I was with a narcissist and I need to read books with characters I can relate to as a way to process what I went through. The accuracy at which this type of relationship is depicted is really important to me. Narcissistic abuse is complex. Typically, the initial stages appear normal, if not fairy tale-esk. It is a gradual and thorough deterioration of who you are as a person. I want a novel that unflinchingly explores this and the long-term repercussions of this kind of abuse. I would prefer if the portrayal consisted of a couple, but books that explore relationships between narcissistic parents and their children is acceptable.
Just so we’re on the same page on what narcissistic abuse is, here’s a description from the Choose Therapy website.:
“Narcissistic abuse occurs when a narcissist progressively manipulates and mistreats people to gain control over them, creating a toxic environment full of emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, or physical harm. Narcissists exploit those around them through gaslighting, sabotaging, love-bombing, lying, and twisting situations to suit their needs. As a result, victims can suffer long-term effects from their abuse.
Narcissistic abuse typically involves emotional abuse via put-downs, accusations, criticism, or threats. A person with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may gaslight or contradict you in front of others. Withholding money, silent treatments, isolation, and lying about you to others are other narcissistic manipulative techniques in their toolbox. The end goal of a narcissist is to control their victim’s behavior so they can maintain their narcissistic supply.”
TIA! 🙂
by QuasarchShooby