The Places Left Unfilled: A Memoir

By: M.C. Cauley

Narrated by: Margo Brialis

Born to a single mother who would prefer she didn’t exist, Morgan has spent much of her young life in pursuit of one thing - a father. But when her close friendship with an older neighbor begins to attract suspicion, and connecting with her birth father isn’t at all how she imagined it would be, Morgan’s long-held hope begins to dwindle. That is, until, at the age of 14, Morgan meets Bill - her 45-year-old martial arts instructor.

At first a teacher and father figure who Morgan can confide in, Bill soon reveals that his interest in her isn’t entirely paternal. Despite her initial fear, Morgan craves the attention Bill is more than willing to lavish upon her, resulting in a several-months-long affair that will alter the course of both of their lives.

Spanning four years of Cauley’s adolescence, The Places Left Unfilled explores in harrowing detail the circumstances that may lead a child to find solace in their sexual abuse. Told with immediacy and remarkable candor, Cauley’s gripping narrative will stay with you long after you’ve finished listening.

©2020 M.C. Cauley (P)2021 M.C. Cauley

Unforgetable!

This is an unusual memoir in that it doesn't gloss over uncomfortable details nor does it bend to conventional thinking. It's straight forward and sincere.

And Margo Brialis adds real authenticity with her incredible performance. She voices characters distinctly and very appropriately. This is truly an unforgettable memoir.

Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I can’t stand the narrators voice

Despite the bad voice of the narrator (I can’t recall if the author is narrating? But if so that would make sense given the adult voice trying to sound younger), the story is interesting. I do feel the book ended abruptly and there are more loose ends I wish she would have tied up and others I wish she’d elaborated more on. I would’ve liked further explanation about her relationship with her mother. I also would have liked to know if she ever reconciled with Jamie. Did her friendship with the other survivors endure in any meaningful way? If they drifted, did they ever reconnect? I don’t like how the author seems to still be in denial about the power imbalance between she and her abuser or how she romanticizes the relationship even as an adult. However, I suppose that is the sad, awful reality of what really happens. It’s like Stockholm syndrome in a way. All of that said, still a great read.