The continuing saga of David Pischke and his struggle to live a respectable life despite the difficulties endured throughout his tormented childhood. this is the story of a determined man whose character and strength has helped him overcome incredible odds. By telling this story, David has faced his demons head-on and emerged triumphant.
Karen Emilson is the author of the novels Also Known as Jaime Dorn, Be Still the Water and the bestselling biographies, Where Children Run, When Memories Remain, and co-author of My Every Breath. She is an award winning former newspaper reporter and freelance writer. Like her fictional character, Jaime Dorn, she grew up in southern Ontario and moved to Manitoba’s Interlake region, an area well-known for its rugged landscape and resilient people. Most of her books are based there and the fictional stories she tells are inspired by small-town life. Now she lives in Winnipeg, but in the summer she returns to Steep Rock—where the air is fresh, the water pristine, and the characters who live inside her come to life.
"When Memories Remain," the second installment in the Pischke Twins series by Karen Emilson, is a poignant exploration of trauma and resilience that resonates deeply with those familiar with the horrors of child abuse. As a survivor herself, Emilson infuses her narrative with authentic emotion and insight, drawing readers into the lives of David and Dennis Pischke, twins whose experiences reflect the harsh realities faced by many children in similar circumstances.
The book powerfully captures the bravery of the Pischke Twins as they confront their traumatic past. Their journey of reflection and healing offers a stark reminder of the prevalence of child abuse and the profound, long-lasting effect it can have on individuals. Emilson’s depiction of their struggles is both heartbreaking and enlightening, effectively raising awareness about a topic that often remains in the shadows.
While the narrative is rooted in the twins' painful experiences, it also carries a hopeful message. Emilson emphasizes the possibility of breaking the cycle of abuse, suggesting that even those who have faced the darkest horrors can find a path toward healing and redemption. This positive outlook adds depth to the story, providing a sense of encouragement to readers who may find themselves in difficult circumstances.
The writing style is engaging and accessible, allowing readers from various backgrounds to connect with the characters and their journey of survival. Emilson’s ability to evoke empathy ensures that the experiences of the Pischke Twins resonate beyond those who have endured similar trauma. The narrative serves not only as a testament to their courage but also as an informative guide for understanding the complexities of childhood abuse and recovery.
Overall, "When Memories Remain" is a compelling addition to the Pischke Twins series that combines heartache with hope. Karen Emilson has crafted a story that is both impactful and informative, appealing to a wide audience. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of trauma and the strength required to overcome it.
Heart-rending, Haunting, Inspirational and Well-written
As a voracious reader and a survivor of severe child abuse myself, I was drawn to the first novel "Where Children Run", and was beyond pleased to find a follow-up book.
If you're also an abuse survivor, you may find yourself identifying with the twins, as well as being engrossed in the well-done writing of things so brutal, yet uplifting in their fortitude and survival. If you're lucky enough to be reading this having not endured similar circumstances as a child, I think you will find this to be heartbreaking, but intensely interesting and informative.
The Pischke Twins, David and Dennis are brave men to look back at a past so darkened by evil, and use their experiences to draw attention to and actively aid children in need. Their lives of relative normalcy as adults is hard -won and deeply commendable. As did I, they had people in the midst of their horrors who helped and they are not forgotten, nor will I ever forget the many acts of kindness by many that helped me through.
This book sheds light on how pervasive child abuse is and how deeply it affects a person. The way that Ms. Emilson chose to frame the events is an excellent vehicle to allow the reader to follow and be truly absorbed in the telling of the events, state of mind, and still maintain the overriding positive message she clearly wishes. One may have terrible horrors befall them, but one grows up with the choice to break the cycle of abuse. This book touches my heart deeply, and I think a great many other readers of any background will feel the same.
So after reading this book I was really curious about Mikes murder and thought others might be also. After reading the first book I was actually not so surprised that they would be accused in the community they grew up it. Small towns are hard on poor families which I know first hand. So anyway imagine my shock and horror to see on the internet that Lee Norman Pischke was charged in 2015 for the 30 yr old cold case murder of Mike. (Lee is Norman Pischkes son.) I can only assume this case despite the 2015 charges is still open and ongoing as the last article I could find was from 2016 (2 yrs ago). My heart goes out to the entire Pischke clan for all they went through and are still going through. Your not alone in the horror of child abuse and your courage in sharing has help me so much in my own struggles. Thank you!
This is one of those (you can't put down) books and follows the twins from their early teen yrs.as they finally leave the farm and their sadistic step-father. They are very backward and too trusting so they have a lot to learn before they reach adulthood. Their older brother Norman takes David in hand,while Dennis lives with a farm family,who treats him like their own. There are many small minded people in this world and none worse than in a small town or province in Canada. Follow the twins and kin for the next 36 years,as they work hard,marry,have children and all while still putting up with innuendos,snide remarks and downright lies about them. This is the sequel to a book,I read and reviewed late last week "Where Children Run." This isn't the usual genre ' that I read,but this set struck a chord with me as I too grew up in this time period and for all I know,this could have been someone I knew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I finished the book Where Children Run and wanted to know what happened to the twins when they were grown. The first book takes place in the Fifties and 60's and was an extremely sad case of child abuse at the hands of their step-father. This book recaps those years and continues through their adulthood. Times were tough but there were good times too. Interspersed throughout the book is the story of David being accused of murder in the death of a man who lived in the town. This book is written mostly about David. It wasn't clear why Dennis didn't have more of a role in this book except to say that the twins didn't get along until later in life, which I thought was sad. From watching the video it seems that David is the more outgoing and talkative twin.
Very interesting to know how the children were affected as adults, and overcame to help others. The author brought the forward the emotions, coping techniques and deficits caused by the abuse. As the first book, This was well researched and written; although there were a few typos/editing issues near the end.
This was kind of a let down for me and basically a repeat of the first book but with some new stuff. Hate how in ended kind of leaves you scratching your head as its all over the place near end with no real conclusion. I had to google more on the Mike Kalanza murder in order to find out they charged Lee Norman Pischke with the murder, he was Norman's son. But charges were later dropped and investigation still open.
Over the past years I have read numerous books on child abuse. I am always amazed how each child survived such horrible torture. Of all the books this one has touched my heart the most. It has made public the devastating aftermath abuse caused and I'm grateful to those individuals who had the courage to tell their stories to bring awareness to abuse.
I love that the author went on to write a sequel to let us know what happened to Dennis and David after they escaped the horrendous abuse they endured for so many years. It broke my heart that after everything they went through the community did their own share of abuse to these men with all of their accusations. Great read I recommend!
Good read. Sad to think this can truly exist in this world where child abuse is openly discussed and publicized. It amazes me that the school system, law enforcement and government employees chose to discount the abuse and left the children to suffer.
Same as above for comments on book.. Must read first in series to comprehend what these children endured. Where Children Run
I loved this book, it tells the rest of the story from where children run allowing us to see how the abuse that was suffered as children can go on to affect the rest of a person's life. I am beyond grateful for the strength it took to tell this story and turn something awful into something so beautiful. God bless the Pischke children and David may you rest in peace.
This book is highly recommend to victims of child abuse. The story of the Pischke twins in adulthood will inspire survivors of child abuse to keep making their lives better.
Should be read by anyone going or suffered from abuse in past and anyone who helps abused individuals! Tearful and painful to read what they went through!
This book details how horrific stereotypes and rumors can be to the lives of everyday people. This book is sad, but it also proves that some people will overcome any obstacle and persevere in spite of it all.