Goodbye, Sweet Girl: A Story of Domestic Violence and Survival

After she gets pregnant, author Kelly Sundberg marries Caleb, the father of her baby. She soon discovers that she barely knows him. Caleb has a certain amount of little-boy charm, but he also has a dark side. Sometimes he's loving, but other times he's violent. She tries to excuse or rationalize his frequent rages, but after a series of harrowing incidents, his abuse becomes too much for her to bear. She leaves him.

As a survivor of domestic abuse, Ms. Sundberg has a disturbing story to tell, and she does so in a nonlinear fashion. Small details help the reader understand why she stayed as long as she did: the reader hears multiple times about how well Ms. Sundberg and her husband fit together while embracing, for example. There’s also show more a lot about the childhood insecurities that made Ms. Sundberg feel as though she deserved abuse. At times the narrative feels jumbled, but everything becomes clearer in the final chapters.

I imagine this book may be helpful for other domestic abuse survivors, and for those looking for the courage to leave violent relationships. show less

I really appreciate Kelly Sundberg for having the courage to share her story. Maybe others who find themselves in this type of situation or in the beginning or one will find the strength to get out. I am fortunate that I am in a loving marriage. Although, my sister has not been as luckily. She has been in several abusive relationships. One of the relationships she was warned in the beginning. The other ones, the guys put on a good front before their true colors were revealed.

I saw Kelly grow stronger the more I read. I am glad that she had others surrounding here to help support her. Kelly writes a real memoir type book. I felt for Kelly and experienced the emotions with her as she went from thinking she had found a great guy to show more emotional abuse to standing as a fighter. Readers who like reading nonfiction books or who can relate or know someone will want to check this book out. Kelly may be saying "Goodbye, sweet Girl" but I say "Hello, Sunshine". show less

Domestic violence is a tricky thing. While he is hitting you or shoving or slapping, leaving seems to be the obvious answer. But it’s all of the inbetween that makes it confusing. When he’s apologetic and calm.
Maybe I shouldn’t have made him mad. Maybe I shouldn’t have done what he doesn’t want me to do. Maybe if I just don’t make him mad, he won’t do it again. Maybe that was the last time. Except it rarely is the last time and it escalates. And they are too afraid to leave. What will he do when he finds me?
Kelly’s story is a very real account of one woman’s journey. What started out as a “normal” relationship turned dark and bit by bit Caleb got more violent.
I loved the author’s way of telling a story. I show more didn’t love how it hopped around all over the place interrupting the flow of the story.
Still a very good read from a courageous author who was able to break away. show less