounts of the eldest son and his mother, both the victims of the father’s abuse. Characters and locations are not described, events whirl by, and perspectives switch from one character to another mid-scene. Still, the novel gets points for a solid message about overcoming hardships. Giselle Lumas’s narration is effective. Recommended. At my request, I was given this free audiobook and have voluntarily left this review.

Kelvin L. Reed
Author of "Once a Month"

intense story

This book was a really good story. The characters were believable and their emotions were very palpable. You were able to feel them as if you were right there with them. The story is one you can feel even if you have never been there. I felt bad for the main character and I couldn't understand the mother and her choices. It's not something I understand in real life either. I have had lots of friends over the years in similar situations. I enjoyed the narration of the story and though Giselle Lumas did a great job. I really enjoy how the story came together in the end. I like stories that have a redemptive quality to them and I felt that this one did. I would recommend it to others but I would also say it isn't for everyone. The subject matter may be a trigger for some.