The House on Sunset

by Lindsay Fischer

Lindsay Fischer was once a high school English teacher with dreams stretching far outside the classroom. When her boyfriend of a year-and-a-half cheated on her, Lindsay found herself alone, looking online for a replacement. His name was Mike.

That’s where the nightmare started.

The House on Sunset is a memoir, a collection of reminiscences, scattering the ashes of two broken homes and putting them to rest. Each chapter offers a different glimpse inside the cycle of intimate partner violence, where honeymoon phases and traumas coexist.

Everyone could fall victim to abusers. This book bravely displays the reasons a quirky, twenty-something teacher would, and did.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2015

About the author

Lindsay Fischer is a trauma-tested author who writes about her own experiences to help others feel less alone. A former English teacher and dance coach, a domestic violence survivor, and - now - a seemingly infertile Myrtle, she refuses to be silent about the things that change our lives. For her, those issues are domestic violence and infertility.

Lindsay graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in secondary education, English. Life got messy when she fell in love with a man who would become her abuser, and it pulled her from the classroom. After three years of trauma therapy, she saw an opportunity to use her voice against injustices and shame-filled adversity, blogging under the pseudonym Sarafina Bianco since 2009. She revealed her real identity in 2015 when her memoir, The House on Sunset, was re-released.

She currently lives with her husband and three dogs in St. Louis, Missouri.

Her newest book, The Two Week Wait Challenge: A Sassy Girl's Guide to Surviving the TWW, will be released August 1st, 2016.

Reviews

[Phyllis Eisenstadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars

LOVE, ABUSE, AND SURVIVAL


After a failed relationship, Sarafina, the protagonist of this novel, decided to peek into the world of online dating. That is how she met Mike. The attraction was instantaneous and mutual. But, Mike came with a lot of baggage, so to speak--two children from two different women, and two distinct sides to his psyche. He was a charmer, at first, but after a very short while, his abusive side surfaced and he was then hostile, violent, and extremely dangerous.

Sarafina, on the other hand, was consistently eager to please others and, of course, that included Mike, the man of her dreams. Therefore, after each brutal incident of abuse, she was convinced that she was to blame for displeasing him and that she deserved whatever punishment Mike would inflict upon her.

The cycle of abuse always continued in the same order: abuse by Mike, apology and forgiveness by Sarafina, and then, when Mike felt he had regained control, remorse and tenderness ensued. Each of these phases of the cycle was relatively short-lived but occurred repeatedly. During the abuse phase, Sarafina always felt trapped. On many of those occasions, the reader felt that she preferred being trapped and in harm's way rather than losing her lover. This is not uncommon among abused women. After they have been stripped of their dignity, and possessions, they are certain that they, themselves, are to blame, and remain in the toxic relationship.

This novel merits five stars (six, if it were allowed) for several reasons: excellent writing and vivid portrayal of the author's life, baring her soul and sharing her most dehumanized moments with the public, and, above all, providing a hotline for other women in similarly unfortunate circumstances.

Stay safe and be happy, Ms. Fischer!

Phyllis Eisenstadt

[Dana Leipold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman should read this book. The author is extremely honest and raw in her self-examination as she tells the story about the relationship she had with an abusive man she loved. I read it in ONE SITTING because I could not put it down. I wanted to be there with her as she struggled to understand this man and why she cared about him so much when he demeaned her then told her frankly why he did it. I have never been in an abusive relationship but this is the first book that made it completely palatable for me. I could clearly see how the author became lured in by this man and obsessed with him. An amazing book that I will now recommend to every woman I know.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not very often that I do review non-fiction on The Phantom Paragrapher, but when I do it is always a topic that speaks close to my heart and The House on Sunset by Lindsay Fischer was one of those books. The House on Sunset is a memoir by Lindsay Fischer and about her life , which like the dark house on the cover was very grim. The memoir introduces us to Lindsay who is a high school teacher and who has dreams, goals and inspiration - she is a bundle of light and happiness and was in what she thought was a good relationship until he cheated on her and they broke up. Finding it hard to find a nice decent guy around the places she visited, Lindsay did what quite a few of us girls do these days with the invention of internet and the wide popularity of the web - she turned to internet dating as most of us know that really, if you are looking for a romantic relationship - these days the majority of people find it online. Lindsay thought she had found it online with a guy called Mike as they started chatting away, having dates and he was Mr. Charming . All was well until the Honeymoon period passed and Mike's true colours started to be revealed. Then the domestic abuse cycle started to happen and unfortunately Lindsay was in too deep and so the cycle continued. The House on Sunset is a recollection of these events and Lindsay lays it out to us the way we can get caught in these relationships and why often we let it happen to us and that's it really isn't as easy as packing up one day and leaving the abuser behind as more often we are sucked into the cycle and the belief that one day it will be over or one day he will change and love me like he should. On a personal note, I know what this is like from the viewpoint of watching my parents and growing up with a strict and controlling father and one who had a temper and liked to use force and call my mother names etc. Abuse comes in many different forms and remember readers, you are never alone. You never have to go through this by yourself and parents , if you have children and have suffered abuse - think of them and talk to them about it, as even though they are children, they understand and take in more than you realise and that's from experience.

The House on Sunset does touch some edgy topics and if you find reading about Domestic abuse difficult , then this is not the book for you but if you are a sufferer and need inspiration to get your life together or need a book where you can feel like someone knows what you are going through and can relate , then The House on Sunset is the read for you .

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House in Sunset really hit home for me. As a survivor of domestic violence, this book had me a bit anxiety ridden and nervous for the author, and while I am glad she was able to get control of her life, I really felt for her the whole time I read this.

A school teacher who meets a guy on myspace, he says all the right things, they meet, he continues doing all the right things, and then after a couple of months, they move in together, he urges her to quit teaching and become a writer, which is something she's always wanted to do, and suddenly things begin to change. Fits of rage, fingers around her throat, her head being bashed off of stuff, breaking things, alcohol, and drugs. I really felt he would kill her. And the whole time I read this, I kept seeing flashes from my previous relationship. I wasn't sure that I could finish the book, but I did. And all I can say is I'm glad someone else made it out of such a toxic relationship. (not a spoiler, obviously she did, she wrote the book)

I would recommend this to someone who is currently in a relationship like this as well as someone who has lived it and needs to know that they aren't alone.

[Meghan Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Challenge: a book you can read in one day.
This book was a very quick read. I couldn't put it down and kept hoping it would end with the author's boyfriend being publically castrated. Her story is so frustrating. This man was horrible to her. She got away and then went back. He knew how to play upon her sympathies. I really rooted for her and so wanted her to run him down with her car. I pray that I or any woman I know is ever in a similar situation. If this happened to my daughter, I would be in jail. Because I would kill the man. This book has me so riled up!

[Mel Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes a lot of courage to share this story. While I can't relate personally it helps me to understand what other people might be going through and the things that go through seemingly strong women's minds when they continuously stay. Thanks for sharing your very personal story.

[Melissa Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House on Sunset is a memoir by Lindsay Fischer. From reading the blurb, I knew this would most likely trigger some rage in me and I definitely wasn't wrong. I was unprepared for the stark honesty within this volume. I can't imagine the strength it takes to lay all your secrets- your worst moments and remembrances- out for public consumption. I applaud Ms. Fischer for her bravery and candid narrative.

I can't say I enjoyed this book so much as I feel I survived it. It was beautifully written but this is someone's real life horror story. And that's not something you can forget while you read about how this amazing woman was broken down into tiny pieces and forced to live under a tyrant who tore her down under the guise of loving her. Honest and gritty, this is a harrowing tale of abuse and survival and one woman's journey to regaining her freedom. I highly recommend it.

[Pat Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course this Memoir wasn't an 'easy' read - but, it's very well written and I found I just couldn't put it down - I found myself willing the Author on and almost wanting to shout at times - get out, just get out - but I know this is FAR easier said than done - especially when you love someone and so want to help them 'get better'. Domestic violence/abuse comes in many different forms - The Author tells it 'like it is' - love, hate, concern, dread - FEAR!! There is a story between the lines too - of a young intelligent woman who thinks she has found love - her family, his family - new horizons that turn out not to be quite right at the time. A difficult but nonetheless compelling read.

[Beth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir was not an easy one to read because it showed the brutality that comes with domestic violence. Emotion and physical abuse are so difficult to overcome and I found myself frustrated at times that the author allowed herself to remain in such a bad situation but that is just indicative of how abusers manipulate their victims. This is not a feel good book but one that helps shed light on why domestic violence victims stay. It also offers a glimmer of hope to those who might find themselves in a similar situation.

[julie morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opener

The tears will come with this book. If you think someone is being abused or you are abused yourself. You need this book a lot of resources and if a friend falls down a lot maybe it's more than they can let on.

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House on Sunset is vivid, harrowing, and so raw. It is not an easy read. You sit in anticipation of the unavoidable, of what you know if going to unfold and that you cannot stop. "The House on Sunset" captures your attention and ultimately demands to be finished. This book also educates in how to really help someone; reading this book gives you an understanding of what we, as a society, are doing wrong. The author spares no expense in describing her experiences in a manner that may triggering and graphic for readers. While triggering and graphic, it is an experience that someone had and that many are having now. These stories must be read for people to understand and become educated. It is an important read in understanding domestic violence victims and survivors. Domestic violence is not an easy subject to read about, but those who are brave enough to write about their experiences deserve to have their stories heard.

[Pete Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A POWERFUL STORY BY A COURAGEOUS WOMAN
I have rarely read this type of book, but I think I will be reading much more on this subject in the future. I guess what attracted me to this book is the subject of domestic abuse itself. As a child, I was subject to physical and emotional abuse growing up. I have recently been dealing with some of my own issues stemming from this abuse forty years later. So even though the abuse in this book is between two adults, I was interested in understanding the dynamics of, and the parts of this story of abuse that might be relevant to the feelings I carry with me to this day.
The other factor that perked my interest in domestic abuse is the number of couples I have known throughout my life that have lived in abusive relationships. The first question that has always come to my mind is, "Why don't they just leave?" After reading the "The House on Sunset", by Lindsay Fischer, I can see that this is a very complex question that is difficult for those on the outside to understand. Being a recovering drug addict I am often asked, "Why couldn't you just quit?" I don't think either of these questions is understandable to those who have not been there.
This book was an eye opener and a difficult read I would imagine very difficult read for those that have been in abusive relationships. A difficult read but a read definitely worthwhile and important. Lindsay Fischer is an amazingly courageous woman for sharing her story. The book is very well written, Lindsay took me through hell and back and I was a changed person. As I read this book I had feelings of looking at an automobile accident...something that I shouldn’t be staring at, but unable to resist. So with the "House on Sunset," it was a book hard for me to put down.
Ms. Fischer starts out by making us aware of some horrifying statistics. "Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten." "Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women..." “Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic abuse annually." "Every day in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends." ...."So why don't they just leave?"
Lindsay Fischer is a survivor of domestic abuse at the hands of a sociopath, who she deeply loved. He seems charming...too good to be true charming when they met. As I read the book, I felt like I was seeing Lindsay willingly being tied to a train track as the engine was bearing down just a few miles ahead. The author does a magnificent job of describing how her abuser slowly manipulated things to control Lindsay and leave her powerless.
It's a chilling read, more so because I felt like I and the victim were fully aware of what her boyfriend is doing to her. Ms. Fischer does a great job of telling her story in such a way, that I felt I was right there with her, every decision or effort to make things better, took her and me further into his trap, more powerless and cut-off from help with every move.
We watch as the author loses her profession, car, house, financial security, and finally her identity. She's assaulted, raped, humiliated, and emotionally scarred. And each time boyfriend is able to make it look like and even convince her that these things are exactly what she deserves. She finally reaches the point of doubting her every move, completely losing her identity as an independent person. I can't think of much else that could be crueler for any person to suffer.
Lindsay Fischer is a survivor and the story of finding her way back to some sense of normalcy is just about as painful as her story of life with a sociopath. She wants us to understand this is not just a case of being an ordeal she endured and now lives a life of happiness. It doesn't work that way. Abuse is something that changes a person for life. Lindsay says it best, "Abuse changes parts of you that were whole before and rebuilds old fears into new traumas. Abuse doesn't end when we leave. It haunts us, saturating every aspect of our lives...."
As I said before, this book is a hard read, hard because of the dark story it tells of what one human being is capable of doing to another. It won't leave you feeling good but it does leave you with hope. Lindsay Fischer leaves us with hope, a courageous bittersweet hope, with questions about the fairness of life. Having read Lindsay Fischer's story has changed me and the way I will look at the world. Her story is a powerful story of a “real woman who survived the life bled onto these pages."

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Lindsay Fischer's honest courage in telling her story will leave you a better person. As she says, "There are no more secrets...The book ends. The journey does not."
I am grateful to be able to say that I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, by the Reading Deals so I could give an honest review.

[Lydia Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book and thought, Sh!*, that was intense. And on the tail of that thought, another: I never want to leave the house again.

The House on Sunset by Lindsay Fischer is a vivid and harrowing memoir on domestic violence, love, and pain, and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

You may wonder why I – a single, independent twenty-something woman – picked up a memoir on domestic violence. It’s simple, really: before Lindsay met Mike, she was a single, independent twenty-something woman, too. I hope this doesn’t sound too terrible, but since I personally dread getting into a physically and emotionally abusive relationship, I was hoping to glean some advice as to how to avoid one.

What I found was a woman looking for love and acceptance, like any of us might be at any given time. What I found was a woman who learned rejection from a mother who learned it from her mother. (Something I deeply relate to). I found was a woman who internalized so much pain for so long she began taking it out on herself. What I found was an optimist, a healer, a lover. What I found was impossibly complex.

But no practical steps to avoid abuse in relationships.

For most – if not all – of my life, I’ve held the misconception that if you’re smart enough, if you choose well enough, if you involve the counsel of others enough, you will not have to deal with things like abuse and infidelity in your relationships. (I blame Bill Gothard.) There have been a few incidents that have shaken this idea in my mind, but The House on Sunset blew it up completely.

You see, here is this woman a who is a lot like me. She’s finished with school, has a job teaching high school English, and is buying her own house (which, I think, technically makes her better than me). In other words, she’s educated and successful, and in the wake of a devastating breakup, she’s not really looking for anything serious. It kind of just happens.

Like it could happen to anyone.

It’s not about being smart, or careful. You can clearly be educated and successful and tiptoe-ing aroud in your relationships and still end up devastated. And to make it about being smart, or careful, is to shift blame from the abuser to the victim.

And abuse is always, always, always the fault of the abuser.

Always.

And, of course, once you’re in an abusive relationship, it’s never as simple as just leaving. This is territory I understand well. You love them, and so, with or without them, there is pain. Fischer does a much better job explaining this than I ever could.

As I said, The House on Sunset is vivid and harrowing. Fischer pulls no punches describing her experiences in a manner that may trigger some and be too graphic (however accurate) for my conservative readers. Even I had trouble breathing at parts, especially when it came to the dog, so rest assured this is no fluff read.

But.

It is an important read in understanding domestic violence victims and survivors. It challenged notions I had that were (however unintentionally) shaming victims, and brought me to a new understanding that abuse does not discriminate. It reminded and comforted me that healing from abuse is a different process for everyone, and not everybody gets it. And that’s okay.

What’s not okay is abuse.

[Ida L · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a heavy read, but I think the author was brave to share her story. I think her story shows that it’s easy to overlook the red flags and think we love someone when in reality it can be an infatuation or a need to believe that one can fix a broken person. I am glad she got out alive, a lot of DV victims don’t make out alive to tell their stories.

[Georgia Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review*

The House on Sunset is a brave, true life story of Sarafina, a school teacher who ends up in a cycle of abuse with her new partner. The story itself was difficult to read in parts, because it's hard to understand why any man would be so cruel, yet we see it time and time again. 'Why do women put up with it?' We ask. The author tries her best to explain. She thinks she can fix her partner; she knows he's damaged, but she thinks she will be his saviour. They endure couples counselling, he manipulates her with tales of being unwell, and little by little, he breaks her down until she's no longer the woman she recognises.

I'm sorry that I couldn't give the book a higher rating, because I appreciate the story so much, and I believe she's incredibly strong for sharing it. If this book is what a woman out there needs to break free from her own abuse, then the book has served it's purpose.

One thing I would have maybe liked to see from the book is more of a background on the author herself. What was her home life like growing up? What were the long term impacts of the abuse she suffered? We all know that abuse victims can often find themselves in other abusive relationships, so how did she break that cycle? Regardless, a good read, and one that will most likely do great good to the women that read it (and maybe some of the men too).

[Libscigrl · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's hard to give a low rating to someone who went through something as horrible as being nearly killed (several times) by the person they loved....but the story wasn't that...exciting. Not that it should be exciting in the sense of reading every detail of the abuse, but given that part of the story is about her quitting as a teacher to become a writer, I expected more, well, writing.

This could have been written by an 18 year old, not by a college educated woman who teaches high school kids. There just wasn't enough in it for me. Definitely not prose-y, and I definitely am not walking away with any lessons or lightbulbs or crazy insights from it. The book is simply- I fell in love. He beat the shit out of me. I should have left but wasn't strong enough. One day I was. The end.

[serenity · Rating 3 out of 5]

The House On Sunset was a very honest memoir. Some parts were difficult to read because they were brutal and depressing, but that’s the point of the book. The author portrayed domestic abuse in its sad and devastating reality. I commend her for the strength and courage she showed in leaving, regaining her self-worth, and writing about her experiences.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a raw portrayal of what women in abusive relationships endure.

-Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kitt O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Worth Reading

Very well written. At first I shied away from reading The House on Sunset, fearing that it would be depressing or stress me out. I worked at a battered women's shelter as an administrator and on-call for their crisis line and shelter intake. Battered woman face escalated violence when leaving their abusers. That's why it's so important that police be trained well and shelters exist to offer safety. The House on Sunset not only honestly addressed domestic violence, but it did so well. I enjoy well crafted writing.

[Charlottte Vaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

Decent but predictable. Didn't like her putting all the blame on him. Seems she was not honest enough about her role.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting - I just couldn't put it down. The author does a fantastic job of bringing the reader into her life story - just enough details to let you get the picture, but not too much to overburden you or take away the need to envision it on your own. Lindsay is a very brave woman, not only for sharing her story, but for surviving such a terrible ordeal and for always thinking of the children (and Watson!) I was proud of her when she realized she had to get away and did the first time, upset/angry she went back to him (but do understand the "hold") and proud yet again when she finally got away for good. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for something a little less "summery", but beware - it's not for the faint of heart!

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

[B.B. Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Raw and Courageous Memoir
The House on Sunset by Lindsay Fischer is a powerful and unflinchingly memoir about surviving domestic abuse and reclaiming one’s life. Fischer’s storytelling is raw and deeply personal, pulling readers into her journey of fear, resilience, and ultimate healing. Her writing is direct and impactful, making the emotional weight of her experiences impossible to ignore.
What makes this book stand out is its authenticity—Fischer doesn’t sugarcoat the trauma, but she also offers hope and strength to those who may be facing similar struggles. While the subject matter is heavy, her courage in sharing her story is inspiring.
A must-read for anyone seeking insight into the realities of domestic abuse and the strength it takes to break free.

[J. A. Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horribly sad book about a young woman whose life was nearly snuffed out by an abusive boyfriend/ spouse. Having witnessed abuse of a relative first-hand, I know the all too familiar story of believing they will do better, that somehow you will change the abusive behavior. I suppose I'll never understand why anyone would go back, however, once they've gotten away as is the case in this story. Thank goodness she was finally able to break free for good. Difficult read because of the subject matter, but at least raw and honest.

[Trisha Arias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Being a domestic violence victim myself I know how much courage it takes to mend and not notion the pain everyday. Because like Lindsay said it doesn’t leave you completely. This book was very well written and though the topic isn’t sunshine and rainbows it is moving and you can see strength beyond measure in her words. Survivors unite!

[Leigh Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a book, it will make you think deeper and differently about every person you meet. Opend my eyes to the women who deal with abuse. Gut wrenching, i had to put it down for days. I got mad, and sad....Hoping the ending is a true beginning for this character/person's new life. A must read.

[Sandra Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

A young, naive woman, fell in love with a monster. I understand her story. Sounds a lot like my first love. Except he was not stupid enough to hit me. He knew I would fight back.

[Kathie Pongrace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really honest and helpful

As I therapist I read stuff like this. It was so good to hear about the author’s horrible, brutal relationship and journey back. I know this story can help a lot of women who are in love with abusive men. Thanks for sharing.

[Diane Simmonette · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written

This book is very detailed and gives a real insight to abuse and how we never really know what someone else is going through in life.I suppose it could happen to any of us.Very good read

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, very suspenseful! Couldn't put it down.

[SaraJuvee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest. Domestic abuse. Powerful. I definitely recommend this book. The author dives deep into her personal journey with domestic abuse, written so well that has you never want to put the book down.

[Angee Sluder · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have a person in your life who's survived abuse, and you can't understand that person's behavior, you should consider reading it.