A Road Through Wonderland (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
Take a damaged child of the late seventies with the least responsible parents possible (parenting skills were vastly overrated in the 1970s) and transplant her 3,000 miles, cross-country, on her own, at the age of 15, trusting that she'll handle her life appropriately in the care of the most notorious porn star in history, along with his loser, druggie friends. Now, say hello to Dawn Schiller.The book itself is squarely planted at a 6th grade reading level. That said, even considering the obviously glaring omissions from Ms. Schilling's memoirs of her exploitation at her tender age, you'll be left dumbstruck at how epically she was failed -- not only by her biological family, but by the family she was "fortunate" enough to assume as her own. Partly out of necessity and partly out of teenage naivite (insert accent marks yourself. I'm not French).Glaring omissions pointed out, the book takes 475 pages to complete. It could have been longer, or, more likely, it could have been trimmed. Who cares? Ms. Schiller's story is extraordinary and it really pulls on one's "heartstrings" (did I say that? really?), reminding us all how we should treat women, and girls (which is to hold them in the highest esteem). I hope she lives a saint's life past 1988, when this book leaves off, because she certainly deserves it. Despite its minor shortcomings, this book is totally worth a quick read. This was an incredibly difficult book for me to read. Not because it was poorly written, and not because I lost interest. No, I could not understand, and still do not understand, how someone who escapes from an abusive relationship into a safe environment surrounded by people who truly care would choose to go back into that relationship.I suppose that is the strength of the book, in that it introduced me to behavior that I do not understand. The difficult part is that, while I am willing to offer help, I'm not sure that I want to understand that behavior.For those who are reading this as either a "true crime" story or an inside glimpse into the pornography industry, there will be disappointment. The writer was on the outside of the Wonderland killings, and offers little insight into the investigation of the story behind them. Although she was also the companion of John Holmes, there is no indication that she was directly introduced to the pornography industry. (Those wanting an inside view should read GIRLVERT.)No, this is the story of how a teenager was seduced by love into an abusive relationship. The desire for thrills turns slowly into a nightmare and, once there, only provides brief moments of relief. It is a starkly unpleasant tale that leaves a bitter taste when it is finished.For those wanting insight into how an abusive relationship can happen and continue, it is probably required reading.
What do You think about A Road Through Wonderland (2000)?
Just when you think this man can't get any more awful, he does. Thanks Dawn for sharing your story.
—ramie
Slow to get into but eventually pulls you in. Left me sad...almost haunting.
—surynai
Interesting story. Could have used a bit more editing. Quick and easy read
—Pat
Read it in one night. Was free for kindle, really interesting.
—eliada
