In your opinion, which is more traumatic—physical abuse or emotional abuse?
In my opinion, emotional abuse can be more traumatic than physical abuse because its wounds are invisible and often harder to heal. Physical injuries may fade with time, but constant humiliation, manipulation, gaslighting, or neglect can slowly erode a person’s self-worth and sense of reality. Emotional abuse creates deep psychological scars that linger for years, sometimes a lifetime. It can alter how someone sees themselves and others, making trust, confidence, and healthy relationships incredibly difficult to rebuild.
Name of Book: Adrift
Author: Will Dean
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Publication Date: 19 Feb 2026
No. of Hours: 9 Hours 21 Minutes
Narrator: Emma Wilkes & Luke R Francis
Format: Netgalley Audiobook
Three of them adrift on the narrowboat.
Mother, son, and wickedness.
Peggy Jenkins and her teenage son, Samson, live on a remote stretch of canal in the Midlands. She is a writer and he is a schoolboy. Together, they battle against the hardness and manipulation of the man they live with. To the outside world he is a husband and father. To them, he is a captor.
Their lives are tightly controlled; if any perceived threat appears, their mooring is moved further down the canal, further away from civilisation. Until the day when the power suddenly shifts, and nothing can be the same again.
My Opinion
Adrift by Will Dean is an adult fiction novel that explores the devastating impact of emotional abuse on a person’s life. Whether within a troubled marriage or through persistent bullying, the story shows how deeply such trauma can hinder growth and self-worth. The narrative begins on a promising note and concludes with lingering questions for readers. The writing style is calm and deliberate, unfolding gradually. While Peggy and Samson are well-crafted, Drew’s character needed more depth. Though powerful in message, some underdeveloped sections kept it from being a five-star thriller.
At times, the pacing felt slightly uneven, especially in moments that demanded greater emotional intensity. With sharper tension and stronger psychological detailing, the story could have delivered a more gripping impact. Still, its exploration of vulnerability and resilience makes it a thoughtful and meaningful read.
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