The Psychologist’s Daughter explores glaring discrepancies in one man’s professional and personal lives and the consequences of these extremes on his family. Although he was a psychologist, revered among academic and professional peers, the John Redman that Fleur knew at home was a painful enigma?cruel and explosive, distant but protective. Could Fleur ever have a true relationship with her father or be certain of his love for her? As a memoir in four parts, reflecting different stages of the author’s life, The Psychologist’s Daughter is unembellished yet emotive, drawing the reader into the sense of pathos that prevails throughout the book. Fleur’s story reveals the deep effects of her father’s traumatising and volatile personality during her upbringing and growth as a woman. Fleur candidly shares the painful impact of family breakdown, the longing associated with a missing brother, (which captured national attention), and what it felt like to live under the shadow of her father’s unrelenting rejection. This is a story that will resonate with readers who know the sting of heartache from broken relationships; it is also a story of hope. Through sheer perseverance and spiritual strength, Fleur surrenders unhealthy escapes and exchanges the lie of worthlessness for an improved self-identity and a sense of wholeness.
