Dog in the Garden: Based on a True Life Tragedy of Innocence

From the Publisher: Dog in the Garden, based on a real-life story, is the first in a trilogy from award winning author Ucal Finley. The writer addresses two of the most prevalent issues that plague today's society, child sexual abuse and domestic violence. In this first book, the narrator details five years of Gardena's harrowing childhood; living with an alcoholic, abusive mother, being sexually abused by her mother's lover and losing the protection of her two older brothers as they are sent to live with their grandparents. Dog in the Garden: Based on a True Life Tragedy of Innocence, is the first of three books, in which the reader will follow the life of Gardena. The story begins with a brief introduction and history of Lynn, Gardena's mother, in the prologue. It reveals the tragedy that sets the scene and acts as a motif of what is in store for Gardena. Lynn is a promiscuous alcoholic and ex-heroin user. As a prostitute, she had two sons and while recovering from her heroin addiction, with the help of a John, she realizes she is pregnant once again. The story, told by the narrator, opens with Gardena at age six. She questions her mother's need to be with strange men and having to drink and indulge in drugs. Gardena doesn't understand why her mother cannot gain fulfillment through her alone. As her mother invites one of her male friends, Simon, to live with them, Gardena experiences their abusive relationship, is sexually molested and has given up hope of ever seeing her brothers again, who are banned from their home. Simon allows the boys to visit, while their grandparents are traveling to Mississippi to assist an ill relative. To Gardena's surprise, her brothers have grown into young adults and she feels safe having them in the house. Her security is short lived as Simon comes home drunk and a battle ensues. Simon then leaves the house, making clear to Lynn, through violence, that the boys can no longer stay. With the absence of Simon, Gardena is ready to start anew and forgive her mother for her inability to be a good parent. But the return of Simon, and the boys last night at the home, forces Gardena to make a decision to reveal her secrets to them and to the grandparents, she has never met, in order to free herself from the dysfunctional world she lives in.