Alice Had a Palace

by Brenda Rae Schoolcraft

Based on true life, a story that begged to be told. Dysfunction and abuse on a ten plus scale. Homicidal violence, bank robbery, excitement and intrigue on every page. Described as emotionally riveting, a page turner, armour piercing, this tale of a family destroyed by the storms of abuse will resonate with you long after the last page. Alice my beloved mother, finally at peace, the words of this story like a magical chant, to heal my pain of a tsunami of tears.


Enjoy your ride....on the runaway train.
Not for the faint of heart.

Genres: Fiction, Ebooks

771 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2015

About the author

Greetings. I worked on my debut story, Alice Had a Palace for ten years. It has just been out to the world, since Sept of this year. I've lived my life outside the box, and I would have to say, in the fast lane. I trained racehorses, and married a champion jockey, who lost at the wire, to cocaine. My childhood was like living in a war zone, my father, sociopath, killer, bank robber. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, well that is my story. I have many interests and love every minute of every day. My great grandfather from the 1800's, Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, my muse. With his coaching, I can't go wrong. Trusting in the almighty, and my muse, my writing will enlighten the world. I am kind, and love mankind. We all have a purpose in this lifetime, and I have found my niche, writing. Thank you for reading. Sincerely, Brenda Rae Schoolcraft.

Reviews

[Slay All Day · Rating 1 out of 5]

Author came to a post I made on another book/author, not even her own, to tell me that my 4 star review was a slap in the face.

[J. Kahele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What an amazing but heart-wrenching story. Poor Alice, her life was swirled with neglect and abuse. At times, I wished I could reach into the story and pull her out, protect her from the life she did not deserve. And the poor children, men like Elric should never be allowed to have children--ever.

[Brenda Schoolcraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new revised edition of Alice had a Palace is hot off the press, and causing tsunamis as I promised. Just recently, three people whom I didn't know existed, contacted me, saying they are my new found family. Two gentlemen, one living in the United States, another in Canada, have just discovered their grandfather Earle, in my book, and the only real account of their grandfather they were seeking to discover. A d.n.a. expert brought them together, then they contacted me. A historian in the town I was born in, Mansonville Quebec, also is interested in the Schoolcraft family story.

My debut story is on its way, and just recently, I introduced it to the Schoolcraft connection newspaper in Michigan, where Schoolcraft is honored everywhere, as well as Elmwood, a museum in Henry Rowe Schoolcraft's honor. The other amazing fact that has come out of all of this d.n.a. stuff is Henry is actually my seventh cousin removed, not my great-great grandfather. It is mind blowing how much him and I look alike, seven generations down the family tree. This book Alice Had a Palace is a powerful force, and will continue to cause waves, and bring people together, to heal and to love.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart-wrenching, horrific tale about multi generational abuse and trauma. I had to stop reading at parts and then continue later, due to the heartbreaking events the author relates.
It shows how the hellish cycle continues - the abused child seeks out what is 'familiar' to them, what is comfortable, in a mate, and ends up living in the same evil as an adult. Generation after generation.
This is not an easy one kids. Have your tissues ready.
It is however, a testament to victims, one of strength, and of hope.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 2 out of 5]

UPDATED REVIEW [AUG 2019]:

I won a Kindle edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The version I received was an older version and, at the request of the publisher, I subsequently downloaded the edited 2019 version.

The author does an excellent job describing and making child/spousal abuse real. She warns in the opening that this book is about those triggers. As this is a true life story, that this happened to her mother, siblings, and the author herself (and to countless others every single day) is horrible, sad, and something that no one should ever have to live with (apologies for getting onto a soap box).

However, while the true life experiences borne by this family, especially Alice, are horrific - how the story was presented was differently horrific. This book still screams out for an editor - typos were plentiful, incorrect word usage, grammatical errors, jumping about in time, many formatting errors (some chapters had titles, others didn't), at least one factual error, people being called incorrect names, and sometimes too much background information and other times not enough (some characters appear to disappear chapters later, almost as if never contacted again - Rita & Suzie come to mind) - the writing and presentation of this book was at times unreadable and, frankly, unenjoyable.

The first part about Alice is wonderfully written - needing a bit of editing and organization, but I could deal with the author's style. That the author loved her mother comes across so clearly in the first part. But one wonderful character (person) really cannot save this book.

[Brenda Schoolcraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Had a Palace is rocking the world of memoir. Fiction, only in timelines, and names that have been changed to protect the innocent. Set in the great depression of the 40's. Homicidal violence, bank robbery. Try out a day in my childhood. Always scared, wondering when the storm would break through.

I would ask mom to tell me her childhood stories over and over again. Her stories were better than any fairy tale for me. I loved my mother more than anything or anyone in my life.

In her honor, I give you, Alice Had a Palace.





Merged review:

This new revised edition of Alice had a Palace will be a much smoother ride for my reader. Even when it was a rougher copy my readers could still feel the power of the book and the message is clear. Now that it has been polished my readers will be much happier. Enjoy your ride....on the runaway train.

[Heather Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

In your face look at domestic violence

Alice had a palace was a good read. Hard to imagine that a little girl had to deal with a mothers abuses. Then her life changed for the better, only to go back to oh so bad. I felt for Alice. I felt for Brenda. So sad that the story was true.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

Wow! That was a very long story and not what I expected - full of pain and suffering, it broke my heart especially knowing that it is based on a true story.

[Darlene Dexter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered the hard copy of the book and received it Wednesday, started reading it that evening and didn’t want to put it down.
I was drawn into the story right away, and felt the emotions of the young girl Alice, as she was such a wee girl and so much to deal with in life.

Brenda is an extremely talented writer, the characters are alive as I read, picturing the family dynamics, and the pain along with some happy moments. I wished for the happily ever after for Alice...she had a heart of gold. Some raw emotions, and some highly exciting ones.....you will be drawn in to experience them all...

I won’t write any spoilers....I highly recommend as a must read book!! it is an emotional roller coaster ride with highs and lows, extremely riveting to the end of the book.

[Debbi Daniels Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to acknowledge the bravery it took for Ms. Schoolcraft to tell this story. This is a very heart wrenching and torturous story. It's also extremely long so don't expect to sit down and read it in a day , or even a week because you are going to, most likely, need a break. What this family endured is beyond "abuse". However, throughout the story Brenda's love for her Mother shines through. It is the light that leads us through this horrifying story of a family that is tortured by a Monster called husband and father. It is also a story of hope and recovery. There are many potential triggers and I feel the responsibility to mention that. The writing is a bit disorganized and there are errors which would ordinarily cause me to deduct a star. However, this memoir did tell a story that caused me to ride an emotional rollercoaster and I just think the fact that she wrote it, from her heart and after rising from hell makes up for that.
I won a Kindle edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest Review, which was not required.

[Kari Tedford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is heartbreaking. I shudder at the thought of what goes on behind closed doors...you'll know that evil does exists with this raw telling of a horrific existence. It's only over once the devil decends back through the earth to hell, and everyone caught in his lair can take a deep breath.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really poignant heart-breaking story that at times is down right hard to read. I had a stop a time or two but always felt the need to come back to finish this powerful book. Would recommend.

[Molly Stadacona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It hooked me from the first page. Couldn't put it down. Amazing but heartbreaking story. Congratulations Brenda!!

[Mandy]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. - KINDLE Edition

[Joel Schama · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pedestrian writing and prosaic, two-dimensional characters drive this book straight into the never to be read again pile next to the kindling for the fireplace.
Bereft of a single original thought, this story should be avoided by all serious readers.
"Described as emotionally riveting" is a misnomer. Based on a true story or not, the reader will find themselves mainly disinterested and uninvested in any of the characters portrayed within.

[Kari Tedford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

This story captures true life experiences that most people could never imagine. I found myself wondering and reflecting as I anticipated my time to continue reading it each day. It is an empowering book that shows the humility and perseverance of human nature. It also shows the dark and torturous path that some men choose to follow, having no mercy for their vulnerable prey. Bravo Brenda Schoolcraft!

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book to lose sleep over, for the first time since i was a child I was able to fully remove myself from the world and lose all knowledge of time as i was swept away by the story. Its hard to do this book justice without spoiling everything, and I cant recommend it more. I just emplore you to get your hands on a copy, and find out for yourself!

[Sandra Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Her Mom, sounded like me, a long time ago. My ex, did all those things to me, except the physical abuse. I also, grew up in a dysfunctional family, so I understand what Brenda went through. I was her, starting at age 7.
So glad how her Dad ended up. Could not have happened, to a nicer guy.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing well written book that I could never put down. The author had me right beside her the whole book . It was a real insite into a life of crime and child abuse, I recommend it to everyone It was amazing!!

[Makaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! This was a hard read but one that will be a healing for many who suffered child abuse and dysfunction. You can feel Brenda's pain and the love for her mother is the vein of hope that holds this story together. Congratulations Brenda on a riveting amazing story.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Had a Palace is a powerful true story of survival, resilience, and truth-telling. Brenda Rae Schoolcraft writes with raw honesty and courage, turning painful realities into a story that inspires strength. I highly recommend giving this book a read.

[Sherron Nadal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was heart wrenching. Poor Alice, I wanted to reach in a pull her out! She seemed to be a very special and strong woman. I’m sorry your family lives were so difficult. Here’s hoping you all are enjoying your life now and in the future! Love, love, loved your book! 💔❤️❤️❤️
I also want to let you know, I am very good friends with Kari, she’s told me so much about you and I hope to meet you someday soon! 🤗🤗

[Blondie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good that I could not put it down. It was painful to read, as the author documented the abuse that her mother suffered at the hands of both her own mother and her spouse. Her mother, mentally ill, mistreated Alice throughout her life and Alice's husband , Elric, was a sociopath who abused his wife and children.

[Hanna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This true story , drew me in , captivating my curosity,and amagination .i felt i was there. The veil between the light and the dark is real, and freighting to say the least . Kids only know what they live .caught in the middle just run from the dangers that lurk .under the bed . Brilliant writing.pain felt.

[Alice Malary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a Kindle edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

This book is heartbreaking.

[Monica St. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Loved the poetry. Couldn't put this book down. A great long book. Congratulations Brenda! I hope to read more of your stories. Thank you.