Never Despair: A Tale (1877)

Bad Dad, Worse Mom is graphic and challenging to the social conscience as it deals with family dynamics in its ugliest form. It transcends race, religion, and economic status and walks you through the cycle of life from those who are abused to those who become the abusers. It is a sad story about a mother who never learned to love herself and married a preacher who was prepared to take full advantage of that fact, as well as her children. As the mother crosses the line from abused to the abuser, there is no turning back and she and her husband are forced to meet their fate. This book begs the questions, what is justice, what is forgiveness, and who benefits from it?