by Mary L. Trump PhD
Published
September 10, 2024
Pages
288 pages
Language
English
Publisher
St. Martin's Press
Kindle
$14.99
Hardcover
$20.30
Audiobook
$0.00
Audio CD
Not found
Instant New York Times and USA Today nonfiction bestseller! A New York Times Nonfiction Book to Read this Fall A People Magazine Best Book of September The Week Five Riveting Books to Take You Through September Mary Trump grew up in a family divided by its patriarch’s relentless drive for money and power. The daughter of Freddy Trump, the highly accomplished, dashing eldest son of wealthy real estate developer Fred Trump, and Linda Clapp, a flight attendant from a working-class family, Mary lived in the shadow of Freddy’s humiliation at the hands of his father.
Fred Trump embodied the ethos of the zero-sum game and among his five children, there could only be one winner. That was supposed to be Freddy, his namesake, but Fred found him wanting―too sensitive, too kind, too interested in pursuits beyond the realm of the real estate empire he was meant to inherit. In Donald, Fred found a kindred spirit, a “killer,” who would stop at nothing to get his own way.
Even after Freddy’s short-lived career as a professional pilot for TWA came to an end, he never stopped trying to gain his father’s approval. Finally, at the age of forty-two, he succumbed to Fred’s lethal contempt and died alone in an emergency room, with no family by his side. In WHO COULD EVER LOVE YOU, Mary Trump brings us inside the twisted family whose patriarch ignored, froze out, and eventually destroyed his own.
Freddy Trump’s decline into alcoholism and illness, along with Linda’s suffering after their divorce, left Mary dangerously vulnerable as a very young girl. Inadequately and only conditionally loved, there were no adults in her life except for the father she loved, but lost before she could know him; and a mother abandoned by her ex-husband’s rich and powerful family who demanded her loyalty but left her with nothing. With searching insight, poignant detail, and unsparing prose, Mary Trump reveals the cold, selfish cruelty that has come to define the Trump family thanks in large part to her uncle, whose malignant ambition has riven our nation and threatens the world.
In 'Who Could Ever Love You: A Family Memoir,' the profound intricacies of familial love, identity, and acceptance are delicately woven into a tapestry of heartfelt experiences. Through evocative storytelling, the memoir delves into the poignant journey of a family navigating through trials and celebrations, unveiling the raw complexities that define their bonds. The narrative invites readers to reflect on their own familial relationships and the enduring quest for love and understanding amidst life's challenges.
It's a moving exploration of resilience and the powerful ties that bind us all.
The memoir reveals the universal quest for unconditional love. It highlights resilience through shared family experiences and challenges. Explores the dynamic tapestry of identity and belonging within family bonds.
Through a rich narrative Who Could Ever Love You: A Family Memoir' explores tender moments of vulnerability and strength within a family. The author carefully reveals how every triumph and struggle shapes the identities entwined by family roots. This journey delves deeply into the heart of what it means to be family illustrating how understanding and acceptance can transform lives.
As the memoir unfolds readers are immersed in a narrative that doesn’t shy away from the painful yet beautiful realities of love. Each chapter lays bare profound emotions while offering hope and a renewed perspective on the relationships readers cherish most. The gripping storytelling captivates with authenticity and poignancy forging a connection between the family's experiences and universal truths.
The memoir is not just a recounting of events but a reflection on the enduring power of compassion and the human spirit.
The memoir shines through its authentic depiction of familial struggles and victories conveying a raw and relatable account Its heartfelt narrative compels readers to connect deeply with each story told Richly crafted the book stands out through its evocative prose and keen insight into the intricacies of family dynamics It fosters a reflective journey for readers seeking understanding of their own lives The memoir's lasting impact stems from its universal appeal illustrating how love and resilience transcend specific familial experiences Through every page it echoes a timeless message of hope and belonging.
1250278473
978-1250278470
5.75 x 1 x 8.55 inches
2.31 pounds
Based on 198 ratings
I have never been a fan of Donald and feel he is a psycopath. I did enjoy reading this as well as hearing interviews on msnbc. This was a scary retelling of your life. I can not imagine growing up in your shoes though mine was no picnic. You are incredibly bright and had a good head on your shoulders even though living with sadness and rejection. I hope the rest of your life is filled with happiness and friendship.
A legacy of pain and sorrow. Not as politically informative as her other books. But a reminder there is always a backstory.
Quick read because I couldn't put it down. She has an easy to read writing style. I hope she finally has some peace.
This is an easy read (a comment on Mary Trump's clear, direct writing style), though brutal for someone (such as myself) who is intimately familiar with the (white) generations of her great grandparents, grandparents and parents. I believe that there are generational psychoses and neuroses for which there are no therapists available to help. Instead, generations produce caretakers and grifters in unequal numbers. Mary Trump, raised among grifters, has struggled to become a caretaker - of herself first, then her generation. Her story is wrenching and, I hope, one more piece of evidence that we can survive the destructive cultural forces we face today and perhaps even thrive.
Every life is intricately different. There are some that are blessed by being born into a loving family that surround their children with love. But there are just as many that come into being in circumstances that are chaotic and fall apart to easily. Some steeped in generations of dysfunction. Being from that second group I found your book to be a healing balm. Thank you for your gift of love, courage, honesty and sense of justice. Your gift is deeply appreciated!
Mary Trump blames the Trump family for her father's death. Reading this book, I kept thinking her father had a social personality that didn't fit in with the businesslike Trump family. But, at some point, I felt Mary's father had to take responsibility for his own health and life. He smoked two packs a day and drank heavily, losing his jobs and family over his alcoholism. Rehab didn't work for him. The theme of this book is Fred Trump killed his oldest son with a condescending attitude. I feel for Mary, and her childhood memories are well written. But I think it's a stretch to say the family killed her father. Alcohol and smoking killed Mary's father.
Mary Trump grew up in a family divided by its patriarch’s relentless drive for money and power. The daughter of Freddy Trump, the highly accomplished, dashing eldest son of wealthy real estate developer Fred Trump, and Linda Clapp, a flight attendant from a working-class family, Mary lived in the shadow of Freddy’s humiliation at the hands of his father. Fred Trump embodied the ethos of the zero-sum game and among his five children, there could only be one winner. That was supposed to be Freddy, his namesake, but Fred found him wanting—too sensitive, too kind, too interested in pursuits beyond the realm of the real estate empire he was meant to inherit. In Donald, Fred found a kindred spirit, a “killer,” who would stop at nothing to get his own way. Even after Freddy’s short-lived career as a professional pilot for TWA came to an end, he never stopped trying to gain his father’s approval. Finally, at the age of forty-two, he succumbed to Fred’s lethal contempt and died alone in an emergency room, with no family by his side. In WHO COULD EVER LOVE YOU, Mary Trump brings us inside the twisted family whose patriarch ignored, froze out, and eventually destroyed his own. Freddy Trump’s decline into alcoholism and illness, along with Linda’s suffering after their divorce, left Mary dangerously vulnerable as a very young girl. Inadequately and only conditionally loved, there were no adults in her life except for the father she loved, but lost before she could know him; and a mother abandoned by her ex-husband’s rich and powerful family who demanded her loyalty but left her with nothing. With searching insight, poignant detail, and unsparing prose, Mary Trump reveals the cold, selfish cruelty that has come to define the Trump family thanks in large part to her uncle, whose malignant ambition has riven our nation and threatens the world. My Thoughts: Having read the other books by Mary Trump, I was prepared for the power this one would bring, but who knew that Who Could Ever Love You would also bring tears and even anger. Told from her childhood to the current state of the union, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. There wasn’t one single family member that stood by Mary and her father, but even her mother failed her time and time again. Fortunately, her intelligence and ability to pull herself up again and again kept her moving on. But there were so many ways that she could fall down in spite of her strengths. I will never feel vindication for her (and for us) until DJT is wiped off the political scene. 5 stars. ***
Mary Trump is exceptional at what she does so intelligent and extremely smart, I have all three of her books that she’s written about her lamebrain uncle. She leaves nothing out tells it all the way it is.. her books are easy to read ,excellent storiesand loaded, with honest and educated information.. I would recommend this book to anyone who isn’t a Trump fan! exception, Mary Trump