Fierce: A Memoir

by Barbara Robinette Moss

Book Overview

From the award-winning author of Change Me into Zeus's Daughter comes this compelling memoir about a single mother determined to break the patterns that she has been taught.
Barbara Robinette Moss grew up in the red clay hills of Alabama, the fourth of eight children, in a childhood defined by close sibling alliances, staggering poverty, and uncommon abuse at the hands of her wild-eyed, charismatic, alcoholic father.
In Fierce,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743229452
• ISBN13: 9780743229456
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A Riveting follow-up to 'Zeus's Daughter'

When I first read "Change Me Into Zeus's Daughter," I immediately wanted more from memoirist Barbara Robinette Moss. In her follow-up "Fierce," she does not disappoint. "Fierce" is Barbara's story of leaving all she knew behind to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. Every step of the way, childhood demons haunt her: her charismatic and alcoholic father, staggering poverty and abuse, broken dreams and rural indigence. Men with whom she has close relationships fight demons of their own, Patrick with schizophrenia and brother Stewart with alcoholism. Her childhood memories wake her at night, but Barbara never loses focus of what is most important - her only son Jason and a better life for both of them. As with "Zeus's Daughter," the author successfully sets the psychology of time and place. We can see the pony tangled in barbwire and the father's shot at close range. We are there when Stewart wrestles with an angel, and we rejoice when Barbara, like Einstein the cat, defies the pull of gravity. "Fierce" - simply put - is unforgettable. Barbara's story not only inspires, it is a life-affirming testament to the human spirit.

Beautiful story of a life

***** This book is the memoir sequel to "Change Me Into Zeus' Daughter". Although it could easily be read alone, I found it was an incredible experience to read it after reading the earlier memoir. Knowing the background of the author's childhood from the first book adds richness to the already rich second memoir "Fierce". Although both books describe very difficult life experiences, they are far from depressing; they are about the triumph of love and the human spirit. I cannot imagine anyone having had a more troubled or abusive childhood than did the author, but the central theme of family love is what ,most affects the family members and holds them together above all. I read this book as slowly as I could to make it last. It was just so good. I can't imagine anyone buying it and thinking they didn't get more than their money's worth, as it delivers on all levels---style of writing, suspense and plot, authenticity and transparency, the ability to draw you into the author's world. "Fierce" takes place mostly after the author is an adult and leaves home although there are many flashbacks to childhood. "Change Me Into Zeus' Daughter" is about the author's childhood. I would buy both books together in hardback and save them forever to be read again and again. *****

A reality-check to anyone feeling sorry for themselves. . .

This is a truly amazing story from a woman I feel honored to have met in person. A woman, mother, artist, author full of pride and perseverance; with such charm and delight, one would never know the scars of her past. There is a part of her story for each of you: from heartache to addiction, despair to survival. In this latest memoir of hers, Ms. Moss will make you cry . . . and laugh to the point where you want to stand up and cheer for her triumphs. With the deepest gratitude and utmost respect, Michelle Johnson Minneapolis, MN

As good as "Change Me into Zeus's Daughter"!

This is a book I could not put down, except to sleep! As a former counselor who dealt with families of alcoholics, I cannot emphasize enough how powerfully truthful this book is. As someone who has survived the death of a family member by suicide, I found it to be extremely accurate, deeply moving, and ultimately hopeful. Barbara Moss is a gifted, luminous writer. Her wisdom and clarity are profoundly affecting. The book was more than a reading experience for me: it was an affirmation of the ultimate power of love and a reminder that it is never too late to turn one's life around. I'm glad I bought hardcover instead of waiting for the paperback. I will definitely give this book as a gift.

A Roadmap for Transcendence

The details in Barbara Moss's books may be particularly hers, but the story she tells really belongs to all of us: For none of us escapes suffering and, with remarkable skill, Moss's writing gives eloquent voice to our suffering as well as hers, and then (this is the real accomplishment!) shows us what it means to persist, prevail, and finally transcend it.